Ashland City (part 5 of 57)

The mild September of seventy years ago was ushered in amid the most ominous indications of approaching dangers. The settlers in different localities had cleared small patches of 'ground, which were mostly planted in corn, upon the ripening and gathering of which they depended in a great measure for bread during the approaching winter. It is not surprising that they were filled with the gravest apprehensions, not alone for their immediate personal safety, but for their security against want and perhaps starvation through the cold, cheerless and inclement season of the year. Flying as it were on the wings of the wind, they observed fleet-footed couriers passing and re-passing to and from the Indian settlements at Green town and Jerometown. They knew that the dusky sons of the forest had been in alliance with the enemies of our fathers in their struggle for independence, and had spared neither sex, age, nor property in their ruthless and atrocious mode of warfare.

As the "lightnings of war painted hell on the sky," they had reason to dread the fearful savages, of unseen lurking foes, ready to strike at any moment and bring down desolation upon happy homes and leave smoking ruins behind them. Few were refuges of safety then afforded, , and they were many miles away. Each northern Mjreeze seemed to deepen the gloom, and thicken the dangers. On the 16th day of August preceding this event, Gen. Hull surrendered the American forces to the British, leaving as it were the whole northern part of this state utterly defenceless, while a large force of Indian auxiliaries were let loose to pillage, plunder and murder everywhere. Dissatisfaction and discontent followed the removal of the Indians from Jerome and Greentowns, to the vicinity of Urbana. And while it was understood that all were to go many hung around the settlements, manifesting by unmistakable signs their hostile spirits and dangerous intentions. The very air was filled with harbingers of evil, and the birds seemed to sound notes of alarm, while the faithful watch-dogs bayed in mournful forebodings of the gathering tempest. Far from the solitudes the friends and foes of the Republic were preparing to grapple in marshal conflict according to the civilized usages if there really be such a thing in war, to determine the relative rights and strength of the combatants. Here the backwoodsmen were vigorously guarding their wives and little ones from foes of an infinitely, more dangerous character. The smoke that curled over the ruins of burning Greentown, after the removal of the occupants a short time before, gave signs of woe to the luckless pioneer. The destruction of that place was a work of indiscretion and recklessness, little dreamed of by those who applied the torch. But it was done, and if that had any thing to do with the fearful tragedy, subsequently enacted, it renders no less glorious the life and death of the brave Christian Copus and his companions, who appeared as th6 Vanguard in civilization's march towards the Pacific seas.

The part assigned me today forbids my intrusion on other ground not immediately connected with the fall of James Copus and the details of September 15th, 1812. But the story would be incomplete without a reference to the slaughter of his co martyrs a few days before.

So lo ! these seventy years have fled, and these graves now first are visited by a formal concourse to give them lasting prominence. In some far away land, or our own distant territory, we can readily draw a picture in our own minds of a few homes m some vast forest, amid solitudes broken only by reports of the hunter's rifle, or the sound of the woodman's axe. We can see the smoke rising above the humble cabin, surrounded by tall trees or a little patch of corn, or listen to the thrilling sound of some female voice, as she hums a familiar ditty of her former days, in her far away home. But far more difficult is the task of painting the scenes of seventy years ago on this spot, surrounded as we are today by all the elements of refinement and cultivation, education and religion, while this valley is a garden of teeming wealth and

Less than a week before the tragic event, Martin Ruffner, Zimmer and wife and daughter Kate were inhumanly butchered by the savage marauders of the forest.

Taking the alarm James Copus and others removed their families to distant places for safety. Cruelty cut down in their peaceful abode, the Zimmers - father, mother, and daughter, poured out their biood as a sacrificial offering, making hallowed and sacred the history of their deaths, while the noble Martin Ruffner died with his battle armor on, his trusty rifle useless by his side, but evidently wielded to the last in defence of himself and friends. This, then was a veritable valley of death. Arise and tflee for your lives, hapless, helpless settlers, women and children, or your doom too is sealed. Through the forests by meandering pathways, over streams, through tangling brush -wood, up hill, down the valley, by way of Lucas, to the Block-house are hurried helpless women and children. In one grave were buried the Zimmers and Martin Ruffner, on a little eminence near the scene of the tragedy there to rest and dream till the archangel's trump shall summon them to a higher life, brighter destiny. Silence now reigns in this historic valley, as the angel of death seems to hover over its entire solitudes.

The bane and curse of the frontier seemed to have been satisfied with the destruction he had wrought and fled to his dark abodes, but he only skulked in unseen ambush, to await some future opportunity to feed his insatiate maw. Back from the block house returned Copus and his family, once more to take possession of his forest home, and resume his daily toil, to secure for wife and helpless little ones a bounty, such as honest industry alone could procure, to guard against gaunt want the coming winter. I fancy myself a witness for a day or two to scenes and occurrences of seventy years ago, and heaven inspire my tongue to testify aright. Hush ! listen 10 the tragic story : "This is the place,

A Christian father, followed by wife and seven children, wends his way to their rude nestling place in the lonely woods. Hand in hand they travel their way ''o'er tangled copse and wild wood," dreaming of peace and happiness of their destined haven. The strong armed, great hearted husband and father has borne the burden of the day, and oftimes hushed and soothed his little ones by carrying them in his arms, little recked he that he was hurrying to his doom. He was at peace with all the world. His voice had been heard, even by the children of the forest, proclaiming the tidings of salvation, and mingling in songs of redeeming love. The leaves of the forest trees were not yet tinged bv the frosts of autumn ; the corn had not yet ripened ; the harvest had not yet been gathered. The grape clustering in luxuriant wildness, had not yet assumed its purple hues ; the summer birds had not yet taken their flight to more congenial climes. In a word, the earth was clothed in its pristine forest beauty and seemed indeed, to that frontier adventurer, a very Eden, as was intended when it leaped from the creating hand. The sun has set; the homely meal dispatched ; the birds have ceased their songs; the prayer has mounted high on rude and lowly cots, but beds ot contentments down are sleeping seven children in perfect security, as they have been commended to the care of the ever watchful one, by a father and a mother's benediction. Silence now is brooding like a deathless spirit o'er the still and pulseless world.

All around that lonely cabin home a guard of unseen sentinels seem to watch. The stlirs look down from their unmeasured heights upon domestic peace seeming to be the forget-me-nots, of the angels for that Christian abode. A few rods from that cabin, in a primitive barn are quartered nine soldiers, who had accompanied the doomed family from the block house, as a martial guard, "till dangers trouble might depart." In blissful dreams the soldiers slept while unseen, lurking foes the darkness hides. The faithful watch dogs bays in alarming notes the long night through. A father's sleep is haunted by disturbing dpeams and frightful visions of the morrow's fearful woes, arouse him e'er the streaking light of morn, or note of ''clarion cock" doth call him from his cot. Up and out into the darkness it would seem in a response to a call divine, the father goes to bring his martial guard from their bivouac in the barn, that he, with them, might constitute a cordon of defence for cabin, wife and children, which supernatural presentment had told him would be needed in the morn. ]Yow wife and babes sleep on. You are secure, for a father, with nine brave hearts besides are there to defend, if need be with their lives. That act of daring in the darkness saved posterity to the unfortunate James Copus.

So for seventy years one of the babes I now see, sleeping in conscious and perfect security, ere that carnival of slaughter began, has blessed the earth with a life of usefulness, and children's children rise up arid call her blessed ; and today she appears among us, one of two of the last witnesses of the scene, spared by omnipotant power to behold this occasion and listen to the ceremonies that have long been neglected in doing justice to that most important occurrance.

Listen to the first twitter of the birds and see the first streaks of morning light that usher in the 15th of September, 1812. A cabin far removed from the haunts of men, tenanted by James Copus and wife, their seven children and nine soldiers. Near by there gushed a living spring and e'er the sun was up, it attracted the soldiery to its sparkling waters. All was still, yet black as night and terrible as hell were the lurking enemies, like fiends from the infernal world surround them. I hear the last reported injunction of the master spirit of that hour to the soldier. "Go not to the spring without your arms, for I know that enemies are lurking near." But some passed to the front, leaving their guns behind them. Momentous, hour of fate! Aye, cower, and quail and tremble, wife and little ones for the moment of your bereavement and desolation has come. Awake from your slumbers to behold the accursed deed that shames the human mold. Out from the ripening corn rush painted fiends, with hideous yells that rivaled Milton's fiends of hell, to blot out homes and murder helpless innocence. Up from his couch leaps Copus then, like fleeter armed, to save his family from the brutal storm. Without I see red monsters glide with eyeballs fierce with rage ; with scalping knives and tomahawks to strike the settlers down. I hear the guns that work destruction to that soldier band.

hail tailing from sudden storm-clouds, the bullets lly against that cabin home. I see two soldiers unarmed pursued by yelling furies, who, overtaking, strike them down and tear their scalps from off their heads, a reeking trophy of their chase. A third, more fleet outruns the murderous pack, but not too swift to escape the rifle's deadly messenger, that takes his life away. A fourth bounds back to the cabin door through a cordon of demoniac monsters, thirsting for his blood. Copus, too bold, fearless and great-hearted to be cooped within, while his friends were being massacreed without, with his trusty rifle in hand, opens the door to meet a grim visaged moloch at his threshold, the very incarnation of red-handed murder, fresh from hell. Quick as the lightning's flash the Indian rifle's deadly work is done, but not before he too, received his death- wound at the hands of the murdered pioneer. Staggering back, the blood oozing from his faithful breast, he hears the storm of assault without, the unearthly yells of the assailants, the bullets pattering against the door, the cries of the orphan children soon to be ; the lament of wife, yet amid all, his courage never failed. While away the life tide slowly ebbed he exclaimed : "Soldiers, 1 am a dead man, but do not be discouraged ; light like men and save yourselves and my family." In an hour the soul of James Copus winged its way to the home of the immortals, amid the constant roar of fire-arms, and the fiercer tumult of forty whooping devils, battering at the home he had planted in the wilderness and thirsting for the blood of the wife of his bosom and the children of his loins. For five hours the conflict lasts, and though it was fought on the outskirts of civilization, and fame's trumpet has never sounded the valor of those engaged ; yet Napoleon's old guard never covered themselves with more honor on any^ historic field, than did Copus and his comradesif fairly earn for themselves a chaplet of renown on ; that eventful morn. At every valley hurledf against the beleagured cabin forty unearthly yells arose above the crash of arms, and fell upon the! ears of the beseiged. Napoleon at Waterloo, as the event of the battle hung in doubt was sustained that Grouchey, with his fre9h battalions woul come at the opportune moment, and change un certainty into victory. But the inmates of that solitary citadel in the forest were buoyed up by no such anticipations. There w.*s no succor save hv the arm of the God of battles to assist them. They! knew the consequences of failure and hence bent all their energies and utilized all their resources tof save themselves and the family of their murdered host from the tomahawk and scalping knife of thel infuriated foe. But the retreating yell about ten, o'clock is sounded, and the inhuman warriors ofr the wilderness, disappear as they came, leaving no trace of their own casualities or the place they buried their dead. What a scene of sorrow and desolation succeeds the conflict. Doubt and uncertainty prevail till about one o'clock a company of soldiers arrive upon the ground, only to behold the fearful massacre, relieve the beleagured garrison and bury the dead. Can you now realize that this 1 occurred upon this very spot, only seventy years ago? That all this fertile valley was an uncultivated wild, where dangers lurked in eveiy bush, safety there was none. I Gall the roll of the more than patriot dead : James Copus, George Shipley, John Tedrick and W. Warnock. They were buried by the soldiery and left, in their lonely graves near where they fell, to await the Master's call at the resurrection morn, and today we came to pay homage long deferred to their valor, their heroism and their sacrifices freely made. We came to perform a duty to the dead, and revive afresh recollections of a time and quicken memories of the fallen Vanguard in civilization that meant immortality.

James Copus was born in Greene County, Pa., in the year 1775, was married in 1796 and came to this olace in 1809, died at the dawn of September 15, 1812. Of the others who fell, complete genealogical histories cannot be given, but the names and fame of all are secure. The history of the descendants of those who survived the conflict would be a recital too tedious for this occasion if not entirely impossible, as they have become numerous as the stars, leaving their impress stamped indelibly on the progress of our country for seventy years.

The story of the life and death of Copus and his companions told, a glance at the early settlement of the valley of the Blackfork taken, a birds eye view of the country as it - then appeared, had a faint picture in feeble words of the wild surroundings of the hardy pioneers, their privations, their toils, their hopes, their dangers and their exalted purposes drawn. It remains my privilege and my pleasure to speak a word to the living assembled here today, and indulge in pleasing prospects for our future destiny. 1 see around me the veterans of a by-gone age. You have come from far to witness the ceremonies and mingle in the enjoyments of this occasion. The people of this valley gather at the tombs of their ancesters and rear monuments to their memories. Surrounded by grey heads and tottering age, I cannot but feel as though I stood in the presence of the good and guardian angel of an age that has been so prolific

For fifty, sixty aye seventy years some of }/ou have witnessed the developement of the resources of this goodly land and assisted in making it what it is today. I need not recount the ini strumentalities that have revolutionized the face of this community since Copus and his companions died. The early pioneers penetrated the wilder* ness and reared their cabin homes as the forerun! ners of a populous and thrifty people, imbued with a spirit of fairness, and honorable conduct, worthy of all admiration.* Devoted to the government and subservient to the laws of the state, their whole lives were an illustration of the doctrine of recip** rocal rights. They were not afraid of honest toil! they shrunk not from the burden of leveling the! forest and fitting the ground for the plowshare to penetrate the productive soil. The whole face the country has been utterly changed, and this too by a generation that has nearly passed <lvvaJ»

But some are left to tell the story of the new country's progress and favor us with their presence here today. I need scarcely remind you of the great change in manners, customs, social life, domestic economy and methods of performing all kinds of manual labor, that seventy years hav| brought about. Yet with all our facilities, for the dispatch of life's burdens, and the multitude of irn| provements, calculated to make happier the lot of men in this progressive age, we turn with pleasure to the good old times when neighbor loved neigh-; bor as he should, and when true and genuine) hospitality dwelt in every home. We linger amid the graves and drink from the fountains of couched at every door and the hardships incident to a new country were shared by all in common. We read of the noble generosity that armed whole communities in defense of an injured neighbor and none halted to estimate the gain, or weigh the burden. But the time will come for you to lay your burdens down and join your predecessors in the silent land. You come to us from a former generation to remind us 'of your sacrifices in making this country great and prosperous, and so inviting a habitation for those who follow you in the great drama of life. You admonish the youth of this land by your example and personal honesty and political integrity to emulate and imitate the lives you are so soon to surrender. Your grey hairs as they cluster around wrinkled temples, are so many objects of adoration, as they speak of the monumental greatness of the builders of our homes and the patrician's guard-laws of an inheritance of liberty, prosperity and happiness that have come down to us. Your former days were full of dangers perilous adventures, laborious sacrifices, in sweeping away the wilderness that homes for yourselves and children might take the place of the hunting grounds of the savage Your hopes have been realized, your visions more than crowned. The wilderness and solitary place have been made glad*by you, and the desert blooms and blossoms as the rose. And now you come in the fullness of timetopaythe debt of gratitude to noble deeds and mingle with each other around the graves of pioneers untimely slain. Your lives have been eventful, full of interest, activity and good to your felfowmen. May your declining years be smoothed by the consciousness that you have been a blessing to your country and your fellows, and in the future

I turn with mingled feelings of gratitude and! reverence to the last survivor in this county of the tragedy of seventy years ago. God has spared hep, life to witness these scenes today. This morn yo heard no clash of arms, no fiendish yells of murder ous savage, no cries of anguish in the cabin hom you saw no enemies thirsting for your blood, nojj father wounded to his death, no mother weepingf o'er a husband slain, venerated mother of an age; that has passed away.

As this morning's sunlight streaked the east thy meditations surely turned to thy childhood's cabi home and again thou livest over the sickeningscenes. But let them rest in the dim and shadowy past. Thou art here, sainted one in a ripe old age to bless us with thy presence. We come to rear at lasting memorial to thy father's memory and pcr-L petuate the daring deeds ot those who fell with? him.

On that historic morn, thy head was clad in girlhood's garb, thy cheek was like vermillion blush! though blanched with fright, thy steps was like the fawns that speed on wings of air, thy life was pure as snow, that demons sought to take, thy form was lithe and free as the mountain's wild gazelle. Thy home was in the wild wood Where the cheering rays of sunlight scarcely ever cast * their gladness and thy form beset by dangers thick, by days as well as nights. Now how changed I Thy steps are tottering now, thy head is silvered o'er, thy cheek has lost its rosy hues, thine eyes are dimmed by age, thy life is almost spent, thy race is nearly run. But around you are blooming beauty, fruitful gardens, glorious harvests, hosts . of friends and many children, children's children, ease and comfort, peace and plenty. God's bright smiles and our heart homage. Blessed mortal ! Age has made you like the lone forest tree, that is about to crumble into the earth, but ere you pass over the river to rest in the shade of the trees, you are permitted in God's providence to lean your decrepit and ripened form against the monument we consecrate today, to immortalize a worthy deed, and trace in letters, cut in the marble, the names of those who died in your defence.

Fellow citizens. Let. the work of this day mark a new era in our destiny. Let these memorial scenes quicken our zeal for the beneficient institutions under which we live and fill our hearts with more veneration for the examples and sacrifices of our pioneer ancestry. Let us by precept and example so act our part in this feverish, progressive, turbulent age, that when we pass away, other tongues shall speak our merits and other hands rear monuments to our names.

Address By Henry C. Hedges

The exercises held this forenoon at the Copus larm as well as the program for this afternoon, remind us that an essential quality of the remarks by any one person must needs be brevity - even at the expense of sentiment.

Martin Euftner over whose dust and in whose memory we here and now unveil this monument at the distance of seventy years from the date of his tragic death in his heroic, but hopeless defense of the Zimmer family, was no common man, no ordinary personage. It is said to contemplate what possibilities of good to and for all the settlers of the valle}rs of the Mohecan in the early days of perplexity, distress and danger were forever lost by his death.

His was a nature free from the uneasy or ful emotion produced by an apprehension of ger, on the contrary he was fearless and This much we know of him. He emigrated Shenandoah County, Virginia, in.1807 to Fairfield! County, Ohio, and thence in 1812 to this immediate locality, then a part of the unorganized county of Richland. A man of wonderful physical strength, endurance and activity, of large kind heart and: generous soul, in every fact such an one as we would look for if we were seeking for a pioneer, one who goes before t<? remove obstructions andl prepare the way for others.

There was nothing of rudeness or roughness in Martin Ruffner. There was in him the strength® and courage of a man, but there was also in hir the gentleness and heart of a woman. 1 make mention in this public way of these dominant traits in his character, as 1 have learned them from the fathers of some of you, - the generations now gone - because there is with me an apprehension, a conviction, that by reason of some poetic license or liberty taken by writers ot our own day, touching the lives and achievements of our first settlers, |; free rein has been given the imagination, || and invention has been resorted to, so that unless V we are exceedingly cautious and careful, we may f wholly misapprehend the true worth, the genuine character of Martin Ruffner.

musings into recklessness of statement, or impiety ot thought. True he was unlearned and artless, and did not understand the cause and effect, and never could have framed in words such beautiful description of the brilliantly colored arch spanning the regions of the heavens, opposite to the sun, as Ralph Waldo Emerson, when he apostrophised the rainbow uks the beautiful daughterof the morning, springing from the invisible." But the eyes of Martin Ruffner's soul, as he looked up and into the sky, as he gazed through the bright sunlight and through the pearl drops, on the bow of promise, saw all the same beauty, and grand ure, and glory, so beautifully and exactly described by the philosopher of Concord.

I shall have no care of my friends to recite to you the incidents in the early history of this locality, which led to, and became a part of the tragic events, which were enacted in September 1812, in and about the cabin home erected on the spot where we are now assembled. I shall not undertake to picture to you the untamed savage and his remorseless cruelties nor shall I more than state the fact, that then as now, not all of cruelty nor all of barbarity was perpetrated by the Indian. There were some white men then.

The story in the detail, as well as in the main is familiar to you all. What I do want to do in the presence of this unnumbered multitude of the sons and daughters of men is to emphasize that seventy years ago in the sparse settlements, in the homes of the pioneers, all the offices of love and humanity were promptly, lovingly performed and that our fathers before us failed and we who today live on the active theater of life, have long delayed to do justice to worthily mark the ground where rests, and tor years has reposed the mortal part of an heroic man. Tardily have we done our duty, yet better late then never. Not so Martin Ruffner, you will recall readily in your memories the immediate antecedents of his death, and from them we may learn with what alacrity he ran, though danger and death were about him, to the help: and succor of his neighbor.

There was not the slightest hesitation. It was enough for Martin Ruffner that there was a possibility, a probability, of harm overtaking and empowering weakness and innocence - the weakness f of old age, and the helplessness of youth, the? innocence of venerable gray hairs, and the security of maidenly modesty and beauty. Then the fact< was made known to him that the red man of the forest had drawn tight the strings of his bow, and refilled his quiver with death-dealing arrows he took no thought of his personal safety, but his eye' travelled over hill and valley and rested upon the cabin home of the venerable Zimmer. To think* with him was to act. Ilis presence might save the: father from torture and death, and the daughter from a fate far worse. He reached it, and life and|| safety seemed secured with his coming. The foe'f came also, but Ru fiber's presence was proof against;! direct open attack. Like the Greek's of old bear ing gifts, they gain admittance, they accept the proffered hospitality, they are about to eat the bread and salt of the white man prepared by his daughter, when at a signal, instead they commence the bloody butchery ! For once Ruffner was deceived and taken unawares. His trusty rifle was near, but time was too precious to bring it to the shoulder, the tomahawk was casting its shadow as it flashed above the gray grown Zimmer. Ruffner clubbed the gun and with the strength of a giant endeavored to save. His powerful arm would have availed, but the wooden stock was broken in pieces and the barrel of iron was bent in twain and Zimmer and his daughter with Ru finer were slain. The assult was sudden, the battle brief, the destruction complete, but the avenger was not lagging and the mutilated bodies of the dead were left in the cabin where they were found and here buried, and here yet their dust rests and shall until time is lost in eternity.

Brave courageous soul, today we hail you ! Many, many moons have waxed and waned since you and death here held the dark encounter. Seventy times have the several seasons made their circling rounds since your strong arm was raised to protect and itself struck down, but the memory of the unselfish life has not and shall not perish from the earth. Today we cut it on the enduring granite, grave it on the imperishable bronze; aye, more, it is indelibly written on the tablets of the hearts of a vast multitude of men and women' whose homes and hearthstones are on the hill sides and in the valley of the Mohecan.

Friends, when the granite has crumbled into dust, when the bronze has perished by the elements, kind words, good and great deeds shall still survive, - so Martin Ruffner pioneer, hero, man.

Ossian says : The ''memories of the past are pleasing but mournful to the soul." Such memories are mournful because they are significant of the mausoleum or prehaps the casket in which are entombed so many buried memories of hopes, of friends, of happy hours, of nearly everything we hold dear, on the other hand they are pleasing because the hand of time has thrown the dark pall of forgetfulness over the faults of lost friends, and has preserved their virtues and good deeds, which are ever present. Now while standing around the graves of the murdered victims of savage hate and barbarian revenge, memories of the mighty past, may well pass before our vision like the panorama with its thousand changing views, while each and all have no perspective but sorrow and gloom. Sorrow and regrets that noble, hardy and selfsacrificing pioneers, sons and daughters of toil, should have been the victims to have suffered vicarious punishment at the hands of blood-thirsty savages for the wrongs they had received from others regrets that the Greentown Indians should have endured wrongs so deep and lasting, that they deemed nothing but white men's blood could ever be received in atonement. Regrets and sorrow that these Indians should have been torn from their homes, marched off under guard, their town burned, their property confiscated and destroyed,, sacred pledges and obligations made them wantonly violated, when they had never committed a single overt act. All this was done for fear that cdie might be perpetrated. Because Tecumseh had entered into a league with the British to harass and destroy our western people, it was feared these friendly and hitherto harmless Indians might join his forces in the work of destruction ; therefore they must be placed where they could be kept under strict and continued surveillance. Who ever heard of a court-martial being convoked for the trial of soldiers for the incendiary act of burning down a village when its legitimate owners, men, women and children were prisoners? or who ever heard of an investigation being held to even ascertain who wrere the guilty offenders engaged in the dastardly and cowardly act of the destruction of everything they held dear, and in wantonly violating sacred obligations? Can any one tell us who ever made restitution for these multiplied wrongs to the value of a cent? When the forces came to remove them they begged and plead to be allowed to remain in peace and quietude in their homes, and as an earnest of their intentions offered to surrender their guns and other implements of Indian warfare, together with their ponies. But no! the edict had gone forth and go they must, and for fear they might return, all must be destroyed. Seventy years ago last Sunday came the last installment of vengeance and as usual innocent parties were the unconscious victims. /

Look on this monument, just Unveiled you will read Martin Rulfner, Frederick\Zimmer, his wife and daughter Kate, killed by the Indians September 10, 1812. One cannot even read the account in the various histories given of this infamous deed without having his blood congeal with horror at the magnitude of its sunguinary atrocity. Even poor Kate, after having set the table and furnishing her murderers a meal must have the tomahawk buried in her brain. Five days elapsed when the second installment of vengeance followed which fell like a thunderbolt on the already bowed heads of the pioneers.

On the monument unveiled this A. M.,you read : James Copus, and three soldiers, George Shipley, John Tedrick and Mr. Warnock, killed by the Indians September 15, 1812. The first we know to have been an innocent victim, for he had been friendly with them and strenuously argued against their removal. We have no right to suppose the others as being guilty of wrongs, and have a right to believe them innocent. It vengeance slept there after, it was because there was no material left, for nearly every pioneer went to the Block house for safety, or fled from this portion ot the state ; some to return in after years others to stay away forever, let us retrospect a moment. When the first Ohio pioneer set foot upon th< virgin soil of our now blessed state, they found an unbroken forest that had no metes nor bounds,: vast and boundless as the ocean. We have no forests nor woods now in the state that, can be found for comparison. The soil had become so rich, containing as it did all the elements of a producing character, that the trees grew so large and their branches so wide spread, and in many places it was nearly dark at midday, the annual lall of leaves and the decay of fallen timber continuing for a multitude of ages no man can even dream how long, accumulating year by year, layer after layer of material containing all the elements essen-1 tial to the production of such a monstrous growth of timber.

A man could often travel for miles through these; mighty forests without scarcely seeing a blade of grass, or a weed except in the swales or low grounds. All were decayed 'leaves under foot and mighty trees with famous branches as far as the eye could see overhead. The-e branches were interwoven and intertwined in endless variety and profusion. Inhabiting these forests were denizens of great variety and character. Savage beasts and still more savage and blood-thirsty men roamed through them at pleasure. Loathsome and wnemous reptiles, "with sting of head and sting of tail" were under and about nearly every decayed log. The fearful quilled porcupine, and the never dying opossum had each thpir favorite haunts. The chattering squirrel and the sly raccoon were everywhere. The screaming panther and the sneaking wolf fought for the mastership. The cunning fox and the perfumed polecat, each contested his rights with the wildcat and the lynx. The ponderous bear roamed at will, fearing nothing but his more savage master, the red Indian. The timid deer with its trembling fawn were the denizens of every thicket and glade.

At times in these wonderful groves the utter silence was Utterly painful. Again the wild woods resounded on every hand with the most discordant jargon of unearthly sounds ever heard by mortal ear. The screams of the panther commingled with the howls of the wolf and the shriek of the bloodchilling screech owl would wake up the slumbering echoes in these grand old forest aisles, until it would seem to mortal ears as though pandemonium were let loose. Again these aisles would seem to be alive with nature's sweetest harmonies of music wonderously beautiful. The wind whispering gently through the branches and the soft rustling of the millions of leaves became enrapt with the soul of sentiment and unconscious dreams were evolved ; dreams formed of the evanescent intonations of harmony found nowhere save in the realms of peace. The tapping of the vroodpecker on the deadened limb of an old tree, the soft barking of the squirrel, the solemn hoot of the owl, the hardly distinguishable drum of the partridge in the distance, the gentle hum of the wild bee, the chirp of the wood cricket, the whip-poor-will's song in the distant thicket, all attuned to the whispering breeze, gave unisonant vibrations of harmony at once ravishingly sweet and beautiful. Nature's dream-songs know no discordant elements. thorn the heart throb scarcely preceptible in sound to the bellowing thunder, are but gradient ranges of the selfsame intoned elements of harmony. Such was the condition of the present vast state of Ohio when those great moral heroes, the earliest pioneers^ began the work of subduing these great forests^ and their denizens, whether wild beasts or the stir wilder Indian. The task must be aocomplishe without either moral or material resources, ami dangers and privations enough to paralyze th strongest arm and blanch the ruddiest cheek.

The Israelites murmured because they wer obliged to make brick without straw, but these pi| oneers with all the elements of heroism as one d their chief characteristics, made no sigh. A sp< must be cleared in these primeval forests that little corn might be raised to keep the wolf fronfi the door and to sustain life while clearing mor ground.

The man who has cleared an acre in our present woods with all the resources that art an. the civilization of today has placed in his hands| can have but little idea of the physical labor required to clear an acre tlvn, as his only materia® resources were an axe and a gun. But as soon a^f he has provided game meat sufficient to last a fewf* days, then he must start to the back settlements to| the mill, and pack on his back corn meal and salt" to supply family necessities. In time his acre was; cleared and his corn planted, birds would scratch itf up, and squirrels would dig it out ; when replanted! and watched and the corn in the milk, birds would| pick it, squirrels would strip the husks and eat and waste it, the raccoon would tear it down and eat it, the wily opossum also loved it, and the black bear" would tear down and eat a square rod of it at a? meal, so that when he harvested his corn, if he go' a third part for his share he was lucky thus far Thus with no resources except a ready will, a stout heart, and the brawny arm, the earliest pioneer be- gan the great work ot laying the foundation, the base, the superstructure of which is now the great state of Ohio teeming with wealth and all the resources that wealth and art can produce, is at her command. Our murdered pioneers, over whose remains we have placed these monuments, had passed that critical period when starvation had stared them in the face. They had their little patches of ground cleared and comfortable cabins built and were just emerging into a condition to be able to apply vigorous efforts in improving their farms, when the red handed murderers sent them to these untimely graves ; it is fitting that these memorial stones should be obtained and erected, under the auspices of our Pioneer Association and Historical Society, although the means were obtained by individual effort. These granite monuments are imperishable and they will stand here notifying future generations of their object, as long as Cleopatria's needle stood in the Nile valley.

In conclusion let us hope that every stranger who reads these inscriptions in the unknown tuture, will be able to say with us today "rest in peace."

Synopsis

Celebration of the day on which it occurred - a general synopsis of the meeting - names of prominent persons on or near the platform - closing remarks by the undersigned.

One of the most remarkable events that has occurred in the history of our country . for a long time past, was the meeting on Copus Hill on Friday, the 15th day of September, 1882, a memorial day. The day on which the Copus traged}' took place being just seventy years ago. The day was calm and serene. The larg3 concourse of people! who gathered there - about six thousand - and the§| circumstances connected with the history of th# place, made it, to me, one of the most solemn ofm life ; to see so many people both* old and youngs convened together perhaps for the first time ir|| life, and most certainly for the last time, that a will meet again on earth. Oh ! what a sad though when so many said their last farewell to each otW er on that day - a day long to be remembered b all. And another strange but solemn thoughi that when the next seventy years shall roll arounc who will be left of that vast crowd to tell th story. Alas, a few little boys and girls it may be It was to me more like a great funeral occasion! than like a gala day. As far as I can recollec their ages ranged from 40 to 90 years. First thosi of Mansfield and Richland Count}7.

1st. Dr. Wm. Bushnell, a widower for manyj years, a man of sterling worth and fine abilities^ who made the remark to the writer that he did no believe that this country would, in the next thoujl sand years to come, produce a race of men anqi women, who, for intelligence, as well as muscled and nerve and strength of character, equal to pioneer fathers and mothers.

3rd. Mansfield II. Gilkison, widower, the firsfl male child born in Mansfield - born Feb. 2nd, 1811| remark by the writer, that was on ground-hog day|j 4th. CoL Barnabas Burns, oh ! what a change_ in the man, who one year ago then well and strong! ! delivered the address at our annual meeting

5th. A. J. Baughman, editor of the Call, with his dear old mother on his arm, she, whose maiden name was Cunningham, daughter of Capt. Cunningham, who assisted in burying the dead Copus, and the soldiers on that fearful day, Sept. 15, 1812.

8th .Reuben Evarts, of Bellville, widower, once a hard working boy, but now a man in good circumstances, having been Justice of the Peace I some thirty-six years, dating from 1843 to 1879, is an old pioneer and a worthy citizen.

1. Andrew Mason, an old pioneer of Ashland, now about 83 years of age, and a widower, full of life and anecdote, and has an excellent memory.

2. Major G. AV. Urie, tall and straight as an arrow, about 76 years of age, who had just passed through a severe attack of spasmodic disease, in which he came very near death's door, but whose gentle and stately form and familiar face was seen by many ; whose father, JSolomon Urie, it was, who passed quietly down to the Copus place, and with tomahawk in hand, cut out of that door, and honeycomed logs, a handfull of the red skin's bullets that had fallen short of their deadly aim. Th^ Mrjor says he remembers well of seeing them, they were kept a long time in the family as relies.^

7. Dr. Daniel Eckley, ot Ashland County, nowj Mayor of Minerva, Ohio, and brother of E. brought to the stand by Thos. Bushnell, school mate.

10. J. H. McCombs^ Esq., who first commence® ed the practice of law in Kewville, Richland Co.||| in an humble way, who passed up and down you vM valleys, over hills, and along your streams, and! died an honored citizen of Ashland and counsellor at law.

19. Thomas Bushnell, of Hayesville, that most industrious of all men, one of the best judges of fruit in the State, and a lover and collector of relics and curiosities.

20. Mr. Birely and Mr. Carnahan, both good citizens and good farmers ; Sebastian Culler, a wealthy farmer and one of the prime movers in putting up the monuments.

21. Isaac Gates, Sheriff of Ashland County, that man who was Sheriff thirty years ago, and hung Charles Stinegraver, on Friday, the 30th day of January, 1852, and Horn and Gribben, on Friday, May 16th, 1884.

22. Lewis Oliver, 89 years of age, whose father, Allen Oliver, was one of the first pioneers in the County, and at whose house the Indians often called. It was there that Billy Dowdee, the tame Indian, traded a large buckskin for a pot of mush and milk for his hungry wife and children, who with himself ate-to perfect satisfaction.

13. Mrs. Kauffman, daughter of Leonard Croninger, one of the first settlers of Mifflin township, and wife of our venerable President, Daniel Kauffman. She is one of the excellent of the earth.

24. Mrs. Sarah Vail is 83 years of age, and daughter of James Copus, and the only surviving one of the family in this County, who a few days before met the writer and J. I. Dorland, builder of the monuments. When approaching the place,

' who with faltering steps, and weeping eyes, where the cherished dead of long ago were still sleeping*! said : "There drive your stake and I am satisfied."*!

Cullers and your Lambrights : the Petersons, the® Jones, the Vangilders, the Shambaughs, the Hos4® singers, the Wilsons, the Weiricks, the Kings, thelil Rices, the Gladdens, the Coulters, the Olivers andfp the Tannehills, who, if they have not subdued^ kingdoms and stopped the mouths of lions, haveli most certainly subdued the mighty forests andfi wrought righteousness; have made the wilderness!® and solitary place to bud and blossom as the rosejfjl and chased" the red man and the wild deer, thefB wolf and the bear, far, far away.

And now L come to speak ot him who had toiled® long to see a clear historic account made out, and® whose whole heart and soul was in the work, and® whose greatest earthly joy would have been to *,§- - have mingled in the exercises of the day at the uu® veiling of the monuments, on that most interesting® occasion ; the ever memorable day, the 15th of® September, 1882. But alas the poor man's eye is|jp too dim to see, and his palzied tongue too feeble toS utter a distinctive sound, and his physical strength® too week to perform such a task as this. Kever-J® the less long will his memory be cherished in thoji minds of the true pioneers. Soon will it be said of|8 him, umy brother fare thee well," Dr. Geo. Hill. ||

And another who had almost been forgotten,® Dr. J. P. Henderson, of Kewviile, Richland Co.,® Ohio. What shall I say of thee who was once of j tall and stately mien, but now bowed down with fage and care, and whose presence was with us|| perhaps for the last time, for he was past his threeJJ score years and ten. The Dr. was of classical ® mind, well versed in the history of his country, a great Antiquarian, having a very large collection of relics. Is a well read and practical physician ; was of a romantic turn of mind or else he would never have confined his labors, to as small a place as he selected. Has traveled more on horseback perhaps than any other man in his county, although he is 76 years of age. Was on harseback to the unveiling of the monuments. Many has been the time, and for many long years, has it been said of him, "there goes Dr. Henderson again on horseback, who is sick ?" By day and by night has he gone up and down your valleys, over your rugged steeps, and along and across your beautiful, and sometimes greatly swollen streams, to that of swimming his horse with many narrow escapes. All for what? To alleviate your aches and pains and soothe your sorrows by his presence. But soon will his manly form be seen no more. Soon will it be said of him, too, that he sleeps that sleep that knows no waking. And li.<:e the mighty hero of old, he sees not, he hears not. Not an earthly sound can awake him to glory again.

And last but not least, what shall I say of him who hath penned these thoughts ? A kind of second Johnny Appleseed, although not barefoot like he, yet almost always on foot ; not with a gulden chain about his neck, but carrying with him the golden elixir of life to soothe the aching head, and calm the palpitating heart ; has traveled up and down your valleys, along your beautiful streams, and over your rugged hills, lo, these many years. But it will soon be said of him, that slender form which we so frequently saw, recognized, and welcomed to our firesides, and who shared our hospitalities and greeted us with a friendly how- 7s

Resolution Of Thanks

A. J. Baughman, of Mansfield, introduced a resalution tendering the thanks of the people of Ash-- land and Richland Counties to Dr. Riddle, the organizer of the monument movement and the rest of the committee who had so faithfully and sue? cessfully carried into effect the resolution of the£ Ashland Pioneer Association to erect the Copus and Ruffner monuments. Adopted unanimously!

Recollections Of Pioneer Carter Of Ashland County, Burning Of Greextown Etc

The following was written by Dr. P. H. Clark of Ashland, from statements made by the late Daniel Carter, Esq., and kindly sent us (Ham | t brothers) for publication in Philip Seymour, but that book having already exceeded the number of pages we allotted to it, we are compelled, much to our regret, to omit it. We think Mr. Carter's recollections should be perserved and hence take the liberty of putting them into print. ,

Recollections or the unwritten history of the earlier pioneers of the territory of what is no v known as Ashland County, Ohio, by Daniel Carter, Esq., of Ashland, the oldest pioneer located on the Jerome Fork of the Mohecan during the war with (ireat Britain from 1812 to 1815.

There have been several attempts made to write a history of the earlier settlements in Richland and Ashland Counties. The pioneers first settled in the valleys of Clear Fork, Rocky Fork, Black Fork, Jerome Fork and Muddy Fork, which fro pa the bi<2T Mohecan. The best and most correct history with a hist or}7 of Richland County was written by Rev. James McGaw, but after giving an account of the Copus massacre appears to stop 4\ short, giving no further account of further depreda- H tions of the Indians on the Jerome Fork. A portion of them traced to the Black Swamp, | j: Maumee andfMalden, acting as spies and skirmish- v ing parties for the British. Knapp and Hill have also each written a history which comes far short of giving a full and correct account of events as they occurred during the war of 1812, 1813, 1814, in this section of the country. One great reason being that over half a century had passed away since their occurrance and hearsay ww* often taken in place of facts and was as second hand reports from those who attempt to give a history of events said to have transpired in the valley of the Jerome Fork. I thought that as I was the only surviving one of the pioneers of Jerome Fork, it would not be amiss to give a statement of events that occurred there. My father settled in the wilderness one mile north-east of where Ashland now is, on Feb. 12, 1812. I was then between nine and ten years ot age (being born May 23, 1802) just the age for such events as then occurred to make a deep and lasting impression on my memory. My father's place was six miles beyond the then frontier settler. That spring Benjamin Cuppy, Jacob Fry, Mrs. Sage and family, and Stephen Trickel moved into the neighborhood, all built cabins, cleared land, planted corn and potatoes and all went well for some time. The Indians were living at their villages, Jerometown and Greentown and came frequently to our house. Sometimes there were forty or fifty of them at a time, but they were always peaceable and friendly. Father and mother always tried to treat them kindly; fed them when they came hungry, lodged them as best they could, which had its effect when they made their raid on the frontiers. The British were trving to influence all the tribes of Indians to join them and fight the Americans. A chief of some tribe visited chief Pipe at Jerometown and Armstrong the chief of Greentown and used his best endeavors to persuade them to join the British in the war against America. The Indians agreed to call a council and decide on the course they would pursue. The council was held and they decided to remain neutral. I was sent to Odell's mill with a sack of corn and had to go through Jerometown as there was no other trail. When I returned in the evening they were holding their war dance. They wanted me to stay and see the performance. I hitched my horse and staid till the dance was over, then rode home a distance ot nine miles through the wilderness, arrived at home about two o'clock in the morning.

This chief visited all the States and Territories. Where he could get their consent to join the British he would give them a red stick in token of blood. Consequently he was known as the chief red-stick. This council at Jerometown was - held about the last of June 1812. Had there been no more done after they decided to take no part in the War. I am of the opinion that all would have been well. But after Hull's. surrender Aug. 16, 1812, the government thought best to remove them ; not so much for fear ot their making trouble, but to keep them from harboring unfriendly Indians.

When Capt. Douglas informed them that he came with orders to remove them they were much excited and would not consent to go. Captian Dougles called on Mr. Copus to go with him and use his influence to obtain then consent. Mr. Copus replied that he and the Indians were on friendly terms and they would not think it kind in him to persuade them to leave against their wills. But Dougles threatened to arrest him as a traitor if he refused. He consented on condition that their town and property should be respected. As they could not talk with them Mi*. Copus was prevailed upon to go as interpreter. He told them that it they would consent to go their property should be taken care of and that the officer had authorized him to say so, on the strength of this promise they reluctantly consented to go. They packed up what they could take with them and started. They had not gone more than two miles. From Mohawk hill looking back they saw their village on (ire, some of Douglas' soldiers having lingered behind and applied the fatal torch. *

They were greatly excited in viewing the smoky ruins of their village and property when they had the pledge of soldiers and friends that their property should be taken care of. It is not supposed that peace and good will revolved through their minds but on the contrary a determined revenge for the ill treatment they had received was then and there incited and harbored in their minds waiting for time and opportunity. They were removed immediately after Hull's surrender and taken to Urbana. They were not kept very long for they had asked the privilege of going to their friends at or near Sandusky, on the pledges that they were to remain peaceable and quiet they were permitted to go. On the 10th of Sept. 1812 a band of about 45 of them returned no doubt with the intention of avenging the wrongs done them, and at this time Martin Ruffner, Fredrick Zimmer, his wife and daughter Kate were inhuman] v murdered in cold blood. Five days after this, on the 15th

Note. - As to the precise day of their leaving and burning of their village, it has always been a matter of doubt, and speculation. McGaw says in the life of Philip Seymore, it was on a warm sultry day in August, Ur. Hi 1 1 says it was towards the latter part of August, Graham saj s in the History of Richland County that it was about two weeks before the killing of t lie Seymores (Zimmer) and Ruffner on the 10th of Sept.., and that is as near as any of them gives it, but the author of this work after spending considerable time and making extensive research, ascertained t lie following to be as nearly correct, if not precisely so as any thing that has ever been ascertained on that particular subject. A statement from the late Melzer Tannehill, to the author, as well as from the late Lewis Oliver, in which they both agree, say that it was about ten or eleven days after Hull's surrender (that being the 16th) would make it the 26th or 27th of Aug. Again they say it was just two weeks before the Ruffner Zimmer tragedy , which took place on Thursday the 10th of Sept., the Copus tragedy following on Tuesday the 15th . Now add the four remaining days of Aug. to the first ten days of Sept, and you have just 14 days or two weeks, so then we may safely say tlmt the removal of the Greentown Indians and the burning of their village took place on Thursday Aug. 27, 1812.

Immediately after the attack and repulse at the Copus place, they came over into the Jerome Fork valley and burned Robert Newell's house situated three and a half miles south-east of the present site of the village of Ashland. Previous to these Indian raids Captain Murray came with a company of soldiers to where Jeromeville now stands, as a guard to the frontier settlers and built a blockhouse. When we got the news of the Zimmer family murder, all excepting father's family fled to the block-house. In about five days after the Copus family were attacked the news reached Captain Murray, when he immediately dispatched thirty soldiers for our relief. The news came to Captain Murray the morning after the Copus murder. At the same time Absolom Newell volunteered to go on foot to give us notice to flee, but when he got in sight of his father's house in flames, he ran back to the block-house. Father had just got in with his horses from the woods. David Noggle mounted a horse, took his rifle and rode as fast as he could to give us notice to flee to the block-house Father and Noggle threw the harness on the horses and hitched to the wagon while mother and us boys threw some bedding in the wagon and tumbled in. Father xvith gun in hand mounted one of the horses and drove as fast as he could while Noggle on horseback rode ahead.

When the Indians were told that they had to leave they told father to remain right where he wras, that they would not harm him, that he had been their friend, and had always used them well. Their passing within eighty yards of the house when we were there on their revenging raid, shows that they had kept their pledge in faith. In about a week father with a guard of soldiers returned for the balance of our goods. I went along with them. We counted the tracks of 37 Indians who had passed through our corn field going in the direction of Guppy's which indicated a loss of eight killed and wounded at the Copus battle. They had passed before we left and before soldiers got there. The soldiers found Cuppy's house on fire and saw the Indians run out of the corn field into the woods and a little further up found Fry's house on fire. I have no doubt that had Newell, Cuppy and Fry been at home they would all have been murdered, as it was known that they had not treated the Indians well. Newell although a good neighbor would not allow the Indians around him, neither would he feed or harbor them, but drove them away when they came about his premises. Cuppy when the}r came hungry and asked for anything to eat, would order them away without giving them a bite. Fry although a preacher would not allow them around him.

After 2rettin£r the balance of his o^oods father concluded to go back to Canton ; £ot as far as Massillon and met William Rhodes, an old acquaintance, who invited him to come and stay with him as he had an empty house and could give us work to do so that we could earn ourselves a living, where we remained until about the 10th of February 1813. As there was no disturbance along the frontier we found our corn all standing in the field excepting what the turkeys had eaten. We then opened our sugar camp and commenced making sugar when the news came that the Indians had made their appearance at Col. Colyer's about four miles below the block- house. We had almost two kettles of syrup almost ready to sugar when we received the news to flee. We set the kettles off the fire, covered them and fled to the blockhouse about the 5th of March. Col. Colyer was living on the Muddy Fork of the Mohecan. Three Indians made their appearance at the door and asked for something to eat. Colyer that if they would give up their guns hawks to him that he would give them to eat. They handed him their guns hawks, when he set them back in the house where he could stand between them and their guns and told Mrs. Colyer to set on the table what meat and bread she had; calculating that when they got seated at the table that he would arrange to shoot two of them at one shot and kill the other with the breech of his gun. Mrs. Colyer was a wea k woman and was nearly scared to death, and when he raised his gun Mrs. Colyer screamed, fainted and fell to the floor. This alarmed the Indians; they sprang to their feet, held up their hands and 4 begged him not to shoot as they were friendly their way- to their friends Tuscarawas Valley. Colyrni and come around to the window, and if they § would promise to go off he would hand out their x \ guns and tomahawks and what they were to eat. f j Colyer then raised his wife and put her on the bed, f J then took out the flints from the guns threw out 1 1 the priming, plugged the vents and handed them '|J out together with their food and told them to leave and not be seen again around there or they would be killed. Colyer and his wife started to the eagle block-house as soon as the Indians were out of sight. Col. James Colyer was a stout, resolute man, who scarcely knew fear by that name unless the odds were too great.

All around and about the block-house took shelter. There were eight families in all who took shelter at the Jerome block-house. We were almost without food or raiment. There were about -15 acres belonging to Mr. Carr and Warner of Cleveland. We all joined in plowing, planting and working that to corn and potatoes. Some worked while others were posted as sentinels. In this way we. got some corn and potatoes and in the spring of 1814 we all left the block-house. Some of these families had sold their lands and began again in the woods.

As l had frequently seen Captain Pipe, chief of of the Jerometown Indians, perhaps it would not be amiss to give a short description of him. He was about six feet in height, straight and well proportioned, rather round features, slightly pale face with a grave countenance and to appearance was about fifty years of age and I should judge had perhaps one fourth white blood in his veins. I have often seen his adopted daughter Lilly. She was a white girl clad in Indian costume, and was 17 or 18 years of age in 1812. The story of getting and adopting her I quote from McGaw's his* tory. Captain Pipe and Black Hoof, "another chief" were riding: through the woods on the frontier, somewhere near Cleveland, Ohio, and saw two little girls who were evidently lost. They took them on their horses with the intention of returning them to their parents, but afterwards changed their minds and took them to their own homes and adopted them. Afterwards Lilly and - ^ Philip Zimmer were married and went to Texas. Captain Pipe had some money which he had buried. He told Johnny .Appleseed where it could be found, and after he was gone he should get it and give it to Lilly. He also told him that Lilly and

Philip Zimmer were going to be married and in-|i formed him who she was, that he was going to his people in the far west, and did not want them to know the facts until he was gone.

I have also seen Armstrong, the chief of the Greentown Indians, and think he had a mixture of white blood in him. I will give the location of those towns for the satisfaction of those who word; not here until the last traces of them were wiped! out.

Jerometown was situated 1| miles a little southwest from Jeromeville, on the state road from Wooster to Mansfield. Greentown was in the Black Fork Yalley about 5 miles south-east of! Petersburgh.

I saw Captain Lyon one of the Jerometown Indians shortly after the war was over. He knew me and asked if we had seen them when they | went up to burn Cuppy and Fry's houses. I answered no. He then asked if we had seen their tracks in the corn field ? I replied yes. He then - said, uwe saw you and would have gone to the | house and got something to eat but we were afraid : you would be frightened ; we did not wish to f scare you."

UI am of the opinion that if they had been well | treated and allowed to remain at their towns, we f should never have had any reason to have held our j picnic on the Copus Hill" or in erecting monu- i ments in remembrance and sympathy for our f murdered pioneers.

The meeting was called to order by the President, Daniel Kauffman, Esq., and opened by the singing by the Pioneer choir of the old time "Middletown" led by Mr. M. M. Desenburg, first by note then by words. Prayer was offered by Mr. William Seamans of Hayesville, who today at the age of 73 vears had walked from Hayesville to Ashland to attend this meeting, a distance of nine miles in one and a half hours. Minutes of the last annual meeting as well as the proceedings of the meeting at the unveiling of the monuments at the Copus hill were read and on motion adopted. This was followed b}' the singing by the pioneer choir of -'Primrose" after the singing the obituary report read at the last meeting was read and approved. The Secretary an a in called the attention of the Vice President of the differenttownships to their defined duties of rnakingfull and correct reports to the Historian of every death occurring in each of their respective townships. He also spoke of the great labor required of the Historian in obtaining full and accurate reports when this duty is neglected by those who are required by the Constitution to make such reports, and who can obtain them with little effort. At the request of the President Dr. S. Piddle read the programme for the proceedings to take place in the afternoon. After the choir sang "Pisgah" the meeting adjourned for dinner.

1. Obituary report for the past year ; 2. Memorial song; 3. Dr. Clark's address; 4. Music by the choir; 5. Exhibition of relics; 6. Peminiseenccs by Daniel Carter, Esq. ; 7. Election of officers for the ensuing year ; 8. Spinning on the little wheel ; 9, Thrashing with flails ; 10. A slow foot race.

when Dr. S. Kiddle Historian read the obituan report lor the past year, (see published report' after reading the report the choir sang old "China." Dr. P. H. Clark then delivered his address, whicl was the one delivered at the Copus hill meeting an< repeated today by special request. The Secretary was followed by Mr. Daniel Carter giving event following those of the Copus murder, but whicl were never published. After reading these reminiscences the choir sang "Liberty." On motion was resolved that the present officers be elected serve for the coming year. Motion unanimousb passed.

The following are the officers of the society President Daniel Kauffman of Mifflin. Vice Presidents. - Benjamin Cronmger of Mifflin, Alexanderi Kicc of Green, John Freshwater of Ilanover, ft John J. Wolf of Lake, John J. Winbigler ofg Mohecan, John P. Smalley of Perry, Thomas! Cole Jr., of Jackson, George C. McConnell oft Sullivan, John Smith of Troy. George Curry oi Kuggles, Arius Kumfieid of Clear Creek, Scottl Kelson of Milton, James Welch of Orange, David| Carter of Montgomery. Dr. P. IL Clark, Recording Secretary; Dr. S. Kiddle, Corresponding Sec4 retary and Historian; Dr. S Kiddle, Major Geo.f W. Urie and Rev. Dr. Robinson Obituary Com-f mittee ; Isaac Stull, Treasurer; Daniel Shop bell,'! William Brown, Matthias Boffenmire and Willard! Slocum, Finance committee.

Thomas Bushnell exhibited a rare specimen! supposed to have been a stone axe, but from the! art manifested in its construction, and its perfect! polish, there is no doubt about its having been! I made by the red man, or Indians, but ratherli belonging to the age ol, and used for some un-I . known purpose by the more ancient people general-! j ly known as Mound builders. The distinguishing marks of the work known to have been made by the Indians are lack of nicety of finish as well as lack of artistic skill in finish, while those works of art coming from a previous age represent a high degree of cultivated laste and practical skill in construction. Many such articles are beyond our appreciation, as far as any useful application can be made of them. It is universally conceded that the older denizens of' this country were a worshiping people being thus were the very opposite of the Indian, who worshiped nothing, but lived constantly in fear of spirit demons. Such Mound builder's relics may have been some emblems, others charms and still others, amulets. Symbols that can have no meaning to us. Dr. Kiddle presented for exhibition a pair of deer's horns intact, also a pair of immense wild Mexican ox horns. Mrs. Hannah Spicce exhibited an old English Bible, a United States spelling book, an introduction to the English readers, also a plate belonging to her grandmother ninety-six years ago the 3rd of July last, a cup and saucer given to her mother forty-six years ago, a plate bought by her sister of Mr. Cook of Savanna, in 1835 and a towel spun by herself forty7 four years ago. Isaac Wolf exhibited an old butcher knife that was carried through the war of 1812 also an old hoe, an Indian relic. Mr. A. Akins exhibited a pewter plate which has been in his family over a hundred years. Mr. James Fast exhibited several old books, one from the German being over two hundred years old. Major Geo. W. Urie presented for inspection written music and worked out sums of Arithmetic from single rule of three to cube root inclusive. This exhibition was followed by the pioneer choir singing old "Greenfield." On a call for short speeches Albert McFadden of Wooster, entertain- f ed with some well timed remarks. During his remarks he stated that when a child he was carried to a school taught by Andrew Mason, Esq. He$ closed his remarks by giving the Ashland County; Pioneer Society, one and all an invitation to meet with the Wayne County Pioneer Association.* Andrew Mason also made a tew remarks and told, stories of the past. A sap trough was provided to represent a buckeye cradle, and Mrs. Martiii Mason convinced the audience that it was possible to spin on the little wheel and rock the baby at the same time, and the baby enjoyed the fun as wel as the older fun seekers. Flails and material t(i! thrash were provided and many were surprised to * see three flails goin<r at once on a small bunch of 1 grain. Either as the result of accumulated years, f lack of practice or defective memory, it was notic-p| ed that uncle Jerry Fulkerson flung his flail the1 f wrong, way until admonished of the fact, when thj8;J movement was in perfect time. Even Mrs. M.: | Miller convinced the people that she knew how to A thrash. On motion of Mr. M. M. Dessenburg if** was resolved to form a pioneer club, for the pur- f pose of practicing on old time music. The meet-yf ing adjourned after singing the old "Ninety-fifth." |

The thanks of the society are due to Mr. Geo. Schneider lor presenting them with a goodly num ber of biscuits which on investigation proved that he was an adept in the baking business.

There was quite a full attendance, a beautiful day, a nice grove where the meeting was held, and ever}7 one seemed to feel pleased at the result of I the meeting. In order to more fully perfect the obituary report a short time will elapse before it ; can be published. It will be given by townships

Necrology Report Of 1883

Green Township. - Henry O'FIarra, (Vice President) born in Hagerstown, Maryland, April 6, 1820, came to Perrysville when 16 years of age, died Sept. 28, 1882, aged 62 years, 5 months and 8 days. Mrs. Nancy (McElvaine) Humphreys was born in Fayette county, Pa., Nov. 6, 1821, came to this county in 1826 at the age of 5 years, died May 16, 1883, aged 62 years. Armstrong C. Bryans, born at Carlisle, Cumberland county, Pa., Jan. 1, 1815, came to Jackson township Ashland county, in Nov. 1846, died at Perrysville, Feb. 1,

1883, aged 68 years and 29 days. Mrs. Phoebe Euller, born in Calestown, New Jersey, was married to Adam Euller Oct. 10, 1839, died Feb. 2, 1883, aged 61 years, 3 months and 20 days. Joseph Jones was born May 13, 1807, came to the valley of the Black Fork in 1813, was at the unveiling- of the Copus monument Sept. 15, 1882 and died May 13, 1883, aged, 76 years.

Lake Township. - John Norris was born in Huntingdon, county, Pa., Jan. 25, 1807, came to Ashland count}7 in 1823, and died of paralysis Oct. 29, 1882, aged 75 years. Hezekiah Morris was born in Muncy, Lycuning county, Pa. in 1799, 8s \

Mohecan Township. - Elizabeth Harpster, born! in 1805 and died April 11, 1883, aged 76 years, 11 months and 4 days. Daniel Walker, born in Lan* caster county, Pa., when a youth came to Wayne county, O., and soon after his marriage to a Miss Swigart removed to Ashland county, and died nearj Jeromeville March 19, 1883, aged 65 years, 8 months and 2 days. Samuel _Zmmerman, died at Lakefork March 22, 1882, aged 86 years. 6 months anc} 29 days.

Vermillion Township. - Mrs. Margaret SchucH whose maiden name was Smith and wife of Philip Sehuek was born in Buckenheim, Germany, July' 15, 1810, came to America in 1837 and settled in Ashland county where she remained till the time of her death which took place May 29, 1883, age< 72 years, 10 months and 17 daves. Mr. Schucfcp died 4 years ago. John Boyd, born in Westmoreland county, Pa., April 4, 1802, married Miss Rebecca Karns of Allegheny county, Pa., Oct. 11, 1831, removed to Ashland county Jan. 1, 18321 (then Richland county) and died May 4, 1883, aged 81 years and 1 month. Joseph Hill, born in Vermont, Sept. 25, 1802, moved to Ohio in 1811,; settled on the Carey farm in Green township. He first married Sally White, second Sally Taylor^ third Mary Ann Naylor, fourth - -fifth and lastly to the widow flatten. He was not the father of any children. He died in Hayesville May 1, 1883, aged 80 years and 7 months Mrs. Iletta Liston, born in Pa., in 1799 and died at Hayesville in April 1883, aged 84 years. Mrs. Sarah McCready (Carter) was born Oct. 12, 1816, was the second child born in Montgomery township, her brother David Carter being the first, was married to John Mc-;

Cready when 16 years of age and lived in Vermilion township till the time of her death, which took place June 22, 1883, aged 66 years, 8 months and 10 days.

Perry Township. - Elizabeth Games, wife of Jacob Games, born in Berks county. Pa. , Jan. 1, 1816, died May 17, 1883, aged 67 years, 3 months and 23 days. Andrew J ackson, born in Mohecau township (then Wayne county) Feb. 28, 1825, died April 24, 1883, aged 58 years, 1 month and 26 days. Mrs. Ferena Depler was bom in Deggerfelden. Canton, Aragan, Switzerland, June 7,1802, was married to John Jacob Depler Dec. 5, 1820, died at Bowsburg in the spring of 1883, aged 80 years, 3 months and 6 da vs. Thomas Da vault was born in Jackson township, Dec. 16, 1828 and died Dec 4, 1882, aged 54 years, 11 months and 12 days. Was a resident of Perry township since a small boy. Solomon Stem was born in Pa., March 16, 1800, came to this county in 1837 and died in Perry township Sept. 24, 1882, aged 82 years, 6 months and 8 days.

Orange Township. - Wesley Bichards was born in London county, West Virginia, Aug. 9, 1793, came to Orange township in an early day and died Sept. 12, 1882, aged 89 years, 1 month and 3 days. Mrs. Mary Pickett, born in West Bethlehem township Washington county. Pa., Dec. 21, 1796, came to Orange township in 1822 and died in the winter of 1883, aged 85 years, 11 months and 11 days. She was the mother of 15 children, had 45 grand children and 61 great grand children. Valentine Vance, born in Lancaster county. Pa., Dec. 18, 1797 and in 1814. came with his father to Canton, Ohio, thence to Richland county near Mansfield, thence to Orange township where he died Xov. 20, 1882, aged 84 years, 11 months and 11 days. Mrs.

Margaret Heiffner wife of John Heiffner, and daughter of Lud wic Cline was born in Montgomery township March 23, 1818, was married to John Heiffner J uly 7, 1835 and died in Orange township Dec. 15, 1882, aged 66 years 8 months and 22 - days. John Richey was born in Virginia in 1801, in 1804 came with his parents to Columbiana county, Ohio, and in 1833 came to Orange ship where he died Feb, 23, 1883, aged 82 township March 25, 1883, aged 73 years and 3 months, Mrs. Mary Donley, born in America, her parents came from Ireland in 1776. She lived to be about 104 years old and died in Ashland on Sunday Oct. 1, 1882 and was buried at Orange.

Erastus A. Stem, born in Westmoreland Co., Pa., Sept. 30, 1817. Moved with his parents when a small boy to Indiana, and thence, sixteen years after, to Ashland Co. Married Jane Freeborn in 1814 died Nov. 20, 1882, aged 65 years.

6. Mattie McGrath,, her maiden name was Sprott, born July 15th, 1810. When a small girl came to Ashland County with her parents. Married first in 1836 to John Pollock, who died in 1855. Married again in 1857 to Wm. McGrath ; died January 5th, 1883, aged 72 years.

7. George Coutts, born Jn Parish of Alford Aberdeenshire, Scotland, March 30th, 1826, came to this County in 1834, died January 28th, 1883, aged 58 years and 11 months.

Milton Township. - 1. Mrs. Jane Hunter, McCrelins, was born in Ireland, April 2nd, 1800, came to America at the age of 3 years, removed from Westmoreland County, Pa., to Vermillion Township, in

2. Joseph Charles, born in Lancaster County, Pa., April 16th, 1799, came to Ohio in 1826, and settled on the Black Fork, near where the Hershey Mill stands; died in Milton township, March 18th, 1883, aged 83 years and 11 months.

Montgomey Township. - 1. Joshua Ford was born in Jefferson Count}7, Ohio, April 4th, i805. Married Elizabeth Hammond, Dec., 1828, came to Richland County in 1829, and to Montgomery township in 1865, died Friday, June 1st, 1883, aged 78 years, 1 month and 27 days; was one of the first members of the Ashland County Pioneer Society.

2. Jacob Crall was born m Dauphin County, Pa., in 1811, came to Ashland in 1835, and died Saturday evening, January 13th, 1883, aged 71 years and 28 days.

ty, Pa., October 4th, 1801, came to Ashland, (then Uniontown) in the spring of 1815, died October 4th, 1882, aged 71 years, to the very day.

4. Elizabeth Martin, born at Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio, Dec. 7th, 1815, came to Ashland (then Uniontown,) with her parents. Mr. and Mrs Joseph Sheets, in 1817, died Oct. 30th. 1882, aged G6 years, 10 months and 23 days.

5. Jacob Frees was born in Uniontown, Fayette County, Pa., November 22nd, 1808, came to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1822, to Ashland County in 1864, and died in Ashland March 12, 1883, aged 74 years, 3 months and 20 days.

6. James McCrea, born in Northampton County, Pa., came to Ashland County in May, 1849, died May 6th, 1883, aged 80 years, 9 months and 22 days.

.7. Mis. Mary Swineford, whose maiden name was Young, was born in Washington County, Pa., June 27th, 1803, came to Orange Township in 1814, and died in Ashland, April 21st, 1883, aged 79 years, 9 months and 24 days.

8. Andrew Proudfert was born in York County, Pa., May 26th, 1809, came with his parents to Ohio in 1811. They settled first in Fairfield County, and about the year 1817 removed to Montgomery township, then Richland County, now Ashland, where he remained until the time of his death, which was very sudden, and occurred at 10 o'clock a. m , February 12th, 1883, aged 73 years, 8 months and 16 days.

11. Judge John Taylor was born in Bradford County, Pa., April 19th, 1815, and came with his father to Richland, now Ashland County, about the year 1832, and died in Ashland on Sunday morning, October 1st, 1882, aged 67 years, 5 month and 12 days.

12. Thomas Smith was born in Washington County, Pa., March 22nd, 1811; Married Miss Mary McCready, December 28th, 1831 ; left Pennsylvania March 22nd, 1832, moved in wagons and were 7 days coming ; arrived at his cabin in the South part of Montgomery township, where he lived ever since, except the last three years, he has resided in town. ITe died very suddenly on Saturday morning, December 23, 1882, aged 71 years, 8 months and 1 day.

Our Pioneers

A large gathering of people at the Court IIousp attending the tenth Annual Meeting of the Ashland County Pioneer Association in the Court House Grove.

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 picnic dinner was had in the Court House grove. In the afternoon the Court House was filled to repletion and many were compelled to leave for want ol scats. Promptly at 10 : 30 a. m., the meeting was called 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 an-i liual 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 last year's meeting, and which was reported by Dr. S. Riddle, Historian and Chairman of the Obituary Committee, | The report was amended by Thomas Bushnell of Hayesville, so as to include the name of David 1 Fox, who was born in the city of Worms, Ger-j many, and who died in Hayesville in September,^ 1882, aged about G5 years. His wife was Matilda Watson. Dr. Riddle then read some extracts froi the Centennial address delivered by the Hon. Tsaacjl Smucker, of Newark, Ohio. On motion the meetl ing was adjourned to the Court House grove for a j basket dinner. Meeting assembled promptly at half-past one P. M., and was opened by an old pioneer song b}' M. M. Dessenburg. The obituary report of those who had died since our last annual 1 meeting was made by the chairman, Dr. S. Riddle, j of the Obituary Committee. By desire, the Sec re- ] tary gave a brief outline, of the formation at different periods, of a iargc specimen of conglomerate j rock exhibited, its comparative position among the rocks, as well as its position in time and space.H The numerous specimens of Indian relics, Mound Builders' emblems, obtained from mounds and else-r; where, and numerous relics from the age of pioneers belonging to the Society, were spread on the: tables for the inspection of those who desired to observe them. 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 then) 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 testify to their special uses. But an immense variety of relics are found in mounds and ploughed up in fields 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. From 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 tlie Ganoid fishes of the Upper j 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 mauso-S leu ms. So with the strong, artistic stone construe-;' tions for which we can conceive no costly use, yet furnished and polished by the highest artistic skill, which are found around us everywhere. The preservation of such relics is of immense importance in an archaeological point of view, for they becomethe 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 im- i portance that they should be preserved, and the j Society will be thankful to all donors who will pre- ; sent 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 1 or three Indian arrows or a stone hatchet and ex-' pect to obtain fabulous prices for them, may know that our Society lias 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 care- j fully 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 sundned 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, ]ST. Y., in 1758, and which passed through the Revolutionary war, also a valuable Mound Builders' emblem. Mr. 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 Hayesvllle, 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 1823 frosts destroyed all the corn, but it resprouted and produced quite a crop. Andrew Mason gave an account of the hardships of the early pioneers. "In May, 70 years ago, father and

1 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

02 years ago, and that his father moved here 04 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,

Sparks Bird, Sr., of Lake, J. J. Winbigler, of Mo. 1 hecan, 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 Milton, Aries Rumfield, of Clear Creek, Wm. | Alberson, of Orange, and David Carter, of Montgomery Township. Executive Committee. - Mat- ,| thias JBoffenmyre, Daniel Shopbell, Wm. Brown, S. ? Riddle, and Geo. W. Urie. Recording Secretary, : j Dr. P. H. Clark. Corresponding Secretary and:';| Historian, Dr. S. Riddle. Treasurer, Isaac Stull. |

Obituary Committee

Dr. S. Riddle, Maj. G. W. Urie and M. M. Desen- % burg. After the election of officers the meeting ad* f journed subject to the call of the executive com- | mittee. All the Vice Presidents of the different; | townships sent in their official reports of deaths in their respective townships, except Hanover, 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.

Necrology Report For 1881

Mifflin Township. - Robinson Keffer was born ; in Dauphin County, Pa., Nov. 12th, 1801, came to Petersburg in April, 1831, and died October 10th, 1883, aged 78 years, 10 months and 28 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 jears, 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 Loudon and Paulina / Priest and one of a family of fifteen children.