Ashland City (part 3 of 57)

Although the thermometer was perambulating around among the nineties, Friday the 15th, (Aug. 1884) brought forth a large crowd to attend the tenth Annual meeting of the Ashland County Historical Pioneer Association which convened at the Court House in Ashland, while the picnie dinner was had in the Court Hlouse grove. In the afternoon the Court Honse was filled to repletion and many were compelled to leave for want of scats. Promptly at 10: 30 a. m., the meeting was calied to order by the President, Daniel Kauffman, and the exercises were opened by singing an old-time song by the Pioneer choir, followed by prayer by the Rev. Mr. Baldwin, pastor of the U. B. church. After further singing by the choir the Secretary made his report of the proceedings of the last annual meeting, which, on motion, was adopted. After which the Secretary read the obituary report for the preceding year, which could not be made out in time to be made at Jast year's mecting, and which was reported by Dr. 8. Liddle, Llistorian and Chairman of the Obituary Committee. The report was amended by Thomas Bushnell of Hayesville, so as to include the name of David Fox, who was born in the city of Worms, Germany, and who died in ILlayesville in September, 1882, aged about 65 years. His wife was Matilda Watson. Dr. Riddle then read some extracts from the Centennial address delivered by the Ion. Isaac Smucker, of Newark, Ohio. On motion the meeting was adjourned to the Court [louse grove for a basket dinner. Meeting assembled promptly at half-past one P. M., and was opened by an old_ pioneer sone by M. M. Dessenburg. The obituary report of those who had died since our last') annual meeting was made by the chairman, Dr. S. Riddle, of the Obituary Committee. By desire, the Sceretary gave a brief outline of the formation at different periods, of a iarge specimen of conglomerate rock exhibited, its comparative position amone the rocks, as well as its position in time and space. The numerous specimens of Indian relies, Mound Builders' emblems, obtained from mounds and elsewhere, and numerous relies from the age of pioneers belonging to the Society, were spread on the tables for the inspection of those who desired to observethem. The Society is now in possession of a large number of relics of past ages, and are now situated that they can be taken care of without danger from loss of promiscuous handling or by crooked fingers. These relics have no money value, and such as have small collections of them who expect to obtain money for them will be disappointed; yet, although having no cash value, they are still valuable to be preserved in their entirety. They are only valuable as found in large collections, thus showing the character of the individuals or tribes who manufactured them. Indian relics have special value, as shown by the implements as used by them, and their usage is known by our oldest pioneers now living who are able to testifv to their special uses. But an immense variety of relics are found in mounds and ploughed up in ficlds that the imagination of civilized man can conceive no possible use to which they can be applied, either in warfare or in the arts or for scientific purposes. Krom what we know ot the red Indian, neither himself nor his predecessors ever used them, and their oldest. traditions cannot account for their construction or uses. .

The products of Indian life were of the most simple order, such as contributed to produce the immediate necessaries of life, and. such as were essential in their proditory warfares or self-defence. Their stone arrows were made to procure game and to be used in warfare. What are now called stone axes were used in warfare and defense, but had no significance when compared with the steel axe of civilized man. With prepared skins of animals they made clothing for protection and canoes for convenience, and this is the end of their capacity as far as art is concerned. Civilized man can ap-

But a far distant past looms up to our view in certain relics found which could not belong to the Indian or his progenitor. They came from an age so long past as to be beyond tradition. Beyond our memories that tradition carries with it for illimitable ages, like the Ganoid fishes of the Upper Silurian and the old Red Sandstone formations where every trace of their ever having existed is wiped out of costly knowledge forever, save for the fact of their preservation in their stone mausoleums. So with the strong, artistic stone constructions for which we can conceive no costly use, yet furnished and polished by the highest artistic skill, which are found around useverywhere. The preservation of such relics is of immense importance in an archeological point of view, for they become the basis of a museum which will be under the control and immediate care of our Society. Although having no money value, still it is of importance that they should be preserved, and the Society will be thankful to all donors who will present them with such specimens for preservation. This statement is made so as to avoid hereafter the trouble on the part of individuals who, having two or three Indian arrows or a stone hatchet and expect to obtain fabulous prices for them, may know that our Society has no funds to pay for objects that have no intrinsic cash value. At all times the Society will be glad to receive relics of every character and the names of the donors will be carefully placed on record.

Among the numerous articles exhibited were hand cards for wool and hackle for flax, such as was used by our pioneer mothers. Specimens of sundried pottery and bones found in a mound near

Ashland, a gun stock belonging to Mr. P. Poe, of Ashland, which is a family relic and which was used by Adam Poe to kill a Bigfoot Indian. Thomas Bushnell exhibited a powder horn made by Charles Sonner at Fort Edwards, N. Y., in 1758, and which passed through the Revolutionary war, also a valuable Mound Builders' emblem. Mv. Eli Slocum presented a fine apple to the oldest pioneer present, which was given to Jacob Gibson, aged 87 years. A newspaper was exhibited by Rev. Thomas Beer, called the "Pittsburg Mercury," dated Nov. 25, 1815. A book was _ presented to the Society by Mrs. James McCue, published in 1734, entitled '" The Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod." Mr. Ryland entertained the meeting on the merits of sanctification as preached in pioneer days. Mr. Seamans, of Hayesville, gave some interesting accounts of the climate of Ashland county in her early days. One season snow fell six inches deep on the 6th day of June, and the young robins were frozen to death in their nests. In August frost destroyed all the corn. In 1828 frosts destroyed all the corn, but it resprouted and produced quite acrop. Andrew Mason gave an account of the hardships of the early pioneers. "In May, 70 years ago, father and I moved my uncle into Orange Township. Corn was $1.25 per bushel, and we had to go to Knox county to get it." Mr. Michael Riddle stated that he was born in this township (Montgomery) about 62 years ago, and that his father moved here 64 years ago. On motion the Society now proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, which was carried and resulted as follows: For President, Warring Wolf, of Green Township. Vice Presidents - C, C. Stamen, of Mifflin, Horace L. Stearns, ot Green, John Freshwater, of Hanover,

Obituary Committee

Sparks Bird, Sr., of Lake, J. J. Winbigler, of Mohecan, Thomas Bushnell, of Vermillion, John P. Smalley, of Perry, Thomas Cole, Jr., of Jackson, Geo. C. McConnell, of Sullivan, John Smith. of Troy, Geo. W. Curry, of Ruggles, Scott Nelson, of Milten, Arics Rumfield, of Clear Creek, Wm. Alberson, of Orange, and David Carter, of Mdéntgomery Township. Executive Committee. - Matthias Boftenmyre, Daniel Shopbell, Wm. Brown, 5. Riddle, and Geo. W. Urie. Recording Secretary, Dr. P. H. Clark. Corresponding Secretary and Historian, Dr. S. Riddle. 'Treasurer, Isaac Stull. OBITUARY COMMITTEE.

Dr. S. Riddle, Maj. G. W. Urieand M. M. Desenburg. After the election of officers the meeting adjourned subject to the call of the executive committee. Allthe Vice Presidents of the different townships sent in their official reports of deaths in their respective townships, except Llanover, which for this reason is not reported, by the obituary committee. It is hoped that this matter will be rectified immediately so that it may be published as an additional report.

Milllin 'Township. - Robinson Keller was born in Dauphin County, Pa., Nov. 12th, 1804, came to Petersburg in April, 1834, and died October 10th, 1883, aged 78 years, 10 months and 28 days.

John Sunday was born in York County, Pa., Sept. 29th, 1797, came to Mifflin township in 1818, died Sept. 2Ast, 1883, aved 85 years, 11 months and 22 days.

John Charles was born in Lancaster County, Pa., came to Mifflin township in 1826, died February 14th, 1884, aged 81 years, 7 months and 1 day.

Martin Kagey was born in Shenandoah County, Virginia, December 14th, 1801, came to Mifflin township in 1825, died August 8th, 1884, aged 82 years, 7 months and 24 days.

Green township. - Miss Mary Tannehill was born at the old homestead, near Perrysville, Nov. 14th, 1835, and died at her father's home in Perrysville, July 4th, 1884, aged 48 years, 7 months and 20 days. She was one of the excellent of earth.

John Priest was born in Crawford County, Pa., January 25th, 1807, and died in Loudonville June 12th, 1883, aged 76 years, 4 months and 17 days. He was a son of James Lotldon and Paulina Priest and one of a family of fifteen children.

Judge George [Harris Stewart was born in Alexandria, Huntingdon County, Pa., October 9th, 1809, came to Loudonville in 1833, and died Feb. Ynd, 1883, aged 73 years, 3 months and 21 days.

Lake 'Township. - Mrs, Sarah limerick was born in Licking County, Ohio, her maiden name _ was Green, came to Lake township in 1820, and died at the age of T8 years.

Spar ks Bird, Sr, was born in Westmorland County, Pa., Feb. 9th, 1796, came with his parents to Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1803. In 1814 he left the parental roof; in 1815 he visited his uncle, Gen. Reason Beall; in 1816 he followed up the Beall trail and came to Loudonville and located in Lake township where he lived over 60 years, and

Mohecan Township. - George Ensminger was born in Franklin County, Pa., and was one of the first settles in Mohecan township, and died Feb. 22nd, 1884, aged 80 years.

Vermillion Towhship. - Prof. S. Diefendorf, D. D., was born April 24th, 1816, in Montgomery County, N. Y., came to Hayesville, Ashland County, in April, 1849. and died February 14th, 1884, aged 67 years, 9 months and 20 days.

Thomas Crone was born in Juniatta County, Pa., October 27th, 1800, came into this State in 1840, and into this County in 1843, and died June 22nd, 1884, aged 83 years, 7 months and 25 days.

Nancy Zimmerman was born in Frederick County, Maryland, November 7th, 1814, came into Ashland County in 1852, died May 30th, 1884, aged 69 years, 8 months and 11 days.

Samuel Robinson was born in Pennsylvania, February 22nd, 1811, had lived in Ashland County over 49 years ; died August 6th, 1884, aged 73 years, 5 nionths and 14 days.

Perry Township - Catharine Stover was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Feb. 9th, 1817, came to Ohio 1834, died March 19th, '84, aged 67 years, 1 month and 10 days.

Jonathan Myers was born in Center County, Pa., came to Ashland County at the age of 15, died January 28th, '84, aged 62 years, 6 months and 26 days.

Orange Township. - Jacob Shopbell was born September 29th, 1788, in Berks County, Pa., came to Orange township, then in Richland County in '32, died March 6th, '84, aged 95 years, 5 months and 7 days.

Mary Barrack, daughter of Jacob Shopbell, and wife of Samuel Barrack, was born in Columbia County, Pa., came with her parents to Orange township 50 years ago, died May 18th, '84, aged 63 years, 10 months and 4 days.

Ruggles Township. - Samuel Snyder was born in Northumberland, County, Pa., June 5th, '07, and died April 5th, 84, aged 76 years and 10 months.

Clear Creek Township. - Susannah Stahl was born in Northumberland County, Pa., came with her father's family to Clear Creek township when but a girl. She was a member of the U. P. church and died Sept. 28th, '83, aged 54 years.

Abel Bailey was born in Westmoreland Co., Pa. Came to Ashland (then Richland county) in the year 1816. Died Nov. 13. '83, aged 84 years. He was a life-long member of the Baptist church.

Jacob Lehman was a native of Germany, and came to Clear Creck Township with his father's family when a boy. He died March 27, '84, aged D4 years. He was a member of the Presbyterian church.

Mrs. Hannah Cisney (whose maiden name was McCurdy) and her father were among the early settlers of Clear Creek Township. Died April 18, 84, aged 71 years.

Milton Township. - John Briggle was born in Wertenburg, Germany, June 11, 1797. Came first to Pennsylvania, then to Ohio, and settled in Milton Township in 1840, and died Jan. 28, '84, aged 87 years and 17 days.

Mrs. Catharine (Albert) Brubaker was born in Lancaster county, Pa., May 10, 1809. Came to Ashland County and settled in Milton Township in 1825, and died July 14, 1884, aged 75 years, 2 months and 4 days.

Conrad Smith was born in Lancaster county, Pa., Feb. 3, 1783. Moved to Clear Creek Town ship, Ashland County, in 1840, and died in Milton Township, May 20, 1884, aged 101 years, 3 mo. and 17 days.

Montgomery Township. - Mrs. Nancy Wicks (Vantilburg) was born in Milton Township Dec. 25, 1826, and died in Ashland, April 7, 1884, aged 57 years, 3 months and 12 days.

Dr. Mrs. Phoebe Coffin was born in White Creek, Washington county, N. Y., Dec. 25, 1808. Came to Ohio in the fall of 1833, died Feb. 24, '84, aged 75 years and 2 months.

Mrs. Mary Cdirus (Peters) was burn near Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Pa.,March 13. 1797. Came to Ashland in 1835. Died Jan. 23, 1884, aged 86 years, 10 months and 10 days.

Stephen Wolf was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, June 19, 1814. Came jo Ashland county (then Richland) in April, 18381. Died May 10, 1884, aged 69 years, 10 months and 27 days.

John Philip Kosht was born at Hast Penusborough, Cumberland Co., Pa., March 30, 1797. Came to Ashland on the 18th day of May, 1832. Died May 27, 1884, aged 87 years, 1 month and 27 days.

Wm. Hanley Widgeon was born near Norfolk, Virginia, Angust 22, 1809. Came to Ohio in an early day. First settled in Marietta, then in Zanesville, then in Ashland, where he lived a number of years, and died June 25, 1884, aged 74 years, 10 months and 3 days.

Mrs, Llarriet Greenewald (Wilson) was born in Perry Township, July 16, 1820, and died in Ashland, Feb. 14, 1884, aged 63 years, 7 months and 9 days.

John B. Hossler was born in Franklin county, Penn, Sep. 5, 1819. Came to Ashland county in 1842, and died July 23, 1884, aged G4 years, 10 months and 22 days.

Dr. Gustavus Osterlein was born in Wertenburg, Germany, Nov. 20, 1804. Came to Ashland in October 1834, and died August 4, 1884, aged 79 years, 8 months and 14 days.

Col. Barnabus Burns was born in Fayette county, Pa, June 20, 1817, and at the age of three years was brought with his father's family to Ashland, then Uniontown, and died in Mansfield, Oct. 12, 1883, aged 66 years, 3 months and 13. days. He studied Grammar and some of the higher branches in the old Ashland Academy. He practiced law in Mansfield for many years. Held many positions of honor and trust. Made the first war speech that was made in Ashland in the spring of 1861. Delivered the annual address of the Ashland County Pioneer and Tlistorical Society in Ashland in August, 1881. Wis last meeting with us was at the unveiling of the Copus and Ruffner monuments, Sep. 15, 1882. His noble life had been spent in the interests of his country and of humanity. But he sleeps now, and rests from all hislabors. Peace to his memory.

Eleventh Annual Meeting Of The Ashland County Pioneer And Historial Association

The above named society met at the Court House in Ashland, Ohio. Tuesday, August 27th, 1885. In the absence of the President, Warring Wolf, Esq., Scott Nelson, Vice President, of Milton Township, was called to the chair who called the meeting to order.

Services were opened by the Richland County Pioneer choir, by singing an old-time song, and prayer by Mr. Seamans, of Hayesville. The Secretary then read his report of the proceedings of the last annual meeting, which on motion was

The Secretary gave notice that he would offer a resolution at the next annual meeting of the society, adding a new article to the constitution, extending the privileges of membership thereof, which will require a residence of twenty years in the County, the applicant being 40 years of age. Also the following preamble and resolution to serve as a by-law, was unanimously passed.

WHEREAS, The Constitution of the Ashland County Pioneer and Historical Society reqires a residence of 40 years within the present limits of Ashland County, Ohio, in order to become members, and

WHEREAS, It is desirable to increase the membership of this society in order to replace the many deaths among its members, thereby preventing the necessary dissolution of the society. Therefore, be it

Resolved, That all persons who have resided within the limits of Ashland County for the - period of 20 years, and who are 40 years of age shall be eligible to membership. This shall be the rule of this society, until such times as it shall become a part and portion of the Constitution of this society. After some remarks being made on the subject of the above resolution, the meeting adjourned to a pic-nic dinner in the Court Elouse grove.

On reassembling the Pioneer choir opened the meeting by singing old time music. first by note, then by words, | after which came the exhibition of relics, those belonging to the society and the collection previously belonging to Dr. Hill, which has recently come into the possession of the society.

also exhibited many other specimens from the animal, mineral and antiquarian world, and which have been previously noted. By request Dr. Clark, of Ashland, gave an account of certain rocks present, their history, their uses, as well as their dis. tinguishing differences. A Revolutionary British bayonet found in Allegheny was also exhibited. A tea pot 200 years old, cream pitcher, &c., was exhibited by Mrs. Susan McClintock. A combination knife, fork and spoon, in asingle handle, (very old,) and a specimen of Confederate printing was presented to the society by Mrs. Alanson Walker. Mr. Seamans presented to the society a wooden trencher, ar plate, from his mother's table; also a teacup and saucers turned from wood. There was also exhibited specimens of prepared birds, coon, mink, gray fox, also deer horns. Wild Mexican ox horns 4 feet, 4 inches from tip to top, &e. The following proposition was made to the society and read in the meeting: ASHLAND, O,. Aua. 27th, 1885.

Ladies and gentlemen ot the Ashland County Pioneer Association: Being desirous of securing a fine life-like picture of all the members of your association, we would respectfully invite each member of your organization to call at the Teeple galleries, located in the towns of Ashland and Wooster, and have a negative so made free of charge, and from this negative so made there will be one picture presented to your association. We humbly submit the above for your consideration.

It is a matter much to be desired that the likeness ofevery member be deposited with the society for preservation. Aftera song by: the Pioneer choir, on motion the society proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, when the following were declared duly elected: President, William Seamans, of Hayesville ; Vice President, C. C. Stamen, Mifflin township; Horace L. Stearns, Green; John Freshwater, of Hanover; Sparks Bird, Lake; James B. Smitb, Vermillion, but declined, and W. O. Porter, sub. ; George Winbigler, Mohecan; John P. Smalley, Perry; Jacob Fast, Jackson; William C. Alberson, Orange; George McConnell, Sullivan; John Smith, Troy; Homer Peck, Ruggles; Arius Rumfield, Clear Creek ; Scot Nelson, Milton; A. L. Curtis, Montgomery township. Executive Committee: Wm. Brown, Ashland ; Benjamin Grosscup, Ashland ; M. M. Dessenburg, Ashland; Emanuel Swineford, Montgomery township, and 8. Riddle, Ashland. Recording Secretary, P. H. Clark, Ashland; Corresponding Secretary and Historian, Samuel Riddle, Ashland ; Assistant Obituary reporter, George W. Urie, Ashland; Treasurer, Isaac Stull, Ashland.

After the election of officers a general invitation was giyen the society to meet with the Wayne County Pioneer Society, Saturday, the 29th inst. The meeting of the Ashland County Society are still liberally attended and much interest is still felt by all that attend them. It is hoped that a new change in adding a second class membership, will excite additional interest. In addition to the Richland County Pioneer choir, the reunion of the Franks family, which occurred as a union meeting, though not as largely attended as was expected, gave still more interest to the meeting.

The obituary report is necessarially delayed in order to perfect it, and will probably be ready for publication next week. On motion the meeting

After the adjournment.of the Pioneer meeting, the President of the Franks reunion was called to the chair. After a short historical account of the Franks people, by Dr. S. Riddle, their historian, the chair appointed a committee, consisting of Riley Franks, of Doylestown. O., S. Riddle, of Ashland, and Aaron Franks, of Apple Creek, O., to visit friends in Fayette Co., Pa., for the purpose of setting on foot a plan by which to erect a Frank's monument in the near future.

A list of the names of pioneers who have died in Ashland county and at other points, who once lived here, since our last Annual Meeting, with a few others who had not been reported at the proper time.

Mifflin Towhship. - Jobn Zehner was born in Schuylkill county, Pa, Dec. 9, 1819. Came to Ashland county when a small boy. Died May 22, 1884, aged 64 years 5 months and three days.

Mrs. Sarah Lattimer was born in Harrison county. Va., Jan. 15, 1814. Came into Ashland coun ty in an early day. Died April 14, 1885, aged 71 years, 2 months and 28 days.

Jacob Ohl was born in Schuylkill Co., Pa., August 18, 1807. Came to this county over 50 years ago. Died Jan. 14, 1885, aged 77 years, 4 months and 26 days.

Mrs. Sarah Vail was born in Green Co., Pa., Jan. 1, 1800. Came with her father. James Copus, to Mifflin township in 1809. Was 12 years old when the Copus tragedy took place. Died on

Mrs. Martha Croninger, whose maiden name was Keefer, and wife of Benjamin. Croninger, was born in the state of Maryland, June 29, 1806. Came with her parents to Harrison county, O., when quite small. Remained there some ten years, then came to Richland county in 1820. Died August 27, 1885, aged 79 years, 1 month and 28 days.

Green 'Township. - Elizabeth (Rice) Coulter was born in New Salem, Franklin county, Mass., Jan. 27, 1797. Came to Green Township in 1811. Died in Perrysville, Dec. 14, 1884, aged 87 years, 10 months and 17 days. She was one of the excellent of earth.

Hanover Township. - George Crawford, Jr. was born in 1817. Died Jan. 16.1885, aged 68 years. He and his father, George Crawford, Sen., cleared nearly all the land where Perrysville now stands.

Vermillion Township. - Joseph Duncan was born in Berkes Co., Pa., in 1792. Came to Ohio when a boy, to Wooster when there were but three houses in it, and to Ashland county in 1824. Died Sept. 19, 1877, in his 86th year.

Mrs. Catharine (Sills) Duncan, his wife, was born in Bedford county, Pa. Came first to Massilon, Stark county, thence to Ashland county in 1824, and died Sept. 15, 1883, aged about 83 years.

Mrs. Magdalena Reading, whose maiden name was Rittsheim, was born in Meltsheim on the Rhine, Germany, May 14, 1811. Came to Ashland county in 1833. Was married to John Reading March 23, 1835, who was also a native of Germany. She died Aug. 24, 1884, in Hayesville, aged 73 years, 3 months and 9 days.

Mrs. Caroline Bushnell, wife of Thomas Bushnell, was born in Allentown, Lehigh Co., Pa., Sept. 20, 1820. Was the mother of 5 children. Died suddenly April 22, 1885, aged 64 years, 7 months, and 2 days.

Peter Jones Jucas was born near Brookville, Jefferson Co., Pa., May 26, 1810. Emigrated to Ohio in 18338, and settled in Hayesville, and after several removals, died near that place Dec. 26, 1884, aged 74 years, 7 months and 13 days. He was buried at Lucas, Richland county.

Mr. John Risser was born in Frieddsheim, Bavaria, Dec. 20, 1833. Came with his parents to this county in 1835. Died July 8, 1885, aged 59 years, 7 months and 4 days.

Mrs. Elmira McNeal, Ewing, wife of Samuel Ewing, was born in Asgyle, Washington County, New York, Oct. 24th, '02, came to Hayesville on the 4th of July - the day that the corner stone of the College was laid, being in 1853 or 1854, she died June 22nd, 1885, aged 82 years, ° 7 months and 28 days.

Thomas Stafford was born near Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio, September, 16, 715, came to Vermillion township in the fall of 90), died in Hayesvllle, Aug. 14th, '85, aged 69 years, 10 months and 28 days.

Jehn Sharrick was bornin York County, Pa., Nov. 20th, '13, came to Vermillion township when a boy, died Oct. 8th, '84, aged 70 years, 10 months and 18 days.

Mrs. Sarah A. Scott, daughter of Linus and Abiah Hayes, and wife ot W. W. Scott, was born in Trumbell County, Ohio, Sept. 30th, '16, came with her parents to Vermillion township, then. Richland County, in'18, was married Oct. 19th, '41, died April 15th, '85, aged 68 years, 6 months and 15 days.

Mohecan Township. - Mrs. Paomi Richey was bern in Ontario County, New York, Oct. 19th, '04, came with her parents to Ohio, in '17, and settled in Wayne County, now Ashland, was the mother of 6 children; had 18 grand-children and 6 great grand children, She died January 2nd, '85, aged 80 years, 2 months and 13 days.

Mrs, Julia A. Smith was born in Franklin County, Pa., April 22nd, 719, came to Ashland County in 744, died Nov. 18th, 84, aged 65 years, 6 months and 26 days.

Mock, emigated to Ohio and settled in Mohecan township in the spring of '35._ He was the father of thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters, all living; had 56 grand-children, 48 great gtandchildren and 1 great, great, grand-child. He died Nov. 26th, '84, aged 90 years, 5 months and 26 days.

David Dillier was born in Lebanon County, Pa., April 10th, '13, came to Lake township in '39, died in Mohecanville Nov. 20th, '84, aged 71 years, 7 months and 10 days.

Michael Otto was born in Pennsylvania, March 8th, "18, came to Mohecan township in '25, died December 22nd, '83, aged 66 years, 9 months and 14 days.

George Humm was born in Alasce, Germany, January 17th, '20, came fo America in '58, and to Ashland County in Sept., '56, died December 28th, '84, aged 64 years, 11 months and 11 days.

Thomas Dove was born in Alexandria, Virginia, June 4th, 712, came to Ashland County when about 12 years of age, died June 15th, '85, aged 73 years and 11 days.

Perry Township. - Mrs. Barbara Lash, wife of Wm. Lash, Sr., was born in Center County, Pa., July 11th, '08, came to Ashland County in 723. She was the mother of 12 children ; had 50 grandchildren and 12 great grand-children, died February 12th, '85, aged 76 years, 7 months and 1 day.

Jackson Township. - Mr. John Byers was_ born near Fayetteville, Franklin County, Pa., March 11th, 03, married Miss Fannie Detwiler, in '27, came to Ashland County in '36, died in Polk, Dec. 22nd, '84, aged 81 years and 9 months,

Jacob Rickenbrod was born in Germany, May 23rd, '03, was brought to this country when a child, lived in different places until in '47, when he with his family settled in Troy township, died May 11th, '85, aged 81 years, 11 months and 18 days.

Mrs. Elizabeth Rickenbrod, his wife, was born in York County, Pa., April 23, '05. moved with her parents to Columbiana County, Ohio, when 10 years of age ; was married to Jacob Rickenbrod in 31, shedied Feb. 16th, '85, aged 79 years, 9 months and 23 days.

Orange Township. - John Priest was born in Culpepper County, Virginia, Nov. 17th, 1800, came with his parents to Ohio, when about 6 years of age; he mrrried Miss Effie McBride, and was the father of 11 children; had 28 grand-children and 9 great grand-children. He died Saturday

Mrs. Margaret Smith came to Orange township in an early day; died in Iberia, Morrow County, Ohio, April 23, '85, aged 88 years, was brought to Ashland for interment.

Mrs. Margaret Hall, whose maiden name was Ralston, was bornin Washington County, Pa., Feb. 11th, 02, cameto this County among the first of the Pioneers, died June 9th, '85, aged 83 years, 3 months and 29 days.

Thomas Tucker was born in Washington county, Pa., Jan. 12.1812. Came with his parents to Orange Township in the year 1814. Was the father of 8 children, and died in Butler Township, Richland county. Oct 31, 1884, aged 72 years, 9 months and 19 days

John Ralston, of Savannah, was born in Pennsylvania. Came to Ashland county in an carly day. Died May 22, 1884, aged 80 years. Was the first one put in the Ashland vault.

Mrs. Elizabeth Bryte, wife of Elder John Bryte, and sister of Lieut. Gov. Thos. Ford, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, May 22, 1806. Came with her father's family to Clear Creek Township when about 12 years of age. She was the mother of 8 children. Had 35 grand children and 18 great grand-children. Died May 25, 1885, aged 79 years and two months.

Mrs. Mary Buchanan, whose maiden name was Cunningham, was born in Westmoreland Co., Pa. in 1805. Came to Ashland in an early day, and died April 26, 1885, in her 80th year.

Mrs. Caroline Keever, whose maiden name was Baum, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., July 1, 1820. Came to Ohio when 9 years old. 'Was the mother of ten children. Died Feb. 11, 1885, aged 64 years, 7 months and 10 days.

Mrs. Thankful Mercer, wife of Elder A. Mercer, deceased, whose maiden name was Crabbs, was born near Olivesburg, Richland county. She was the mother of 14 children, had 24 grand children, and 3 great grand children. Died Dee. 27, '84, in her 68th year.

Mrs. Hlizabeth Neise was born in Lancaster county, Pa., Jan. 20,1798. Came to Milton township in an early day. Died March 7, '85, aged 87 years, 1 month and 15 days.

Wm. Bonebright was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., April 2, 1820. Cameto Ashland in 1841. Died July 29, '85, aged 65 years, 3 months and 29 days.

Henry Ruth was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., July 30, 1800. Came into Milton Township, then Richland County, in the spring of 1837, and died th» 14th day of August, '85, aged 85 years and 15 days.

Montgomery Township. - Mrs. Sophia Deitrick was born near Hagerstown, Maryland, November 9th, '07, came to. Montgomery township in 747 died i in 'Ashland March 20th, 85, aged T7 years, 4 months and 17 days.

Grafton White was born in Frederick County, Maryland, April 21st, 714, came to Montgomery township when 13 years of age, died April 5th, '85, aged 70 years, 10 month and 14 days.

Mrs. Mary (Proudfeit) Miller, wife of Lewis Ii. Miller, was born in Montgomery township, Nov. 23rd, '24, died Oct. 21st, '84, aged 58 years, 10 months, and 28 days.

George Jones was born in Lancaster County, Pa,, May Ist, '12, married Miss Lucy Harmon, daughter of Horatio and Lucy Harmon, of Vermont, lived in Ashland a number of years, died Oct., 21st, '84, aged 72 years, 5 months and 20 days.

Benjamin Wolf was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, came with his parents to Montgomery township in the spring of '31, died suddenly Sept. 12th, '84, aged 67 years.

Mrs. Celia Oldroyd, whose maiden name was May, wife of Johnston Oldroyd, Hsq., deceased, was born in Pennsylvania, came to Ashland County in 740, died Nov. 8th, '84, aged 69 years.

S. Riley Smith was born in Connecticut, came to Ashland in 740, died suddenly of heart disease, near Independance, Richland County, May 18th, 85, aged G1 years, was buried at Ashland.

Mrs. Elizabeth M. Crall, whose maiden name was Melsheimer, and wife of the late Jacob Crall, was borp near Gettysburgh, Pa., Feb. 26th, 714, came with her mother to Ashland in the spring of 'B1, died May 8th, '85. aged 71 years, 2 months and 12 days.

Mrs. Pariielia Whitmore, whose maiden name was Anderson, and wife of the late Judge Whitmore, was born in Milton township, March 8th, '23, died June 14th, '85, aged 62 years, 3 months and 6 days.

Mrs. Mary Maise, whose maiden name was Miller, was born in Union County, Pa., came to Ashland County inthe spring of '27, was married on the 25th day of December, '27, was the mother of 8 children, all dead but one. She was a member of the Methodist church for many years, died June 27th, '85, aged 79 years and 8 months.

W. K. Thompson was born in Chester County, Pa., October 9th, '14, came to Ohio in '36, and lived in Ashland County a number of years, was the father of 11 children, had 20 grand-children and 1 great grand child, died suddenly May 10th, '85, aged 70 years, 7 month and 1 day.

J. M. Gorham was born at Nor thampton, Mass. e April 10, 3817. Came to Ashland county in 1833, to Sullivan Township. Was killed by the cars at Marion, Ohio, July 22, '85, aged 68 years, 3 months and 12 days.

Mrs. Isabella Hamilton was born in Decatur Township, Mifflin county, Pa. Came to Ashland county in 1856. Died in Ashland Aug. 4, '85, aged 58 years, 10 months and 11 days.

Jonas H. Craft was born in Green county, Pa., May 27, 1805. Came to Ashland county, Ruggles township, April 2,'48. Died in Ashland Tuesday, Aug. 18, 85, aged 80 years, 2 months and 21 days.

Mrs. Catharine McCullough was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., Nov. 13, 1802. Ler maiden name was Matthews. She died Oct. 24, '84, aged SL years.

Andrew Mason, son of Martin and = Tlizabeth (dtaifsnider) Mason, was born in Fayette county, Pa., Feb. 4, 1809. Came to Orange Township in 18l4. Married Mrs, Wlizabeth LleiMier Dec. 80, 1825. Was the father of 18 children, had 82 grand-children. fle was an actize member of the Ashland County Pioneer Society, and was cnrolled among its first members. He died on Wednesday evening, Feb. 18, 85, aged 85 years and 14 days, Peaceful -be his rest.

Dr. George W. Hill was born in Marshall county, Va., April 22, 1823. Came with his parents to Muskingum county, O., in 1824, and to Ashland in 1845. Died Oct. 19, (Sunday) '84, aved 61 years, 5 months and 27 days. Dr. Hill was called to fill a number of important stations in life which he filled with honor and credit to himselfand to the party that placed him there. He was a selfsacrificing student all his life. He was'a man who did his own thinking and performed a great deal of mental labor. Wrote the best sketches of Indian history that has ever been produced in this country. Was among the very first who projected the idea of organizing the Ashland County Pioneer Historical Society, wrote its Constitution, was its 10s

Corresponding Secretary and Historian up till the time that he was stricken down with paralysis both of body and mind, when your humble servant was called to fill his place. Peace to his memory. 'otal number for 1885, 83. S. RrppuE, Cor. Sec'y and Historian Ashland County Pioneer Historical Society.

A Pioneer Talk

There is a vast store of rich material almost untouched lying waiting for some writer who will hold the mirror up to nature and give us_ pictures of the people and the manners and customs of early times. What aroyal book could be made! We grow so weary of politics, the sham side of religion; the ruthless clambering after high places ; the desperate struggles for riches and fame and honor; men standing on other men's necks to elevate themselves. Oh, sometimes, if it were not so sentimental and so like twaddle, or the talk of whispering lovers, we could cry out in the language of Moore:

And the bee banquets on through a whole year of flowers."' ete., ete. You all remember it, and how charming you thought it sounded when you almost sang it to lengthen out its delicious sweetness.

There is not half the material nowadays for the manufacture of readable stories and sketches there was in pioneer times. We are surprised when we think the field over. How fresh and charming and breezy were the stories written by Eggleston,

The stories that are the simplest and most natural and that cuddle the closest to Nature's great, warm, true heart are the best. Their narration brings the quick, hearty laugh and the sudden mist of tears the soonest. Bret Harte may, in his strange, bold way, bring out wonderful words, pictures of heroism, history may tell of great men who sacrificed their lives in a fury of enthusiasm, forgetting everything only the fame that was to follow after. But in our own humble opionion we do believe God and the angels have looked down and beheld the truest. heroes in the lowliest walks of humble life. Oh, we bare our heads in the presence of our grandees; we bow graciously, we smile and fawn upon them because they are great. The richest carpet is spread for them to walk upon from the doorway to the glittering carriage in the street ; we beg for their autographs; we look after them adoringly and we sigh when they are gone and we read glowing accounts of where they go and how they are received and the honors that are heaped upon them, and our hearts warm with exultation. Wecall these our heroes. We believe the heroism hidden in the commonest walks of life, and perhaps not known beyond the horizon's rim, not read about, nor sang about, nor talked about, and scarcely known or,dreamed of by the nearest neighbors, is the grandest example of brave courage and devotion that there ix. In pioneer times such herdes were found in every neighborhood. They were not shrined, neither did they stand on pedestals. They sat on benches at their looms, and on rickety chairs close up to their little wheels, and from early dawn until bedtime they made music ; the music of the flying shuttle and the bang- ing of the lathe, the buzzing of the flyers, and the fine metalic ring of the sharp teeth of the hackle. They dressed in clothing that they had manufactured themselves, and they clad their husbands and their children in the same. The heroism of these wonderfully energetic women will never be known, because they know it not themselves. We may talk of the spirit of our missionary women and laud them, but no deed of theirs can compare with the self-denial of these managing, planning, contriving, over-tasked, active fore-mothers of ours. Their creative ability was marvellous. Their generalship was splendid. Their strategy and maneuvers and devices without a_ parallel. And yet, revering their memory as we do, cherishing the bold, brave, beautiful examples they have left us, we cannot but lament the sad heritage they bequeathed likewise.

These noble grandmothers and mothers wrought with hands and brain; they toiled beyond their strength, they used up the vitality that they should have shared with us - their defrauded bodies. They robbed us, and the consequences abide with us today. We have white faces and flabby muscles and are short of health, and we have to coax ourselves to walk up hill, and then we hold a hand on our side and gasp. Inetes id of springing out of a wagon or off the side saddle, or from the top rail of the fence, we creep down as though we carried a set of china or a basket of imported eggs They would have run up stairs three steps at a clip. if they'd only had the stairs. Asit was, they tripped up the ladder that stood in the corner, carrying a bushel of corn or twelve dozen skeins of flax thread with the ease that one of us would carry a glove box. We know one mother who died at middle age with a flush as of roses on her lips and her cheeks and a sunny sparkle in her eyes, and her glossy brown hair smoothed back from her white forehead. She lay down to sleep and to dream at night and the sleep came in the twinkling of an eye, but it was the dreamless slumber of death, and the word went forth that she died of heart disease - a very pretty name by which to designate such sudden calls of death, such untoward freaks of Providence. But her bereft family knew the limits of a life spent in over-work, an energy that knew no boundaries at all. She had said, "Now I will make fifty linen sheets for ourselves and then I will quit spinning and weaving. That was two hundred and fifty yards of Jinen. Any one who has raised fiax and carried it through the stages prescribed, will know what that means. Iaising, pulling, spreading, ratting, gathering into bundles, then breaking, scutching, hackleing, spinning, boiling the skeins in ashes and water, spooling, warping and weaving. Then comes the bleaching out on the grass in March and April and the web is ready for use. Besides the stores of family and bed and table linen she wanted the fifty home-made linen sheets to lay aside for herself and husband in their old age and after the children were all married and settled in life. Poor, short-sighted woman! She died before half the number were made. Il{er husband, a young man, was left disconsolate with five little children between the ages of fourteen and four. What an absurd mistake she made! And the linen sheets. The cold, clinging, clammy things. Well, the daughters-in-law cut them up and used them for baby linen and tea towels and dish rags, with never a thought of what they cost. And the sons-in-law wipe their bearded faees and tidy about their ears with the towels made out of them, and instead of thinking that the life ofa noble but unwisely energetic woman was twisted up into the nicely spun woof and warp, and the fine gold of it beaten up into the flossy fabric, they scrub diligently, thinking of the sharp bargains they make in swapping horses, perhaps getting a good, two. year colt for an old crowbait with its bony back thatched over with newspapers.

If there is one thing in this life that we sorrow over more than another, it is to see energy - that great lever that moves the world - misspent, poured out wastefully. Our possibilities for accomplishing good and great works are wonderful and we have no right to trifle them away and spend our time making over-much provision for our perishable bodies. Why, the very time devoted to making pies, if spent out in the woods under the gracious roof of gold and green, when days are long and skies are bright, and woods are green and fields are breezy, would tend to make one fresh and active and interesting, and to grow mellow in a kindly way. So many lives dwarfed and disappointed, and in complete owe their failure: to the wearing of the shackle that they impose npon themselves. They seem to glory in their manacles They hug their thralldom. We say to such:

Sometimes we wonder if our own township is an exception in its wealth of story making material. Every old cabin hearth stone holds a story, sometimes wonderful, sometimes tragical, and sometimes stranger than fiction. Away off in the woods on our way to and from the school we tanght long ago we used to sit and dream and rest awhile on a heap of old hearth stones, the birthplace of a poor little boy who, when he came up to manhood, re - ceived the appointment of Foreign Minister. His father made baskets and trays and_half-bushels, and his mother spun sewing thread and_hackled flax and colored coperas and rocked her babies in a sugar trough. What to them was poverty? Contentment disarmed of its sting. Their wants were few. There was no aristocracy in those early days. When the women wanted to visit neighbor Prudence and have a good social time and not tax the poor family, they took provisions with them. One would take half a-quarter of tea and a pitcher of cream, another a loaf ot bread and a roll of butter, another some maple syrup or wild honey, with venison or pork or raised cornbread or doughnuts, always carrying a good deal more than was needed, and then the woman whose honored guests they were could get up a plain meal without any embarrassment whatever.

At the time we used to indulge in these dreams, William was abroad an honor to the nation he represented, and perhaps many a time in his faraway, political home, there came up before him the shady little nook in the wildwood, with its rich undergrowth of cool ferns and mosses and leaves mingling in wild Juxuriance. Oh, such examples are so encouraging to poor boys. Energy and _ perseverance with a character based on good sound principles can accomplish anything. And how true and full of exaltation comes to such the ringing song of the sweet minstrel girl, Alice Carey. Her own soul alive with the inspiration that thrilled herself ard others when she sang "For many a lad born to rough work and ways, Strips off his ragged coat and maixes men Clothe him with praise." But one bearth stone there was that could have told a boss-story, as the boys say. Just the man and his wife and her sister comprised the. family. It was the bleak November time, when the rains seem to have a sobbing sound and the winds cry about the leaves, and the dead vines swing mournfully, and the waters drip like tears from the dead leaves. The husband was away at the mill down at Shrimplins, and would not get home till late that night. The two women sat conversing over the embers, One subject only was in their thoughts, and that was "There will be no dress for the baby." Now did anybody ever hear of a wideawake woman who couldn't see her way through or over or under or around the obstacles in her path? Surely not. The husband came home late, ate his corn bread and milk, buried the glowing coals and went to bed. Away in the night the yonng wife woke her sister with 'Bet, say Bet, I've studied it out. Hark'ee! Harly in the morning he will kill Old Nan, for what's the use o' keepin' just one sheep, poor, lonesome creetur', and me an you'll go to work an we'll make a bit o' flannel out o' the fleece, an' that'll be the very daddle for a good, warm, soft baby dress. Don't ye see, Bet?" Poor, sleepy Betsy. We don't know whether she saw it or not, but she acquiesced with a drowsy " ch, heh." He killed the sheep bright and early the next morning. The two sisters picked off the wool nicely and carded, spun, put the infantile web into the loom and wove it that day and evening, and at night they cut out the dearest little coatie and made it before they went to bed. There wasn't much marvin left to boast of, because the next day's dawn found a_ sturdy little man child taking the tailor out of the brannew coatie. A little sprout of a pioneer with round. red fists and heels that tested the new flan-

Sixty years ago a poor boy in Green Township used to get up very early winter mornings, when the snow Jay deep and white upon the ground, and as he flipped-his home-knit suspenders over his shoulders he peered out between the cracks of his cabin home and whispered through his chattering teeth, "Jinks, do b'lieve I sce tracks!" 'Then despite the cold he clad his fect in his father's old boots and sallicd out to hunt rabbits. That boy wanted an education. Lle needed one of -the first requirements - a spelling book. If it had been summer time he could have dug ginseng or columbo roots and sold them. But the winter season locked up this only resource, and all he could do was to catch rabbits and sell the skins for one cent apiece. Forty rabbit skins would buy a spelling book, a nice one with a gvod wooden back to it. That man died worth one hundred thousand. dollars. . And this was the stuff that pioneer men were made of. Those were close times when rabbit skins and ginseng roots'and wolf sealps and 'whisky were currency. We often take down from the top shelfin the library a homely old leather. covered account book of our grandfather's and father's, and look over the items of trade. In the way of a deal, our dear old ancestors once obtained a barrel of the currency of those times, whisky, which he used to deal out, we presume, to the best advantage. This was over 60 years ago. One page in a clear, bold, graceful style "of penmanship runs thus: Dr. John Smith, dr.

'And then the mother and wife came, a pale- teed sad woman and her tears stopped the flow of currency. And our heart is glad when we look the old book over and follow the track of that barrel of whiskey, peddled out and discover that not the man who sold it nor one of those who bought it are represented today by one bloated face or pussy form, or red nose, or blear eye. We thank God for that signal favor. If ever our dead grandfather helped to foster the love for strong drink in any one whose tainted blood was inherited today by a weak son or grand-son, we'd root out and wash out the foul curse, with our prayersand our tears. The John Smith referred to has three sons elderly men, and because of the father's bad example, and the mother's tender watchfulness, her careful early training and early teaching. Every man of them is a strictly moral man advocating total abstinance. So we sit down and look the old book over as calmly as we would turn through Watt's hymns; but ifhe'd had a distillery and one of our beautiful springs hidden in a green gush in a hillside had been perverted to such a base use, its sweet gushing waters made accursed and instrumental to the degredation of his fellowmen, our poor shamed face would have been bowed today, with marks of Cain on the torehead.

There always was a charm to us in the relation ofthe incidents of pioneer life. It is so good to hear about those who have passed away, and are passing away. People Just like ourselves in all their loves and_ hates, their hopes and fears, their aims and aspiration,

Pioneer Historical Souiety

How often we hear these people say: ''we never were so happy as when we lived in the cabin. I can't make such corn bread as I used to make, and oh how I would like a taste of the nice corn cake I used to bake, on a clean shingle, tilted up before the fire with a flat-iron back of it. What a sweet crisp cake it was and how nutty the fine flavor." No elegant parlor can have that air of cosiness that had the one room in the cabin home. How high the beds did puffup. How neat the pile of bed clothes looked heaped upon an old arm chair, or box, or something between the windows folded just as evenly as possible. The little mirror was the one nice thing in the house. Across its top wound a string of the shells of bird eggs, and a spray of asparagras drooped over like dainty mist. Under the glass hung a snow-white towel ironed in the most perplexing and abstruce folds and checks and diamonds and octagons. A very precise pin - cushion hung over the white towel so as_ to show to the best advantage ; sometimes the bullet pouch hung inside of it. The dresses and skirts turned best side out hung on pegs around the walls. The old bereau if there was one had a cloth netting and fringe around it, and the band-box containing the Sunday bonnet held its place of honor on the top of it. The gun lay in hooks upon a joist over head. If there was a fiddle in the family it dozed in a green baize bag from a nail beside the window. 'The dresser stood in one corner with a scant supply of delf; one whole shelf devoted to the cups and saucers which were ranged in a row, every cup standing on the bottom of a saucer. The ladder stood in the other corner, and a wide fire place filled almost one end of the cabin. Overhead hung bags of seeds and hops and roots, and the poles suspended by leather thongs above the heads of

Sometimes a knotty branch of a hickory was cut offand hung up and strung full of tallow dips. But you all remember these old-time things. Some of you women will recall the satisfied fecling you had at night, after a hard day's work, when you sat with the baby on your lap, swaying in the easy old chair that creaked out a weake-wock-weakewock, and you sat and sang little aimless odds and erds of camp mecting songs, your thoughts far away and as you looked up and surveyed the little stores, you felt gratified that everything was in order, kept with an eye to economy and 'eatness. Oh, not riches nor fine clothing, nor grand = furniture, nor any of these things can bring back that swect sense of enjoyment that was yours in .your humble little home.

On a birthday occasion, an old pioneer dined with us a few years ago. We were telling what roused our anger soonest, and with a gurgling musical laugh, the old man said, "nothing ever made me madder than when I used to plow out in the clearings. My shins were all bundled up with bits. of sheep skins so I could endure the blows of the little roots that spring up with such vengeful force when cut off by the plow share, and yet many and many a time I swore in spite of me. I was called a good Methodist and the Lord knows I tried to be a Christian and a good man. I had a great deal of very substantial praying to do for myself." On the same pleasant occasion, another old pioneer related a funny incident on _ himself. He was a young farmer who held the position of drum major in the militia. He didn't know every thing. The crows were very troublesome, pulling up his corn. One day when he was plowing it, he "'shooed"' at them and waved his hat, and threw clods, and finally a master idea entered his mind: he could get his drum and drum them away. He could sling it over his shoulder and carry it with him, and how much nicer that would be, and so genteel too, and such a patriotic way of protecting his crop. When opportunity offered he turned his back to the old horse and struck up the strain of Yankee Doodle, just as if he were at General Muster. The result was that the horse didn't concur with this new departure, and kicking up its heels it ran off and broke the plow and the harness and helped to scare away more crows than did the man with the new idea. The narrative of this incident was never drusick, but once and then he was out on the creek in a canoe with his friends and_ fell overboard. The splash in the water roused him a little and he felt a touch of shame and humiliation and tried to take his own part, when they dragged him back in the canoe. He fumbled around and found one of his suspender buttons was gone. "There," said he, "ding it all, how could a fellow help fallin' in right backwards, when his gallus give way suddent?" We used to visit at his home a good deal. Such boistrous boys and girls we never saw to play black-man, and ball, and shinny, and silly bang, and poison, and steal partner. The mother would let us all turn summersaults on her bed, and the father would let us slide all ina row down the sides of the straw stacks, no matter if the straw all scvoted down to the ground. And they would let us boil chestnuts in the tea kettle, and roast potatoes in the ashes. after night, and have all the nice butter we wanted to eat with them. And in improvising plays and theatricals they allowed us the use of all the wearing apparel the house afforded. The old mare was free tor any tour of us to ride at one time, out on the race course, which was round and round the _ house. Tlow we longed to exchange mothers with the jolly little ones of this favored family. She scolded frequently to be sure, and declared that the terrible racket would kill her, but her husband, the drum major, assured us in homely language that "her bark was wuss nor her bite." .

How the little mother would scold sometimes. She'd say: "Andre Jackson you and Thomas Jef: ferson and Jonathan Edwards git right off o' that table! or Peter Cartright you're swingin' ,on that trammel again; first thing you know down it'll come and hurt Martha Washington or Molly Stark, or John Wesley; or Mary Magdelene, that's not the first time | kitchece you you eatin' crout by t..« handful right out'n the bar'l."

When the little woman died a dozen years ago, were glad the old drummer didn't ask us to write an obituary. No language could have expressed our thoughts. We loved her dearly. We are indebted to her.

i. few days ago the men who were working with plow and scraper removing the gravelly little knoll on the bank of the creek at the edge of our village, brought to surface some human bones. There was the sturdy thigh bone, the arm, the ribs and finally the bold square jaw of the resolute old red man, the teeth worn down as though for a century he had eaten his tough venison seasoned with sand. And then came a shelly bit of a woman's skull, and her jaw tight and more delicately fashioned by fur than was that of the old slumberer who had shared her dreamless couch so many, many years. This incident impressed us forcibly. The fine quality of gravel in which lay for solong the bones of these unknown sayages, was discovered to be just the thing needed on the principal street in our village, No doubt the old chieftain selected that breezy knoll, on the banks of the then beautiful and freely flowing stream under the magnificent trees that crowned its summit, for at that time the fertile valley had not been trodden by the foot of the bold pioneer. Whoever selected that spot had au eye for the beautiful in nature, and had the same thought that comes to us when we meditate on the last sad and closing scenes. Who knows! may be the poor old chieftain love that pretty knoll as we did in our early years, and he may have dreamed there in saddened mood of the tide of civilization that was slowly coming nearer and nearer to crowd aside his people even as they had obliterated the mound builders, and in turn possess their vast hunting grounds.

So the little knoll is profitable and according to one of nature's immutable laws, the Indian's grave and its mouldering contents will live anew in a highway to be trodden under the foot of man and hereafter whoever drives down main street, may grind his carriage wheels upon the bones that are turning to dust. And the old chieftain's yellow teeth may be picked up any day and find a lodgment in the pocket of the little street Arab's ragged jacket.

It is related that an apple tree planted on the grave of Roger Williams, the founder of the State of Rhode Island who died in 1683, that the roots of the tree struck down and spread out into the shape and figure of the man, following his arms and legs and trunk. So that learned men familiar with the mysteries of nature and her strange metamorphoses, declare that Roger Williams passed into an apple tree, and lives again on this earth in another form that of red-cheeked juicy apples.

The statue of Sir Robert Peel, a very eminent British statesman, was melted over to make one for Lord Palmerston. We need not shudder at these things, for nature set the first example. With her there is no death, no decay, nothing repulsive. When Hamlet spoke of turning the clay of Alexender into the bung of a beer barrel, he spoke the naked truth. The heathen gods, even vaguely, penetrated this great mystery, as those familiar with mythology will remember. But at first when the old mound was opened and its sacred treasures brought to the surface by plow and seraper, "we" almost rebelled. We woke inthe morning after, and walked out under the pines and looked down that lovely sweep of picturesque valley below us and we sighed as the words of the old quaker poet Whittier came, as though borne to us on the breath of the serene summer's dawn.

The words followed us about our work; they seemed so sad; they expressed so much. We thought of the poor old pioneers who had _ beheld this vast wilderness slowly laying off, its primeval wildness, its grandeur of woods and waters, until now it blooms like unto the gardens of the gods. How beautiful the labor of their hands ! How much we owe them! But the olden time, with its white crowned patriarchial heads is passing away. The glory .of one age is dimmed in the golden glory of the age succeeding it. Change stamps its seal upon all things. The trail of the red man will soon be lost in the net-work of rail roads, that like great arteries stretch themselves among our beautiful hills and smiling valleys. The green graves multiply. The old graves dimple the quietest corners of our cemeteries. And still the words, full of prophecy that makes us sadder, abide with us, and

Rosella The Prediction Fulfilled

Mr. Graham's History of Richland County contains a full and authentic account of the massacre of the Zimmer family and Martin Rufiner, as_ well as the fiercely fought Copus battle. To its pages we refer the reader who seeks further information concerning the facts upon which McGaw's romance is built.

In these pages we shall confine ourselves to a brief history of the events that took place on_historic ground just seventy years after the tragic scenes and incidents that gave birth to this work were enacted.

On page 180, the author indulges in a vague prediction; but on page 391 he utters a prophecy, every word of which time has fulfilled, as follows:

"And future generations will mark the sacred spot where the gallant Dutchman fell. A imonument will yet be erected to his memory, and posterity will visit his grave and read the history of his untimely fate." about mainly through the Ashland County Pioneer Society and its Historian, Dr. S. Riddle. In the summer of 1881, this gentleman i in his periodical visits throughout Ashland and Richland counties, called at the home of Sebastian Culler, in Mifflin township, reference was made to the Ruffner Zimmer tragedy. Riddle expressed a desire to see the burial place of these pioneers, when Mr. Culler conducted him to it. The tormer (Riddle) then expressed the wish that the spot be better marked in order that it be not forgotten, whereupon Mr. Culler replied: "If your Pioneer Society will erect a suitable monument to the memory of the Zimmers and Ruffners, I will surround it with a suitable fence and see that the plot of ground is properly taken care of."'

On August 18, 1881 the matter was brought to the notice of the Ashland Pioneer Society, but no action was taken until the special meeting on Sep. 10, 1881, held in the grove of Sebastian Culler (the old Zimmer place) when Dr. Riddle proposed that there be erected a monument to Ruffner and the Zimmers and one to Copus and the murdered _soldiers. Subsequently Miss Rosella Rice, of Perrysville, suggested that Johnny Appleseed's name be also engraven upon the Copus stone, and the suggestion was approved and carried into effect.

Resolution

Resolved That we erect suitable monuments to the memory of those pioneers and soldiers who were killed by the Indians in the fall of 1812, and buried in Mifflin township. Unanimously adopted.

A committee was then appointed to take charge of the funds as follows: Daniel Kauffman, Benjamin Croninger and Solomon Vail, of Mifflin township. S. Riddle and Major G. W. Urie, of Montgomery township. S. Riddle was then appointed to superintend the canvass, both in Ashland and Richland counties. The committee having finished the casvass, met at Ashland June 10, 1882, and a committee to select the monuments was appointed, consisting of Daniel Kauffman, Benjamin Croninger, Solomon Vail, G. W. Urie, and S. Riddle. A contract was then entered into, for two monuments, with Jacob I. Dorland, of Ashland, at $300, and $50 dollars of a donation by the builders, Mr. Dorland and George Kerr. Of this sum the people of Richland county contributed $125.10, the list of contributors having been published in the Mansfield Herald of Oct. 12, 1882.

The date for the unveiling of the Ruffner - Copus monuments was fixed for Friday, Sep. 15, 1882, and preparations were made for what was expected would be a memorable day in the history of Ohio.

The expectations of the committee were more than realized. arly in the day the people began to arrive at Copus Hill from every direction, afoot and in every imaginable kind of conveyance, until fully six thousand people had assembled in the forest overlooking the scene of the Copus battle. The day was calm and beautiful; one of those pleasant fall days. and the thousands present came with baskets well filled for the occasion. One long to be remembered, and one of the most remarkable that ever occurred or perhaps ever will occur in the history of our country, to see s0 many people and so many teams and vehicles pass over those rugged steeps without a single accident. Surely the hand of Providence was in all this.

By Rosella Rice

John Chapman was born in the year 1775, at or near Springfield, Mass. In the latter years of the last century, or beginning of the present, he, with his half-brother, Nathaniel Chapman, came to Ohio, and stayed a year or two, and then returned to Springfield, and moved their father's family to Marietta, Ohio. Soon after that, Johnny located in Pennsylvania, near Pittsburg, and began the nursery business, and continued it on westward. His father, Nathaniel Chapman, was twice married. The children of the first wife were John, Lucy and Patty. The girls married and remained in the east, The childrenof the second marriage were Nathaniel, Perley, Persis, Abner, (a mute), Mary, Jonathan (likewise a mute), Davis and Sally. Johnny's father, Nathaniel, Sr., moved from Marietta to Duck Creek where he lived until his death, and was. buried there. Johnny often visited them and gathered seeds there. The Ghapman family and relatives are scattered through Ohio and Indiana. Fourof Johnny's half-sisters were living when the monument was raised to his memory, or his name engraved on the Copus monument in 1882. We have good authority for saying that he was born inthe year 1775, and his name was John Chapman, not Jonathan, as it is generally called. He was an earnest disciple of the faith taught by Emanuel Swedenborg, and claimed that he had conyersation with spirits and angels. In the bosom of his shirt he always carried a Testament and one or two old volumes of Swedenborg's works. These he read daily. He was aman rather above middle statue, wore his hair and_ beard long and dressed oddly. He generally wore old clothes that he had taken in exchange for the one commodity in which he dealt, - apple trees. He was known in Ohio as carly as 1811. Dr. Hill says in 1801, an old uncle of ours, a pioneer in Jefferson county, Ohio, said the first time he ever saw him (Johnny) he was going down the river in 1806 with two canoes lashed together and well Jaden with apple seeds which he had obtained at the cider présses of western Pennsylvania. Sometimes he carried a bag or two of seeds on an old horse, but more frequently he bore them on his back, going from place to place on the wild frontier, clearing a_ little patch, surrounding it with a rude enclosure and planting seeds therein. He had little nurseries all through Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana. If a man wanted trees and was not able to pay foy them, Johnny took his note, and if the man ever got able and was willing to pay the debt, he took the money thankfully ; but if not, it was well. Sometimes he took a coat, one of which we remember of having seen. It was a sky-blue, light, very fine, firm and soft, maid in the prevailing Quaker style, with bright silver-looking buttons on it, two rows as large at least as silver dollars. Some way the button holes were out of sight, hidden by a fold perhaps. The coat was a choice wedding garment of a wealthy young Quaker, and in time, prosperity and its attendant blessings made the young man grow rotund in statue, and the coat did not fit. Then he had loops put on it, and finally he traded it to Jonnny for trees; and Johnny's home was at my grand- father's, and by that means the coat caine into our family and hung by the year, on a peg up stairs. I can remember how Johnny looked in his queer clothing, - combination suit, as the girls of nowadays would call it. He was such a good, kind, generous man, that he thought it was wrong to expend money on clothes to be worn just for their fine appearance. He thought if he was comfortably clad, and in attire that suited the weather, it was sufficient. His head covering was often a pasteboard hat ot his own making, with one broad side to it, that he wore next the sunshine to protect his face. It was avery unsightly object to be sure, and yet never one of us children ventured to laugh. We held Johnny in tender regard. His pantaloons were old and scant and short, with some sort of a substitute for "gallows" or suspenders. H{fe never wore a coat unless it was in the winter time, and his feet were knobby and horny and frequently bare. Sometimeshe wore sandals instead - rude soles with thong fastenings. The bosom of his shirt was always pulled out loosely so as to make a kind of pocket or pouch in which he carried his books. We have seen Johnny firequently wearing an old coffee sack for a coat, with holes cut in it for his arms.

All the orchards in the white settlements came from the nurseries of Johnny's planting. Even now all these years, and though this region is densely populated, [ can count from my window no _ less than five orchards or remains of orchards that were once trees taken from his nurseries. Long ago if he was going a great distance and carrying a sack of seeds on his back he had to provide himself with a ieather sack, for the dense underbush, brambles and thorny thickets would have made it unsafe for a coffee sack. I remember distinctly of falling over one of Johnny's well filled sacks early one morning immediately after rising. It was not light in the room, at the head of the stairs and it was not there when I went to bed the night before. It seems that he arrived at night, and for safe keeping the sack was put up stairs, while he lay beside the kitchen fire. I never saw him sleep in a bed. He preferred to lie on the floor with his poor old horny feet to the fire. L have often wandered how he carried that sack of seeds. I should think there was at least a bushel and a half in it and was so full that instead of being tied and leaving something for a hand hold it was sewed up snugly and one end was as smooth and tight as the other. It must have been as hard to carry as a box of the same size. I have heard my father say, however, that Johhny always carried a forestick or any big stick for the fireplace on his hip, so it may be that it was the way he carried that ungainly burden.

In 1806 he planted sixteen bushels of seed on an old farm on the Walhonding river, and he planted in Licking County, Ohio, and Richland county, and had other nurseries further west. One of his nurseries is near us, and I often go to the secluded spot on the quiet banks of the creek shut in by sycamore trees, with the sod never broken since the poor old man did it. And when I look up and see the wide out-stretched branches over the place like out-spread arms in loving benediction, I say in a reverent whisper, "Oh the angels" did commune with the good old man, whose loving heart prompted him to go about doing good.

Though my mother was very kind, she liked fun - liked to tease big, overgrown boys, and make them say funny things, and writhe and twist rather than confess or make a fair answer. I often recall one time that she so far transgressed as to tease Johuny. He was holding the baby on his lap, chirruping to the little fellow, when my mother asked him- if he would not be a happier man if he were settled in a home of his own and had a family to love him? He opened his eyes very wide

(they were remarkably keen, penctrating gray eyes, almost black) and replied in a manner, the words of which I cannot repeat, but the meaning was, that all women are not what they profess to be, that some of them were deccivers and a man might not marry the amiable woman that he thought he was getting after all.

Now we had always heard that Johnny had loved once upon a time, and that his lady love had proven false to him. Then he said one time he saw & poor, friendless little girl who had no one to care for her, and he found a home for her, and sent her to school, and meant to bring her up to suit himself and when she was old enough he intended to marry her. He clothed her and watched over her; but when she was fifteen years old, he called to see her once unexpectedly, and found her sitting beside a young man with her hand in his listening to his silly twaddle.

I peeped over at Johnny while he was telling this story, and young as [ was, I saw his eyes grow dark as violets and the pupils enlarge, and his voice rise up in denunciation, while his nostrils dilated and his thin lips worked with emotion. How angry he grew. He thought the girl was basely ungrateful. After that time she was no protege of his.

On the subject of apples he was very charmingly enthusiastic. One would be astonished at his beautiful description of excellent fruit. I saw him once at the table when I was very small, telling about some apples that were new to us. Fis description was peetical, the language remarkably well chosen. It could have been no finer had the whole of Webster's Unabridged, with all its royal vocabulary been fresh upon his ready tongue. 1 stood back of mother's chair, amazed, delighted.

He was scrupulously honest. I recall the las¢ time we ever saw his sister, a very ordinary woman, the wife of an easy old gentleman, and the mother of a family of handsome girls. They had started to move west in the winter season, but could move no farther after they reached our house, To help them along and to get rid of them, my father made a queer, little, one-horse vehicle on runners, hitched their poor caricature of a beast to it, helped them pack and stow therein their bedding and a few movables, gave them a stock of provisions and five dollars, aud sent the whole kit on their way rejoicing. And that was the last we ever saw of our poor neighbors.

The next time Johnny came to our housc he very promptly Jaid a five dollar bill on my father's knee and 'shook his head very decidedly when it was handed back. Neither could he be prevailed upon to take it back again.

He was never known to hunt any animal or to give any living thing pain; not evena snake. One time when overtaken by night while traveling he crawled into a hollow log and slept till morning. In the other end of the log was a bear and her cubs. Johnny said he knew the bear would not hurt him, and that there was room enough for all.

The Indians all liked him and treated him very kindly. They regarded him from his habits as a man above his fellows. He could endure pain like an Indian Warrior; could thrust pins into his flesh without tremor. Indeed so inscnsible was he to acute pain that treatment of a wound or sore, was to sear it. with a hot iron and then treat it as a burn. He ascribed great medical virtues to the fennel, which he found probably in Pennsylvania. The overwhelming desire to do good and benefit and bless others, induced him to gather a quantity of the seed, which he carried in his pockets, and accasionally scattered along his path in his journeys, oy at the waysides, near dwellings. Poor oldman! He inflicted on the farming population a positive evil, when he sought to do good, for the rank fennel with its pretty, but pungent blossom, lines our roadsides and borders our lanes, and steals into our door-yard, and is a pest second to the daisy.

The last time we saw Johnny was one summer day whén we were quilting up stairs. A door opened out upon the ground, and he stood his little bundle on the sill and lay down upon the floor, resting his head on the parcel. Then he drew ont of his bosom one of his old dingy books and read aloud tous.

In 18388 he resolved to go further on. Civilization was making the wilderness to blossom like the rose. Villages were springing up, stage coaches laden with travellers were common, schools were everywhere, mail facilities were very good, frame and brick houses were taking the places of the humble cabins; and so Johnny went around among all his friends and bade them farewell. The little girls he had dandled upon his knees, and presented with beads and gay ribbons, were now mothers and the heads of families. This must have been a sad task for the old man, who was then well stricken in years, and one would have thought that he would have preferred to die among his friends. He came back two or three times to see us all in the intervening years that he lived; the last time was in the year that he died, 1845, In the Spring of that year, one day after travelling twenty miles, he entered the house of an acquaintance in Allen county, Indiana, and was as usual, cordially received. He declined to eat any thipg except some bread and milk, which he ate, sitting on tie door step occasionally looking out towards the setting sun.

Before bed time he read from, his little books "fresh news right from heaven," and at the usual hour for retiring he lay down upon the floor, as was his invariable custom. In the morning the beautiful sight supernal was upon his countenance, the death angel had touched him in the silence and the darkness, and though the dear old man essayed to speak, he was so near dead, that his tongue refused its office. The physician came und _ pronounced him dying, but remarked that he never saw aman so perfectly calm and placid, and he inquired particularly concerning Johnny's religion. His bruised and bleeding fect worn walk the gold paved streets of the New Jerusalem, while we so brokenly and crudely narrate the sketch of his life. A life fullof labor and pain and_ unselfishness, humble unto self-abnegation, his memory glowing in our hearts, while his deeds live anew every spring time in the fragrance of the apple-blossoms he loved so well.

P.S. From some intimations dropped by him at Mansfield and other points it is believed that he was regularly ordained by the disciples of Sweedenborg, and sent west as a missionary. Some expressions of his when Rev. Adam Paine, a sort of Lorenzo Dow was once preaching on the public square in Mansfield, O., confirm this impression, in wind- Ing up an eccentric discourse on the sin of pride. Paine called out "Where now is your bare footed pilgrim on his way to heaven?" Johnny holding up his bare pedals exclaimed "IIere he is!" A repetition of all the anecdotes concerning this strange wanderer would fill a volume. He was just as happy in the solitudes of the forest communing with the author of all, as he la;- gazing at the stars, where he could almost see the angels, as in the midst of his nurseries or among the pioneers.

"How and where did he die?" Hedied at the house of William Worth, in St. Joseph township, Allen ccunty, Ind., March 11, 1845, was buried in the garb he wore. Hon. J. W. Damson's letter to the Fort Wayne Sentinel 1871. He was buried in David Archer's grave yard two miles and a half north of Fort Weyne near the foot of a natural mound and « stone set up to mark the place where he sleeps.

Index By Anne D. Budd And Then Combined For The 1996 Index

INDEX TO DR. S. RIDDLE'S HISTORY OF THE ASHLAND COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 1888 INDEX BY ANNE D. BUDD COMPARED BY ETHEL SNYDER TO ELIZABETH McCORKLE'S INDEX AND THEN COMBINED FOR THE 1996 INDEX

Source changes here: from History of Ashland County, Ohio, by Hill, George William, B. 1823, published 1880; 645 words in this source stream.

Ashland City

formerly Uniontown, in Montgomery township, was laid out by William Montgomery, July 28, 1S15, and was the fourth town within the present limits of Ashland c ounty. It retained the name of Uniontown, until the establishment of a post-office, in 1822, which was called Ashland, because there was another Uniontown in the State. The village thereupon received the name of Ashland. Mr. Frank Graham, now (1876) eighty-five years old, was the first postmaster.

Ashland is situated on sections seven, eight, seventeen . and eighteen, and is estimated to contain a population of three thousand. In 1822, the village contained about twenty log cabins, one small dry goods store, a blacksmith, two distilleries, a tannery, a shoemaker, a tailor, a hatter, a. cooper, a wheelwright, a small tavern, and one phvsician. The inhabitants of the village were William Montgomery, farmer; Philip Shaffer, shoemaker: Elias Slocum, tavern keeper; Alanson Andrews, farmer: George W. Palmer distiller; Samuel Urie, blacksmith ; Joseph Sheets, tailor; Joseph Markley, distiller; David Markley; Amos Antibus, hatter; Ebenezer D. Nightirgili, hatter; Mr. Barr, cooper; Francis Graham, storekeeper; John Croft, tanner: Alexander Miller, cabinetmaker: Joel Luther, physician. This was really the beginning of the village. The principal street was very crooked, and the cabins were ranged along either Mde of it. A grist- and saw-mill or two, all propelled bv water, soon appeared. Jacob Grubb, an excellent cabinetmaker, and other ifiechanics, soon erected dwellings. A demand for more goods introduced other business men, and 'in. re stores were opened. The original plat fil1- d rapidlv, and more room was re piirvd. Mark!., ;. ' uldi tion was laid out, and, in a few wars, Alanson \nd>vws, Francis Graham, Joseph Sheets and Christo; Vr M\ krantz added their additions. Then, in 1840, Ashland became live seat of justice, and South Ashland was laid out. More recently, the additions of Rocky, Cowan & Myers, and Willis, have been added. Some of the original streets have been straightened and considerably extended, while Main and Orange streets have been paved and guttered with bowlders. The original cabins and frame structures have gradually disappeared, and been replaced by fine brick buildings along Main and other streets. Tor many years Ashland was noted for its ex- | ce!lent academy. This was suffered to be merged into j the union school system in 1850. At present, her | schools are in a prosperous condition. The town con- 1 tains ten churches, nine l'rotestant and one Catholic. It | has three banks, an Odd Fellows' hall, and a masonic j lodge, two manufactories of agricultural implements, four j blacksmith shops, two large steam grist-mills, three car- ! riage and wagon manufactories, two steam saw-mills, two j lumber yards, two large tanneries, four harness and sad- j die Shops, four shoe stores, three hardware stores, three j clothing stores, two hotels, five dry goods stores, four provision stores, three stove and tin stores; two silverware and jewelry stores, two bakery establishments, two printing offices, one gun store, three butcher shops, two furniture stores, one furniture manufactory, sixteen physicians, two dentists, thirteen lawyers, three livery establishments and two book stoies.

The county buildings add to the business of the place j during the sessions of the court, and the payment of , taxes. The New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio railroad, with its warehouses and depot, is within the northern limits of the town, and adds to its property wealth. All in all, we conclude that in the future, as in the past, Ashland will go steadily forward in the increase of her population, in wealth, and number of valuable impiovements. It is surrounded by a fine, productive country, and can sustain a much greater population.

James E. Yocum, E. V. Kendig, O. C. McCarty, N. Waddle, Joseph Sheets, Thomas S. Harter, Lewis Armstrong. Drs. Yocum and Kendig are the only physicians at the present time.

Source changes here: from History of the Ashland County Pioneer Historical Society : from Its Organization, Sept. 10, 1875, to the Close of the Eleventh Annual Meeting, Aug. 27, 1885, Embracing a Period of Ten Years, by Riddle, S, published 1888; 45,271 words in this source stream.

History

A clear and definite statement of all the acts and transactions of the Ashland County Pioneer Historical Society from its organization till the close of: the ,11th Annual Meeting held at the Ashland Court House on Thursday, August 27th, 1885.

First meeting of the Ashland County Pioneer Historical Society : A large number of the Pioneers of Ashland County assembled at the Court House at Ashland, on Friday, September 10th, 1875, a 1 1 o'clock, P. M., and on motion of Gen. Willard ; Slocum, John Bryte, of Clear Creek township, was elected temporary President, and Dr. Geo. W. Hill, of Montgomery Tp., Secretary jrro tem . On motion a committee was appointed to draft a Constitution and By-laws, for the government of the Society. The committee consisted of Dr. P. H. Clark, James Killgore and Peter Thomas. In the absence of the committee, the Pioneers were addressed by -John Bryte, who called the attention of those present to the wonderful progress, in many species of improvement, that have taken place within the county, in the last, fifty years, particularly in the roads and the modes of reaching the markets. He gave a lively description of the old Corduroy roads and modes of travel Andrew Mason gave an account of the former mode of preparing food and the embarrassments arising in consequence of the great distance of mills. He spoke of the mill erected by his father in Orange township, being (he first within the limits of the County, and gave an amusing anecdote of the method of grinding when the water was low, by turning overshot wheel and feeding by hand. Daniel Carter, who landed in Montgomery! township in 1812, related some of the hardships encountered at that period ; how they encamped, cut logs for a cabin while their cattle browsed ; and finally raised their cabin by the help of Pioneers from a distance of over ten miles. He gave also some account of his adventures as a youthful hunter. Gen. Willard Slocum called attention in a brief speech to the wonderful improvements thathad taken place, within his recollection, in the County. He cited the agricultural improvements, the fine residences, barns, orchards, and spacious fields ; and the abundance that now blessed those that tilled the soil, the grow th of villages, towns, and other improvements were equally surprising. He was glad to see so many of the aged Pioneers present. Samuel Rowland, though within the County at an early day, preferred to hear from earlier Pioneers than himself. The early cabin raisings, log rollings, corn huskings, and other gatherings abounded in fun and genuine amusement. The incidents of those days if gathered and recorded would be of great value in the future.

At this point Dr Clark reported a Constitution and By-laws, which were read and adopted by the Society unanimously. (See Constitution in another place.) On motion a committee of thr£e, consisting of Isaac Stull, Andrew Mason and Robert Culbertson was appointed to select officers for the permanent organization of the Society. The committee made the following report, which was adopted: For President, Francis Graham, of Ashland ;

Pioneer Historical Society

Milton ; Thomas Cole, Jackson ; Joseph Chandler, Perry; Henry WinbigleP, Moehcan ; Allen Metcalf, Lake; Thomas Bushnell, Vermillion; Daniel Kauffman, Mifflin; C. C. Coulter, Green; John W. Bull, Hanover. Recording Secretary, Dr. P. H. Clark, of Ashland ; Corresponding Secretary and Historian, Dr. Geo. W. Hill, of Ashland ; Treasurer, Isaac Stull; Executive Committee, Gen. Willard Slocum, Judge T. C. Bushnell, Jonas Freer, Maj. R. P. Fulkerson and John McClain, all of Ashland.

As the Constitution and By-Laws require a residence of forty years within the limits of the County to entitle a citizen to membership in the Society, on motion the following members were elected honorary members: Rev. John Robinson,

After some discussion, Dr. P. H. Clark moved that a ' second meeting of the Society be held at the Court House, in Ashland, on Friday, Oct. 8th, 1875, at 11 o'clock, A. M., to which all of the Pioneers of the County were cordially ihyited to be present. Hugh Burns moved to amend by adding, "the wives of the Pioneers also become members of the Society." Gen. Slocum favored the amendment which was agreed to, and the resolution adopted. On motion of Gen. Slocum, the payment of the membership fee on the part of the ladies was omitted.

Rev. Dr. Robinson, of Ashland, being present, was requested to make some remarks. He alluded to his experience as a pioneer, but said he was glad to meet and hear the pioneers speak. In twenty years there will be no pioneers. They will all have gone to another land. These meetings are interesting because they relate to the experience of the early settlers. None but the pioneer can tell the whole story of adventures, hardships, the erection of cabins, the clearing of farms, the attempt to found churches, build school houses and properly train the rising generation. The first settlers understood the manners and habits of their Indian neighbors better than the present generation, because they had felt the terror of fear when the gleam of the scalping knife and the tomahawk appeared. The pioneers also knew more about the social habits of those days, the condition of society and the anxieties of all true hearted parents for the moral and intellectual training of their children. Many useful lessons can be disseminated by such meetings, and he hoped the new society would be prosperous and do much good.

The following Pioneers with their respective ages attached were present and participated in the proceedings : Francis Graham, aged 83 years; John

Among those present, Daniel Carter forted in the Block-house at Jeromeville in 1812; Joseph Chandler first visited Perry township in 1810, and located in 1812 ; James Kilgore located in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1809, and helped to clear the logs from High Street, in Columbus, O., and forted at Franklinton in 1812 ; Andrew Mason, Major G. W. Urie, James Scott and others, began pioneer life as early as 1815. A majority of the foregoing pioneers left their Autographs in a book prepared for that purpose, and which will be placed among the Archives of the Society.

Levi Stahl presented to the Society an Indian pipe and a stone badge. Andrew Mason presented a stone axe. Thomas McGuire a stone breast plate. Richard Gribben a stone skinner. The Society will be glad to obtain other relics for safe keeping and exhibition at the annual meetings.

Owing to the inclemency of the day. many were prevented from turning out. An abundance of food had been prepared, a part of which was returned to the donors.