Union County, Ohio - Chapter 17: Miscellaneous, 1915

Chapter 17: Miscellaneous

This was the first great sorrow this county met in the way of a national calamity caused by the death of a President. It was at first believed that Mr. Lincohi was assassinated as a conspiracy on the ])art of the southern Confederacy, then in the last throes of a rebellion, and it was so looked upon here in Union county, as will be seen bv reference to the lirst announcement made in the ^MarysviJle Tribune of that date, in which editor John H. Shearer said :

"The murder of our chief magistrate has cast a pall of gloom over our land such as no other event has ever done. But out of the midst of that gloom arises also a firm deternhnation that hencefi)rth no (juarters shall be shown the prime movers of the Rebellion. If they had not l)efijre forfeited all right to live in this land they have disgraced, this last act, which was no doubt the deep laid conspiracx- between them, should bring them ever_\-one to the gibbet. Our voice is to retain and hang c\ery leader nf the Rebellion, who may henceforth fall within our hands. It is the only lesson that will pacify the country and avail against danger in the future.

"The life of Abraham Lincoln is worth more to tliis nation than the li\-es of all the traitors and their sympathizers and aliettors. Tlie_\- are a pest and a disgrace to this nation and no go\ernment officiabs life will be secure as long as they are suft"ered to remain in the country. Unless strongmeasures are taken against that class of scoundrels, one may expect the crime of assassination to he of frequent occurrence."

At the request of the secretary of state of Ohio, a call was made for memorial meetings throug'hout the commonwealth. In Marys\'ille, a preliminary meeting was held on Tuesday, April i8, 1865, for the purpose of arranging for .such memorial. Captain W. H. Robinson was chairman : John B. Coats was secretary and a committee consisting of J. \\\ Robinson, Rev. Walter Mitchell and ^I. C. Lawrence drafted resolutions. While they were at this duty speeches were made by Rev. E. H. Pilcher and F. Wood. After the committee reported, speeches were made by J. W. Robinson, Rev. A. E. Thompson, J. B. Coats and P. B. Cole. There were five resolutions passed, the last of which read as follows :

That we recommend to all citizens that the places of business all be closed between the hours of eleven a. m. and two p. m., on Wednesday, next : that the American flag be in each pulpit in the churches of the town, and that they be draped in hea\y mourning ; that the several churches are requested to meet at their respective places of worship at twelve o'clock and that all attend the places of worship."

People came in from distant parts of Union county to take part in these solemn services, and each pastor preached a sermon appropriate to the sail occasion. Little did the jjeople think that within forty years from that date, they would be called upon to attend memorial services over the death of two more Presidents taken by the assassin's hands.

The Death Of President James A. Garfield

The next time the nation was called upon to mourn the loss of a President at the hand of an assassin was when Ohio's son, James A. Garfield, was shot. Upon the receipt of the sad intelligence in Marysville, of his death after weeks of suffering, a hush came upon the populace. While not unlocked for, the blow was indeed crushing. Regardless of politics, the dead general and newly-made President was greatly beloved by all Ohio. On Monday, September 26, 1881, a week after the spirit of the noble man had taken its flight, a memorial service was held at two o'clock in the city hall. Addresses were made by J. W. Robinson, P. B. Cole, J. L. Cameron, M. C. Lawrence, D. W. Ayers and T. B. Fulton.

The Sunday following there were no regular church services held at the English-speaking churches in the city, but all congregations assembled at the Congregational church in the forenoon, when a memorial service was held, and in the evening of the same day a like service was had at the Presbyterian church. In the morning, at the Congregational church, on the left of the pulpit, was a large cross, beautifully wreathed in evergreen and flowers. Behind the altar was a life-sized portrait of President Garfield. The decorations were well planned and attracted great attention and were admired by those fortunate enough to gain entrance to the building. Prof. Cole began the services by reading the Scriptures. The music oi the combined choirs of the city was indeed appropriate and very impres- sive. Rev. Thrall then proceeded to make an address full of sentiment and good sense. It was printed in full in the Tribune of that week. In the evening service at the Presbyterian church, Rev. Ferguson discoursed on the same sad theme. The same week appropriate resolutions were framed and passed by the members of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Soldiers" and Sailors" Associatii^n. These were sjM'ead on record, and also ixiblished in the Marysville newspapers.

After many weary munths of pain and patient suffering, that grand '<ld hero of so many battles. General U. S. Grant, then an e.K-President, finally ended his career on July 23, 1885.

On Saturday, August 8, 1885, the day of his funeral in New York City, a memorial service was held at the city hall in ^Nlarvsville, as well as at other points in Union county. In r\Iarys\'ille the Ransom Reed Post of the Grand Arni\- of the Republic had charge of the services and, as soldier-citizens, paid a fine tribute to their dead chieftain. Manv old soldiers were present who had fought and camped and marched many a weary mile with their grand leader in the sixties. The music was furnished hv a large number of singers from the se\'eral Marysville churcli choirs under tlie direction of L. G. Church. The formal ceremonies of the Post were followed bv addresses by Col. A. B. Robinson, T. B. Fulton and Judge P. B. Cole. The Iiall was well filled, and all business houses in the city were closed during the hour. Many of the iTtnises in the cit\- were draped in liea\'y mourning.

At the time of the assassination of President William ;\lcKi!ile\', in September, 1901, at the Pan-American Exposition, th.^re was grief on the streets of every Ohio town and city; sadder, if possible, than when Lincoln and Garfield were taken by the hands of assassins. The mayor of Marysville called a meeting and committees were appointed preparatory to tlie holding of regular memorial services in the Methodist Episcopal church. There were over one thousand present. The church was appropriately decorated with the emblems of mourning, and the music was befitting the s;id occasion. These services were held on Thursday afternoon, September 20, 1901. The invocation was offered by Re\'. D. Bowers, after which was beautifullv rendered the lamented President"s favorite hvmn, "Lead Kindlv

Light". Then came other parts of the well planned program, including the able address by Hon. J- L- Cameron in eulogy of "McKinley, the Statesman." This was followed by an address by F. T. Arthur on "McKinley the Soldier," followed by "Crossing the Bar," by the choir, directed by Prof. H. O. Evans. Rev. E. A. King spoke on "McKinley as a Citizen," Hon. J. H. Kinkaile read the "memorial paper," signed by J. L. Cameron, J. H. Kinkaid, George M. McPeck, A. J. Hare, R. L. Woodburn and J. G. Venneman. Rev. Hugh Scott pronounced the benediction.

The places of business and all schools in the city were closed during the afternoon. The fact that McKinley was a native of Ohio, had served in an Ohio regiment in his young manhood, had been governor two terms, a member of Congress from the state, and finally selected as the Republican standard bearer of the successful party twice in succession; contributed to make such a memorial of unusual interest.

In October, 1903, there was removed a famous road-house stage station and landmark of this county. It was on the old Dysert homestead, on the Delaware pike, between Marysville and New Dover, on the west bank of Mill Creek. It was erected by pioneer John Dysert hi 1830, and in it he conducted a stage station up to the date of his death. About 1853, J. H. Wood and William Alexander were present there when Dysert had to have his leg amputated. During the Civil War the house was conducted by Mr. Williams. Before the Civil War it was an "underground railway station," where sla\es were secreted while they were being rested up on their flight from bondage in the South to freedom in the North. Soon after the close of the war, John Gibson purchased the property of the Dysert heirs and resifled therein until about 1892. He then sold it to John B. Weller, who razed it and erected a modern residence on the ground. Could its old timbers but speak, what a wonderful tale they would have to relate to by-gone }'ears, anti-bellum days, when the negro was held in slavery, and when the mails were carried by stage coach in place of modern mail trains.

While Union county is known as a purely agricultural county, it should be understood that beneath its surface have been found some of the rich aufl ])rccious metals. In 1904 gold, silver and copper were (lisco\'ered in

Allen township, and samples of the sand in which these metals were discovered were sent to Washington, D. C, where they were carefully assayed and found to contain mixtures of metals. The total value per ton of these sands was $3.03, divided as follows: Gold, $.85. silver, $.50, copper. Si. 68. The land where these deposits were found was leased hy the Six Eagle Alining Company, of Wooster, Ohio, who had the tests made at Washington. Further investigation showed that a pocket of these valuable minerals had probably been washed hither during the glacial period and that the}- were not really native to this covmty. Nothing ever developed in these "mines," which at the time created considerable excitement, especially among the old "forty-niners," who had washed gold in California.

The Ohio Centennial Of 1888

When the ordinance of 1787 was formally put into operation on July 17, 1788, the capital was established at Marietta, on the Ohio river. This town had just been started and had been given the name of Marietta on the second of that month. [Marietta remained the capital of the Northwest Territory until 1800. In 1888 Ohio celebrated the centennial anniversaiy of the founding of Marietta and the establishment of a definite government in the Northwest Territory. Union county joined in the state-wide celebration and had its full share of interesting objects on exhibition on the grounds. Early that summer, plans were made at Maiysville to erect a genuine oldfashioned log cabin, such as was erected and used by the pioneer settlers in Union county. It was built under the direction of pioneer hands wh(j knew just how to "carry up a corner." \\'hen finished it stood east of the Tribune office until after the Fourth of July celebration, when it was taken down and shipped to Columbus and again erected on the Exposition grounds. Its interior was filled with all sorts of curious things in use a century before, and the unicjue building and its interesting contents attracted great admiration and universal attention. The cabin was composed of buckeye logs cut along Mill creek.

The exhibits of this county at that Centennial were described in an item found in the Zanesville Record of that year: "Union county has a display of grains and all kinds of vegetables. The arrangement of exhibits shows the taste and handiwork of the ladies of Union county, who had such work in charge. It was done under the direction of Mrs. Chapman. All grades of wool are shown ; a model of the Magnetic Springs, and two miniature specimen grain houses. The relics deposited there from Union county are of rare interest and great value. They contain letters from Gen. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, etc., written to the grandfather of Dr. Shields, wlio was superintendent of the Union county exhibits. There is also a map of the county exhibiting its five hundred and fifteen miles of free turnpike roads. There was also on exhibition the bark canoe made by John Currw agetl seventv-fi\'e years. This attracted universal attention from all the old pioneer liand. There was also a butter bust of Governor Foraker."

Miss Ella Dolbear, aged seventeen, of Union county, executed a lifelike bust of Governor J. B. Foraker, which attracted fully as much attention as did the butter model of the Greek slave at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876. This bust was all worked out by the use of two little wooden paddles. The managers announced that young men wishing to correspond with this little sculptor should enclose stamps for reply.

My Dear Madam - We desire to contribute somewhat to the instruction and enjoyment of the thousands who should visit the Exposition commemorating Ohio's first completed century. Miss Dolbear, of ]Mar>'sville, fashioned a model of butter, of our honored governor and placed it in the Union county exhibit, where it was universally admired. The Exposition is now about to close and as you possess the original, on behalf of Miss FJol- Ijear. and the people of Union county, I beg leave to present you with the model.

Dear Sir - The model which you so kindly presented on behalf of Miss Dolbear and the good people of Union- county, has been received in good condition. Tt is greatly admired by all who see it. The universal opinion is that Aliss Dolbear possesses talent that should be cultivated. My husband

Old-Time Records

Concerning the bounties paid for kilHng wolves in Union county away back in the twenties and thirties, there are still old documents in the courthouse at Ma'-ysville bearing on the subject. It should be added that as late as the early forties, the state of Ohio paid bounties from its treasury on wolf scalps. The bounty at first was four dollars each, but about 1837 it was increased to four dollars and a quarter per scalp. According to these scalp records the last bounty on a wolf scalp in Union county was paid on May 22, 1849, to James Thompson. The following is a true copy of a certificate that had to be sworn to before a justice of the peace:

"State of Ohio, Union County: Personally appeared before me a justice of the peace for the said county, Daniel Harris, of the county aforesaid, and produced one old wolf scalp, according to the law, for which he is entitled to four dollars.

"I, George Cowgill, do solemnly swear in the presence of Almighty God, the searcher of all hearts, that the wolf scalp now produced by me is the scalp of a wolf taken and killed by me in the county of Union, and that within the last twenty days, last past. I verily believe the same to have been over the age of six months and that I have not spared the life of any she wolf with a view of increasing the brood for which I shall answer to God at the Great day. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 17th day of March,

Weather Comments

The great flood of 1912 occurred March 12, and caused a loss of more than $250,000 in Union county. At the same time $500,000,000 was lost in the state. At Columbus the distress was fearful, and the first relief train that entered that cit}^ was from Marysville. Company E, National Guard, was sent there to aid in keeping order during the calamity.

Population

The first census of Union county was taken in the summer of 1820 after its organization on April ist of that year and showed a total population of 1,996. In the census of 1820 the population was divided among three townships, Darby, Mill Creek and Union. In the census of 1830 all of the fourteen townships were represented with the exception of Claibourne. Dover, Taylor, Washington and York. The 1840 census was divided among all of the townships now existing in the county with the one exception of Taylor. This township was created in 1849 and the 1850 census is the first one which includes all of the present townships.

The records of this county, like most counties as old as it is, have been stained by the marks of bloody murders, but not nearly as many as most counties within the Buckeye state.

In 1890 Ellis Miller was hung for the murder of his sister-in-law. He was tried before Judge Price, and executed in the penitentiary at Columbus in December of that year.

In October, 1900, Rosslyn H. Ferrell was tried for the murder of Charles Lane. The trial lasted sixteen days, and he was found guilty and electrocuted at Columbus, March i, 1901. The trial cost the county over five thousand dollars.

Otway Curn.^ was a member of the Constitutional Convention of Ohio in 1850-51. C. S. Hamilton served as a member from this county and was a member of Congress. James Curry, a member of the House from Madison county, introduced the bill for the formation of Union county in 1820. James W. Robinson was a member of Congress.

William Leontes Curry served as assistant adjutant general of Ohio during the two terms of Governor William IMcKinley. 1S92 to 1896. He was commissioner of soldiers' claims of Ohio under the administrations of Governors Nash, Herrick, Pattison. Harris and Harmon, from April 12, 1900, to March i, 1910. He served as United States pension agent for the state of Ohio by appointment of President William H. Taft, from March i, 1910, to January 31, 1913, when all of the pension agencies were consolidated at Washington. At present he is the Civil War historian for the Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society.

Indianapolis, Indiana. He was United States senator from Indiana from 1897 to March 4, 1905 ; vice-president of the United States from March 4, 1905, to March 4, 1909.

Mrs. Fairbanks, wife of C. W. Fairbanks, a daughter of Judge P. B. Cole, and a native of Union county, was elected president of the Daughters of the Revolution in 1901.

James Fullington, of Union township, was born in Union county in 1828. He was the son of Moses and Harriet (Guy) Fullington, natives of Vennont. The family removed to Ohio in 1816. James Fullington was reared on his father's farm in this county and attended the common schools. In Februai-y, 1844, he went to Kansas in the interest of his father who was in the stock business, and remained in that state for nine years. In 1852, he married Eliza H. McMullen. of Illinois, after which he located on his farm in Union township and there ever afterwards lived. He was elected county commissioner in 1878, and was an early advocate of gravel pike roads free for the public. He served ten years on the state board of equalization, and in the eighties was a member of the state board of public works. He owned at one time thirteen hundred acres of fine land in this county.

General Norton Chipman, a native of Union county, removed to Iowa and served in the Civil War as a general. He later removed to Sacramento, California, where he was elected judge.

Hon. Hylas Sabine was born in 1829, a son of John F. Sabine, of Vermont. The father located in Union township and was a successful fanner. Hvlas Sabine attended Delaware College: taught in Kentucky; succeeded his father as county auditor; in 1858 established the Union Press at Marysville; took a law course at Harvard University. In 1877 he was elected state senator for this district. He was an ardent Republican, and was appointed by Governor Foster in 1880 as state commissioner of railroads and telegraphs. He was a successful man at whatever he undertook.

Hon. Samuel A. Hoskins, now president of the state civil service commission, was reared in Union county. He has made a good reputation for himself and is an honor to his native county.

Col. George Ruehlen retired from the United States Army, September. 1912. He is now superintendent of the grounds and buildings of the Soldier's Home at Washington. D. C.

Col. Henry R. Brinkerhoff, who entered the army during tlie Civil War as a volunteer, was retired a few years ago as colonel. He enlisted from Jerome township and was in the United States Army until his retirement. He was colonel of the Thirtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He is now an instructor at the State University of Illinois, Champaign, and resides at Oak Park.

E. M. Fullington served as state auditor two terms and made an excellent public official. During the Spanish- American war of 1S98 he served as aid-de-camp on the staff of Gen. James H. Wilson. He is now ser\-ing as budget commissioner of the state, by appointment of the governor.

Log Cabin Campaigx Of 184O

During the eight years of Jackson's administration and the four years of Van Buren's the veins and arteries of the government, as is the case generally when a party has been too long in power, had become more or less corrupted. Many of those who were the collectors and custodians of the public moneys, liad become defaulters - among the number Price and Swartout - and the whole of them denominated as "Spoilsmen and Leg-Treasurers." Add to this the belief which was chronic in the minds of many officials, incumbents and oracles, that the part}' had the right of succession to the government, and was so solidly seated in the affections of the people that no human power could displace it, and we have the key that inaugurated the furore of 1840. Their grievances aroused and combined all the latent opposing forces in the country, and, when aroused, they assumed a spirit of earnestness that foreboded victory from the very start.

It may be interesting, especiall}- to the older class of readers, to recall to their memory a few of the facts and incidents connected with the neverto-be-forgotten "Log Cabin and Hard Cider Campaign of 1840," when the presidential contest was between Martin Van Buren, then Democratic incumbent of the office, and Gen. William Henry Harrison, who was the candidate of the Whig party. That was a campaign which no one who passed through it will ever forget. It was a year noted for its large meetings and its endless hurrahs. The campaign began early in the year, and was kept up with unceasing energ}- til! the day of election. Alany people did very little else for a period of seven or eiglit months than attend the massmeetings and hurrah for "Tippecanoe and Tyler too." The devices to be hauled about in processions were almost endless and as diversified as the ingenuity of man could make them. The ^^^^igs were confident of victorv. Thev felt it in their bones, as they expressed it, and hence labored with increasing zeal and energy. The ver}-' atmosphere seemed to be full of victory for them. The Democrats were correspondingly dispirited, and felt more than half whipped for the six months preceding the election. People went in wagons, carriages, on horseback and on foot, to attend all the large gatherings within a radius of fifty miles or more, stopping for neither rains nor mud. It was nothing unusual to hear of crowds estimated at from fifty thousand to one hundred thousand persons, and even more. Women engaged in the contest as enthusiastically as the men.

Thomas Corwin, the most powerful orator of his day, was elected governor of Ohio that year, and contributed no small share in getting up the excitement of that memorable campaign, and the victory which followed. The country at that time was full of brilliant orators, but Corwin was more than the peer of them all. He visited all or nearly all the counties in the state, and his meetings were made the occasion of a general rally, not only for the county, but for all the surrounding counties. He could earn*- his crowd to any point of enthusiasm desired, and could come as near saying what he desired to say as any man living. He often made his audience laugh and weep in the same eloquent strain. No man since his day has been able to draw as many hearty cheers from an audience as he did.

The campaign received its force largely from the remarkable Whig state convention held in the city of Columbus on the 22nd day of February of that year. It was a mass convention, and every county in the state was represented by hundreds of delegates. The city, small then, was fairly overwhelmed with delegates. It was out of the question to obtain lodging apartments at hotels and boarding houses, and many private houses were thrown open and people laid down to rest at night wherever they could find a vacant spot. V. W. Smith, who was one of the Ohio State Journal staff of writers, gave a brilliant description of that grand outpouring, which no pen has ever equaled since. It would be interesting to reproduce it here, were it relevant to the design of this work.

The contest of that year was known also as "The Song Campaign." Nearly every Whig could sing, and about every tenth one turned poet, which multiplied songs by the thousand, taking in every phase of the issues between the two parties. These had their effect in producing the results which followed.

It may not be inappropriate with the design of this work to give a short paragraph upon the origin of this song campaign, which became general all over the country preceding the presidential election. The first impulse to it, so far as can be ascertained, was given by Otway Curry, a citizen of Marysville. He was a poet of national fame, and wrote in February, 1840, what soon became known all over the country as the "Log-cabin Song." This was published in slips and circulated at the state convention, and was sung there with marvelous effect b}- the young Whigs. Almost every delegate carried one of these songs home with him, and in less than a week it was reverberating from every hillside and through every valley in the state.

As a matter of histor)' so intimately connected with Union county, the song, for better preservation, is worth a place in this work. Its genius is incomparable, its conceptions pointed and forcible, its sentiments pointed for the best effect : its rhythm perfect ; its general appropriateness faultless ; and the tune selected for its conveyance to the understanding of the masses, towering and popular in its lofty intonations. It was an inspiration that literally set the whole nation on fire with enthusiasm, which swept o\'er the country like an irresistible hurricane to accomplish the work of political regeneration. A writer of that day stated that "it was sung from Maine to Georgia."

Log-Cabin Song

Oh, where, tell me where, was your Buckeye Cabin made? Oh, where, tell me where, was your Buckeye Cabin made? 'Twas built among the merry boys who wield the plow and spade, Where the Log Cabins stand in the bonnie Buckeye shade.

Oh, what, tell me what, is to be your cabin's fate? Oil, what, tell me what, is to be your cabin's fate? We'll wheel it to the Capital, and place it there elate, As a token and a sign of the bonnie Buckeye State.

Oh, why, tell me why, does your Buckeye cabin go? Oh, why, tell me why, does your Buckeye cabin go? It goes against the spoilsmen for well its builders know. It was Harrison that fought for the cabins long ago.

Oh, who fell before him in battle - tell me who? Oh, who fell before him in battle - tell me who? He drove the savage legions, and British Army, too. At the Rapids and the Thames and old Tippecanoe.

By whom, tell me whom, will the battle next be won? By whom, tell me whom, will the battle next be won? The spoilsmen and leg-treasurers will soon begin to run ! And the Log-cabin Candidate will march to Washington !

Oh, what, tell me what, then will little Martin do? Oh, what, tell me what, then will little Martin do? He'll follow in the footsteps of Price and Swartout too. While the log cabins ring again with old Tippecanoe !

Having stated in a preceding part of this sketch that this campaign was known as the "Song Campaign," it is proper to add that it is now referred to as the "Log-cabin Campaign of 1840." It may, therefore, be interesting and proper to conclude by showing how the log-cabin came into the campaign as an important factor in the same, and also give a brief history of the part taken by the citizens of Marysville on that memorable occasion. The idea of the log cabin as a political element in the contest was first suggested by a scurrilous article, published in a newspaper, in the interest of the party supporting Mr. Van Buren for re-election to the presidency. The author of said article had visited North Bend, Ohio, the home of General Harrison, soon after the nomination of the latter as a presidential candidate, was cordially received and hospitably entertained by him in his humble home. In giving an account of this visit to some newspaper, he spoke disparagingly of Harrison's abilities and stated, among other things, that he lived in a log cabin and drank hard cider, affirming that he had no ambition to occupy the position to which he had been nominated, nor abilities to discharge the duties thereof, and concluded by asserting that if the people of the country would furnish him with a sufficient supply of dry crackers and hard cider, he would be contented to live in his log-cabin home during the remainder of the time allotted to him on earth. This article was soon published in all or nearly all of the newspapers opposing the election of General Harrison; this aroused his friends, and the newspapers in his interest published the article, with bitter editorial comments relating to its tone and spirit. The people were reminded of the days when they dwelt in log cabins, were taught in log sclioolhouses and worshipped their Creator in the same rude structures ; hence, the log cabin was soon brought into the campaign as an element of strength, and as such served its purpose and has become historical.

Early in February of this year, the leading citizens of Marysville, friendly to General Harrison, decided to attend a mass convention to be held at Columbus, on the 22nd of that month. It was further decided that the delegation should be a large one, and in all its appointments and paraphernalia should equal if not excel that of any other entering Columbus on that occasion. They went diligently to work to carry out their purpose. A log cabin, composed of Buckeye logs, was to be constructed, of magnificent design and proportions, to be taken along as a central figure in the procession. The material was procured from the forest in the \-icinity of the town aad the building rapidly progressed, under the supervision of Levi Phelps, YX'iJiiij+n W. Steele, A. C. Jennings, James \A\ Evans, Stephen McLain and Mains Wason. Jackson G. Sprague was the architect and master builder. This is believed to have been the first log cabin constructed for a like purpose in the state, certainly it was one of the best and most capacious, as well as one of the most beautiful in workmanship and design. As it neared completion, the parties in charge of the work concludefl it must, wlien completed, be dedicated with appropriate ceremonies ; whereupon, a committee of the leading citizens of the town waited up(in Otway Curry with an earnest request that he would write a song for the occasion. After deliberating awhile, he consented to make the effort, immediately repaired to his residence and set aliout the work, and in an exceedingly brief space of time submitted the result of his labors in the song herein given. It was immediately printed on slips, a band of singers organized, and the author with his flute ( an instrument on which he excelled) met with the band in the office iif the clerk of the common pleas court, where it was for the first time heard in tuneful notes, as it came from the voices of the band, accompanied by the flute in the hands of the author.

The cabin was, soon after this rehearsal, completed, furnished and duly dedicated, on which occasion the song for the first time was heard sung in public, at which time it elicited rounds of applause. The band of singers was composed of the following named persons : Judge Levi Phelps. William W. Steele, Stephen McLain, A. C. Jennings, the author and doubtless man}" others whose names are forgotten. After the ceremonies of dedication were over, the structure was placed on a wagon, and on the morning of February 21st, the day preceding the convention, it was started toward Columbus, going by the way of Pleasant Valley (now Plain City), Amity and West Jetterson; four horses were required to haul it, and these were furnished by Benjamin F. Kelsey and Chester Farnum, each furnishing two, and acting as drixers, alternating with each other.

A large delegation followed from Marysville, which gathered in numbers as the procession moved forward through the county. West Jefferson was reached the first night, where the delegation remained till morning, and then started for Columbus on the National road.

At the latter place, a large delegation from Springfield and Clark county joined the procession. On nearing Columbus, the band of singers already named, including the author of the song, with probably others, took positions in and on the cabin, and moved to and through the city, their voices ringing out on the air, in what might very justly be termed a triumphal song. The cabin was decorated with a coon skin nailed on the outside, while inside was furnished with a liberal supply of corn bread and hard cider, with gourds wherewith to drink the beverage. The delegation remained in Columbus during the day and the succeeding night, and then with their cabin returned home in triumph. Some time during the summer of the same year a large delegation from Marysville and Union county went to Urbana with this cabin to attend a mass convention held there, the same band of singers accompanying it as on the former occasion with William C. Malin added thereto. The delegation entered the town singing their favorite and now deservedly popular song, and were greeted with a storm of cheers from admiring thousands gathered there. General Harrison was present, viewed the cabin and listened to the song. The cabin and song were the center of attraction, dividing the honors of the occasion with "Old Tip," as General Harrison was familiarly called at that time. This was the last appearance of this famous structure outside of the limits of Union county. On its return from Urbana, it served its builders until after the election, the result of which is well known, when it retired from the field of politics in a blaze of glory, and in time crumbled in decay, the common lot of all earthly things.

The writer hereof has given a lengthy, and what may be termed a detailed history of the origin of the idea that led to the introduction of the log cabin into the campaign under consideration, and has dwelt at some length in regard to the cabin built in Marysville, for various reasons, among which may be mentioned the following : It serves to perpetuate in enduring fomi a matter of interest which now, and for all time, will continue to be considered as an interesting event in the history of Union county. It serves also to illustrate the vanity of human calculations as instanced in the matter of the scurrilous article referred to. The intention of the writer thereof was to bring General Harrison into contempt and ridicule. He failed of his purpose and produced the opposite result, and reflecting on his work, he may have realized of a truth that and moreo\'er, it was the building of this cabin by the citizens of Mar\-s\-ille that gave inspiration to the poetic genius of the author that resulted in the production of the most popular song of that or any other campaign in the history of the politics of our country, the effect of which in rousing the people throughout the entire nation can scarcely be estimated.

A Veteran Republican Voter

In 1888, the following was written concerning pioneer John F. Sabine of Marysville, who was then eighty-six years of age : "He is the oldest Republican in Union county and cast his first vote for president in 1824 for John Ouincy Adams and again for the same man in 1828. Heniy Clay got his vote in 1832 and in 1836 and 1840 William Henry Harrison had it. In 1844 he voted for Clay and in 1848 for Taylor; in 1852 for Gen. Winfield Scott, in 1856 for Gen. John C. Fremont; and for the Republican candidates thereafter."

In the history of this county there have been the following postoflices. The date of establishment is also here noted: Marysville, 1823; Richwood, 1833; Raymond, 1839; Unionville Center, 1848; Watkins, 1840; Woodland, 1869; Pottersburg, 1869; Chuckery, April 8, 1898; Plain City, 1871 ; Arbela, October 24, 1897; Darby Creek, 181 1; Peoria, 1872; New Dover,

1856; Milford Center, established as Milford in 1809, changed to Milford Center in 1829; to FHnt in 1865; back to Milford Center in 1866. Magnetic Springs, 1881; Kokosing, 1880, name changed to Pharisburg, January 31, 1881: Claibourne. 1879; Byhalia, 1852; Broadway, 1865; Allen Center, 1851; Boke's Creek, 1854; Arnold, 1894; Jerome, 1894; New California, 1850; York, 1844; Rush Creek, Jackson township, July 13, 1848. The present ofhces are Marysville, Milford Center, Richwood, Peoria, Unionville Center, Irwin, Xew Dover, Raymond, Broadway and Magnetic Springs.

Union county has a soldiers' monument at New California in this county of which it may be justly proud. This monument was dedicated on Alemorial Day, 1913, with appropriate services in the old United Presbyterian church at New California. It was erected as a tribute to the soldiers who enlisted in the Civil War from Jerome township and the money for its erection was all contributed by citizens from this township and those who had lived in the township, but now residing in other states. On this occasion the speakers not only eulogized the soldiers of the sixties but also those who fought in the Revolution, the War of 18 12, the Mexican War, and the Spanish-American War.

The monument cost about $1,500 and is of white bronze. Practically all of the citizens of Jerome township and many from other parts of the county and from far distant states were present at the ceremonies. The shaft is twentv-one feet and four inches high, with an heroic figure of an infantr\-man at the summit. The names of the four hundred Jerome township soldiers are cast on the monument. Inside the base of the shaft are the following historical papers: Roster of all s<il(liers who enlisted from Jerome township; names of the committee who had charge of its erection, photographs of sixty Civil \Var veterans : names of all school children in the township: names of the subscribers to the monument fund; copies of sftngs sung by children at the dedication, with program of the ceremonies.

The number of soldiers enlisting from this township during the Civil War was one hundred and fifty-one in excess of the voters, or more than one-fourth of the total ])opulation of the township. This is, indeed, a most remarkable record of enlistment and challenges comparison with any townsliip of like population in the state. A number of Jerome boys enlisted under sixteen years of age and at least one was only fourteen years old.

Soldiers' Monument. New California, Ohio

delivered by Hon. Frank B. Willis and the historical address was delivered by Col. W. L. Curry. In \ie\v of the fact that Col. Curry was a \eteran of long service in the Ci\il War from Jerome township, it seems eminently fitting that his address on this historic occasion be given here in its entirety, as it is historical :

The citizens from this township ma}- well take a just pride in its citizenship, both civil, military and religious, from the first settlement one hundred and fifteen years ago. To this township belongs the credit of having the first white settlers within the territory now composing Union count}-. The first cabin was erected \)y Joshua and James Ewing on the west l)ank of Darby creek, one mile from Plain City, in the year 1798.

You ha\-e assembled today on historic ground. This land known as the Virginia [Military District was ceded by the state of Virginia to the United States with the stipulation that it was to be given to her soldiers for services rendered during the War of the Revolution.

When the War of 181 2 opened almost every man then a citizen of the township, between the ages of twenty-one and fifty, served in some capacity <hu-ing tlie war and names of eleven of these soldiers are engraxcd on tliis monument. A company was organized at Plain City largely rccrnite<l from Jerome township. The captain of the company was Jonathan Alder, who had been a captive among the Indians for many years. This company marched bv order of the go\-ernor to a point about three miles north of Marvsville, where they erected a blockhouse on the west bank of Mill creek which they garrisoned for a short time. This was done for the protection of the settlers along Darby creek and Sugar run.

Captain Alder, who had lived among the Indians for many years, and knew their mode of warfare, claimed that they would not attack the 1)lockhouse, but would mm-der the won-ien and children in the settlement. Therefore, according to his advice, the compan}- returned to their homes. This is the only fort ever erected within the territory of Union coui-ity. Xo attack was made on the settlers during that war, but there were many alarn-is and the women and children who were left without protection were kept in a constant fear of an outbreak, as visits were frequently made to the settlements by roving bands of Indians who claimed to be friendly.

How appropriate it is that this beautiful and substantial monument should be erected on this spot of sacred memory - erected on land gi\-en to a soldier of the Revolution for his services for fighting for liberty during that war, and to perpetuate the memory of the heroic deeds of our ancestors. Also in memory of their sons, in the War of 1812, who protected the lands so dearlv bought as well as the soldiers of the War with Mexico, the soldiers of the Civil War, w'ho saved the government established by their forefathers, and the soldiers of the War with Spain, who fought to free an oppressed people. All were the sons of worthy sires. Your ancestors of the Revolution, the War of 1812, the Civil War and of all our wars, have left you a noble heritage of a republic founded and perpetuated by their valor.

The story of the inception, the progress and completion of this monument, which you dedicate today, is one of patriotic service by the citizens, not only residing in this community, but of many friends of these soldiers residing in other states who have given substantial assistance.

To Robert L. ^Voodburn, whose generous bequests made it possible to erect this memorial, is due the credit in a larger degree than to any other person. He was born and his boyhood days were passed within sight of this spot. His early school days were spent in the old log schoolhouse in the woods, and in the little brown schoolhouse still standing yonder, a silent witness of this scene. Graduating at Wesleyan College. Delaware, as is well known, he became a successful lawyer and business man and represented the county in the state Legislature with credit. His many generous deeds are well remembered, but it was not that charity that paraded before the world, but the true charity when "the left hand knoweth not what the right doeth."

During all of his busy life he never tired of talking of the old home, old associates and old schooldays. A few years ago in conversation with Robert McCrory and myself, he suggested that he would be pleased if I would write a brief history of the services of the soldiers who enlisted from the township, while some of the old land-marks and buildings were still standing. It was then agreed that they would have photographs of the old church and the old schoolhouse taken and I was assigned to the historical part of the work. The erection of a monument was taken up for consideration after the historical work had been commenced. In due time the photographs were produced and from that day some four years ago, I have been endeavoring to fulfil my part of the contract. Before starting on his European tour, Mr. Woodburn visited me and stated that he had left a bequest in his will for this memorial. I never saw him in life again. But he was true to his promise and with the enthusiastic support of the citizens, and zealous work of your committee, you see before you the result of their laudable efforts.

completion and erection of this memorial, has been no easy task. The committee has worked untiringly and the patriotic citizens have responded cheerfully and generously to eveiy financial call, and by helpful assistance in arranging for this patriotic service.

In the sealed receptacle inside the nioiiumcnt is deposited the name an<l service of every soldier who enlisted from the township, the name of every subscriber to the monument fund, the names of the school children of the township, photographs of upwards of sixty soldiers of the Civil War, a copy of the program of the day, with songs, and names of the committees who have had charge of all matters pertaining to the erection of the monument.

^'ou all have an interest in this memorial, and some day in the f;ir future, perhaps one hundred vears hence, this receptacle will be unsealed, and vour names will be read by your descendants.

Fiftv-two vears agiT - April 24, 1861 - the first war meeting was held in this church and the older citizens, Presb}-terians and Methodists, were prominent in that meeting. Rev. B. D. Evans, a Presbyterian minister, made an enthusiastic, patriotic speech and. although three-score years o\ age, he afterwards enlisted as one of the Minute Men and went to Cincinnati to assi.st in repelling the invasion of the Confederate army into Ohio. 'Die P)ible and the munitions of war were side by side on the old pulpit. Much enthusiasm was manifested and David O. Taylor, the first to enlist, was killed on the battlefield at Dallas, Georgia, May 27, 1864.

Doctor James Cutler, a young physician of this village, who had served in the regular army during the Me.xioan \\'ar, was elected captain of the company. The company commenced at once to drill in the fields and meadows surrounding this village, and the shrill fife and the rattling dnim were heard two or three times each week.

The busy hands of mothers and sisters in a few days furnished the first uniforms, consisting of red jackets and black caps. Young ladies of the neighborhood purchased silk in Columbus and made a large silk flag, which was presented to the company down on the square, July 4, i86t. Before the compan\' was recruited to the required number, a call was made for three vears' service and this company did not enter the field as an organization, yet every one of them enlisted in the three years' ser\ice in many dififerent regiments.

These boys marched gaiJy awav to the wild music of war drums, the blare of trumpets, the bright banners and uniforms, fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers, cheering them on : but they did not all retm-n. 'I'hree score and ten of vour boys sleej) on the battlefields of the South. Those who did return came with banners blackened with the smoke of battle, faded uniforms and sun-bronzed heroes of many battles. They served in fortytwo different regiments, batteries and other organizations.

Some of your boys, my fellow citizens, fought on almost every great battlefield of tlie war. They were at Gettysburg, where forty-one thousand Ixivs of the Nortii and South fell in two days ; they were at Chickamauga, where thirty-five thousand boys fell in two days : they were at Shiloh, Stone's River, Cheat Mountain, Port Republic, Antietam, Vicksburg and on many of the battle fields of Virginia : they were in the "one hundred days under fire from Chattanooga to Atlanta" ; some of them marched with Sherman to the sea, and others were at Appomattox at the surrender of Lee's army. This is the true story of the services of the soldiers of this township to whom you jjav tribute todav. by this ceremony of dedicating this monument and the strewing of flowers. Three score and ten died for you and me, that we might live and enjoy the many blessings of a free and united nation.

Upward of two million six hundred thousand soldiers served in the Union army during the Civil War. Of that number Ohio furnished 313,180, and the losses killed, including those who died of wounds, were 35,475. L'ninn county sent to the battlefield three thousand soldiers, one-tenth of wh( im enlisted in this township. Upwards of five hundred who enlisted from the county were killed or died of wounds and disease in the service and the total casualties were one thousand and thirty-five. About one-eighth of that numlier were from Jerome township.

We liad no officers of hig'h rank in the Civil War. One reached the rank of colonel, one of major, five of captain, but the rank and file who carried tlie musket, the carbine and knapsack, did the fighting and won the battles that saved the nation.

The erection of monuments and memorials to commemorate the sacrifices, sufferings of the fallen heroes, of all our wars, is very commendable. How appropriate the inscription on vour monument which reads as follows:

"In honor of the men who served in the Armv of the Union. Those who fought and lived and those who Fought and died. May this shaft ever call to memory The story of the glory of these men who wore the blue."

This inscri])tion should be memorized by e\'ery [mpil in your schools, for the erection of memorials arouses the patriotic enthusiasm of the youth of our land and instills in their minds loyalty to our flag and all that it implies.

The public school is the nursery of patriotism. Its best fruits are Americans and the making of the loyal and intelligent citizen. Then how appropriate it is that they should take part in these patriotic ceremonies. It will be an ominous day in the history of any family when it no longer remembers with gratitude the worthy deeds of its ancestors, and there is no cause, except religion, holier than the service to country and state. First comes the cross, then the f^ag, for Christianity and patriotism go hand in hand.

One word more, my old neighborhood friends : always keep in mind and teach your children that this is the most sacred and pathetic of all American holidays ; let it not become a day of noise and a gala atifair. Remember the religious sentiment of honoring the dead and perpetuating their deeds of valor in the beautiful ceremonies wdiich make this day more sacred and nobler than any other holiday.

In the "brave days of old," each year on the anniversary of the battle of Marathon, the Greek sires would take their boys to the battlefield of Marathon, show them the monument erected to their heroes who there fell in defense of their land, and exalt the example of those who sacrificed life and limb for their country.

So should we, the friends and descendants of these brave men and heroes of all our wars, from Lexington in the war of the Revolution, to Appomattox, kindle the fires of patriotism in our boys by holding up to them the imperishable deeds of our soldiers on all our battlefields.

My fellow citizens, when the last survivor who enlisted here has answered his last roll-call on earth, we can see with prophetic eye the descendants of these heroes gathered about this monument, reciting to their children's children the heroic deeds of their ancestors on the battle field.

The victories were not all won by the soldiers at the front, for there was a loyal battle line in our homes in the North. There were heroes and heroines in the old homesteads who were not permitted to go to the front during the dark days of the war. Some citizens with families, others physically disabled, but all through those long and weary years their patriotism never faltered and they were ever ready to open their purses for payment of bounties and to care for families of the soldiers on the battle lines.

Then there were the mothers, the wives, the sisters, and the sweethearts - it has been truly said that there was one line that was never broken during the war; and that was the line of the loyal women. Some of them are here today, who cheered father, brother and sweetheart as he marched away to

You loved them better than life, but you could only hope and pray. Your hearts were on the battle line at the front, for your dear ones were there, and you would have scorned him had he failed in his duty to home and country. Your love and prayers following him on the march and in the carnage of battle, and he could not have been otherwise than brave.

Through all the long and weary years of the war you did not lose faith ; you wrote messag'cs of cheer, suffered for every shot that pierced a loved one, and those who were spared returned victorious to receive your blessing. Of the many bright and happy girls who with their willing hands made and presented the silk flag to your boys within a stone's throw of this spot, July 4, 1861, not more than half a dozen reside in this community today.

The fathers and mothers of that day have all passed away and the boys and girls of 1861 are now the older generation. There are some sad hearts here today - widows of soldier husbands who have passed to the other shore, there awaiting the happy reunion, perhaps but a few years hence.

But to you, with all its sadness, you rejoice that your loved ones - husband or father - fought the good fight and is so highly honored today by this patriotic service and memorial.

And where are the boys who marched and drilled over meadows and along the streets of this village fifty-two years ago? Were the first sergeants of the forty-two organizations in which these boys served here today and would gi\'e the command "Attention to mil call!" they wduUI not all answer "Here." But on parade he could report to the adjutant: "Sir, all present or accounted for." Three score and ten died with honor on the field. two hundred sleep in tlie cemeteries of the North, only a remnant of the old guard sur\i\es, but "all present (ir accounted for" would be the answer.

One parting word, comrades of the Great March. You are not only \'eterans in service, but veterans in age now. Your heads are graying, your step is halting, but you are young in heart - steadily marching behind the great recruiting ofificer - Death. The ranks are thinning - one hundred going down each day. We will not all meet on this historic ground again, but there are some here today who may live to see the Memorial Dav when there will not be a veteran of the great war on earth.

There will be eloquent words spoken : there will be patriotic songs by the children : there will lie strewing of the sweetest flowers of springtime over the graves of your departed heroes, but not one will answer "Here," when the roU is called. My comrades, when we have all been mustered out by the Great Commander, when we have heard the bugle sounding reveille, for the last time calling us to duty, when "taps" and "lights out" have been sounded for the last time, let us be ready to join our comrades on the other shore. It will be "good night" here and "good morning" over there. Salute the flao- ! Break ranks ! Farewell !