Clinton Township (part 15 of 18)

"technically correct" in the 33d of the Rite Anciens, I am sorry to confess altho' many years ago I was tolerably au fait at them, yet when I inform you that I am nearly seventy years of age, and that it is thirty years since I occupied the chair of a lodge, chapter, or consistory, you will not wonder that much of the technical lectures has escaped my recollection. It is probable that with some trouble I might succeed in recovering a considerable portion of them, but other pursuits will scarcely leave me sufficient leisure for the purpose.

Besides even in symbolic masonry our lodges are not uniform in their system of lecturing. It is true our Grand Lodge imposed a series of lecturing at the great reunion in 1813, but they are not in general use, nor do I see how they can be, for some portion of them are scarcely orthodox. Many lodges, therefore, prefer the old formula which was introduced by Brother Preston about the latter end of the last century - in fact our lodges not only differ in working but also in recognition.

In Scotland the system varies considerably from ours. They have no rough or perfect ashler - nor any allusion to the Masonic Ladder, or to Faith, Hope, and Charity. They have no deacons, and their mode of opening and closing a lodge is different.

- In like manner the Irish lectures offer many varieties, and with respect to the higher degrees the discrepancies are still more multifarious. To name only a single instance. The degree called "Kadosh" assumes many anomalous forms. As originally constituted at Lyons in 1763, it was for overturning both civic and ecclesiastical government, at least so I am informed, for I have not seen a copy of the Petit Elu, as it was first called. It was afterwards converted by the Jesuitical Chapter, or College of Clermont, into a degree, where the candidate was taught to imprecate vengeance on all the opponents of the Templars. This was the original degree of Kadosh in the Rite Anciens; but for many years in France Kadosh has been changed into a philosophical and very stupid degree, with nothing of the old Kadosh but the secrets. The Kadosh of Baron Hunde is the same as was practised in London before 1782, which I suspect is the ladder of seven steps alluded to in the certificate formerly given to Knights Templar by the Grand Conclave of England.

In the College of La Rouge there is a Philosophical Kadosh, or Grand Elu Chevalier de L'Aigle blanee et noir, and another in that of Peyroc. The twenty-seventh degree of Misraim is called Kadosh Prince de la Mort. Sometimes Kadosh is given as a separate order, and then it is composed of three steps or degrees : 1. Illustrious Knight of the Temple. 2. Knight of the Black Eagle. 3. Grand Elected. The Kadosh in Holland is totally different, and is rather a religious degree. It consists of three steps, the last being honorary and without secret. This is traditionally said to have been carried to the Cape of Good Hope by a Scotchman, and brought from thence to Amsterdam.

Under these circumstances I am afraid you will find great difficulty in rendering the various lectures in every system of Freemasonry to any degree of uniformity, nor are you likely to succeed in finding any person who will be able to devote sufficient time and attention to the task of collating all the various modes of working, so as to form one consistent and uniform course of lectures which may invest Freemasonry with the dignity of a progressive science. 1 think there is not a man in England at the present time who would be both able and willing to accomplish this great undertaking satisfactorily.

Indeed we look to you (Americans) as our authority for the working of the thirty-three degrees of the Rite Anciens, and accepted as our Supreme Council derives its existence from the United States, altho' I received and conferred the degrees many years ago, and del vered a series of lectures upon them, which differ essentially from those now in use. If, however, 1 can be of any assistance to you on particular points I shall be most happy.

The following Companions were the officers of the M. E. Grand Chapter: C. F. Kieffer, Grand High Priest; Reuben C. Lemon, Deputy Grand High Priest; I. P. Hovey, G. King; James W. Underhill, G. Scribe; James Nesbitt, Grand Secretarj'.

The first officers of Sidney Chapter, No. 130, were, Eli B. Honnell, High Priest; John G. Stephenson, King; Thomas A. Dutton, Scribe. The charter members were, Companions John G. Stephenson, Thomas Dutton, J. R. Kendall, B. C. Epler, Jos. Wykes, W. H. Mitchell, Richard D. Bell, S. Verdier, and Alexander Green.

since that time not only maintained its organization, but also gave evidence of continued prosperity and usefulness. The initial steps of its establishment will appear by the following entry, taken from the lodge records : -

I. Kell}', of Piqua Lodge No. 8, was duly appointed with full powers to carry said charter into effect. Accordingly', a number of brothers from Springfield, Troy, and Piqua Lodges met the petitioners at the Masonic Hall for the purpose of instituting Sidney Lodge, No. 60. Bro. I. M. Kills, of Springfield Lodge, was called to the Noble Grand's chair; Bro. Webb, of Piqua Lodge, was appointed treasurer; Bro. Tullis, of Troy Lodge, secretary ; Bro. Marlay, of Troy Lodge, guardian ; and Bro. Powers, of Troy Lodge, marshal.

The Lodge then proceeded to initiate and elect the necessary officers, which resulted as follows: Noble Grand, Jonathan Hailman; Vice Grand, W. M. Ross; Secretary, A. G. Wilder; Treasurer, T. M. Carey. Bros. T. M. Carey and O. Pretzman applied for the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth degrees, which were granted and dispensation issued for the conferring the same forthwith. The Lodge then adjourned till after the meeting of the Degree ,Lodge. After the above degrees were conferred the body again organized. The officers were then regularly installed into office by special deputy P. G. Kelly.

The following petitions were then received and referred to Brothers Rodgers, Carey, and Ross, with instructions to report forthwith : Samuel Hutton, occupation, saddler; residence, Sidney : H. A. Stevens, occupation, boatman; res. Sidney: Samuel Lamb, occupation, clerk; res. Sidney: B. McClain, occupation, saddler ; res. Sidney: Titos. Blake, occupation, carpenter; res. Sidney: D. Bulle, occupation, portrait painter ; res. Sidney : B. W. Carey, occupation, merchant ; res. Sidney : H. S. Conklin, occupation, physician ; res. Sidney: James Irwin, occupation, cabinetmaker; res. Sidney: W. B. Brown, occupation, saddler; res. Sidney : J. Fracker, occupation, saddler ; res. Sidney : F. A. Hardy, occupation, cooper; re9. Sidney: A. Coon, occupation, tailor; res. Sidney: T. C. McQuilty, occupation, merchant ; res. Hardin.

The committee on above petitions reported favorably in each case. The report was accepted, the committee discharged, and candidates balloted for separately. Dispensations were then granted by special deputy Kelly for the initiation of the above candidates, and all, with the exception of James Irwin, were then introduced and regularly initiated into the mysteries of Odd Fellowship.

Brother A. G. Wilder tendered his resignation as secretary, which was accepted, and Bro. E. Pretzman was nominated, elected, and regularly installed in the office of secretary.

Pursuant to adjournment, the Lodge met and organized. On motion, the following orders were issued to pay bills : To It. F. Cole, for painting, $5 ; to J. Keely, $5.80; to J. Keely, for M $8.50; to R. Rodgers, for hat, $3.50; to R. Rodgers, for stationery, 20 cents; to Mrs. Carr, for regalia, $2 ; to Mrs. Oglesby, far regalia, 75 cents.

Brother Blake was appointed to procure a plan of Piqua Lodge-room and furnish Mr. Updegraff with the same. Brother Bulle was appointed to paste the songs of the Lodge on cards. Brothers Conklin and T. M. Carey were appointed to procure a seal for the use of the Lodge.

A. J. Edwards, Jacob Praeker, D. W. Stockstill, W. W. Skillen, S. Alex. Leckej', John Sinks, George W. Metzker, George Kraft, A. J. Rebstoek,

The Lodge now embraces one hundred and twenty-nine members, and is in a prosperous condition. The lodge-room is well adapted to its uses, and is well and tastefully furnished. The Lodge meets on Tuesday evening of each week.

R. W. G. Sec., J. Greswold, specially deputized by the M. W. G. Patriarch, being present, proceeded to the initiation of Osceola Encampment No. 63, and declared the same duly instituted.

The following is the list of officers elected and installed : J. E. Bailey, Chief Patriarch; David Bulle, High Priest; Wm. Snevely, Senior Warden ;

The Grand Patriarch granted a dispensation to receive the proposition of the following brethren: J. L. Roberts, Joseph Conner,'!'. M. Phillips, and J. Haise, who were then introduced and initiated into the order.

This society consists of an active membership of seventy-eight, and is in a good working and prosperous condition. Regular meetings are held on the first and third Fridays of each month.

A Temple of this order was instituted in Sidney on May 18, 1882, by Deputy Supreme Oracle, II, M. Innis, of Columbus, Ohio, assisted by L. W. Sherwood, Oracle of Ohio Temple No. 1., P. C., with the following patriarchs as charter members: D. L. Bush, A. J. Robertson, J. S. Laughlin, Levi Ewing, Frank Fruchey, J. Newton Nutt, C. E. Bush, G.

The appointed officers for the same term were as follows: A. S. Lanpher, First Aid ; J. G. McCune, Second Aid ; B. W. Joslin, Guard ; Frank Fruchey, Sentinel ; G. W. Hendershott, Chaplin.

Representatives to the Supreme Temple have been elected as follows: For the year 1882 Hudson Gartley, and for the year 1883, G. E. Allinger.

The Temple has gained membership slowly but cautiously, until the present time, June, 1883, when the roll shows a membership of forty-one live, working members. Regular meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursday evenings of each month.

This Temple, together with Miami Temple No. 2, of Piqua, and Golden Temple No. 13, of Troy, were united in an organization known as Ohio Battalion No. 1, P. C., in August, 1882, with the following Battalion officers: J. S. Laughlin, Colonel; J. R. George, Lieutenant-Colonel; Franklin Ellis, Major, and Hudson Gartley, Adjutant.

Summit Lodge No. 50, of Knights of Pythias, was organized April 25, 1873. The charter was granted by the Grand Lodge, March 13, 1873. The charter members were: Tobe Weinstein, 0. O. Mathers, H. H. Sprague, S. A. Leckey, Robt. Given, H. Wagner, M.D., A. J. Rob-- ertson, Daniel Toy, B. F. Martin, J. A. Stipp, II. Guthrie, W. H. Goode, C. R. Joslin, and W. W. Robertson.

The lodge met for organization in the Odd Fellows' Hall. Grand Chancellor, A. O. Emerson, presided at the first meeting, initiated and passed the charter members through the several degrees.

In the spring of 1883 the trustees of the lodge remodelled their hall, papered and painted it, and have made it one of the most pleasant and beautiful halls in the town. There is a membership of over fifty.

C. E. Fielding, C. R. Joslin, Sami. Silvers, W. A. Nutt, Wm. M. Van Fossen, J. E. Wilkinson, G. S. Harter, J. S. Laughlin, II. S. Ailes, Thomas Wright, II. B. Neal, W. II. Taylor, R. Smeltzer, J. A. Montrose, J. C. Hainse, H. Stahl, W. A. Skillen, Dr. A. Wilson, H. Wilson, and P. B. Birch.

This monument to the fallen soldiers of the late civil war is worthy of a proud and grateful people. It is also a worthy tribute to the men who kept their country's flag above them whether they stood in life or lay in death. It was in 1865, just at the close of the war, that a town meeting was held in Sidney to consider the proposition of erecting a suitable monument in memory of the martyr dead of Shelby County. Various speakers advanced various ideas, and numerous plans were suggested, but the meeting dissolved without taking any definite action. Here the matter rested for a time, but finally Messrs. C. W. Vandegrift, F. B Carey, and C. W. Frazier organized as a private association under the firm style of Carey, Vandegrift & Co., for the purpose of conducting a lottery, the proceeds of which should be devoted to the praiseworthy object of erecting a suitable monument to the deceased soldiers of the county. Before definite steps were taken Mr. Frazier withdrew, and J. R. Fry became his successor in the association. A lottery was soon after established, with real and personal property as a basis, and the price of tickets fixed at one dollar each, thus enabling every citizen to assist the laudable enterprise. It was resolved to raise sixty thousand dollars, and after the publication of a prize list, the sale of tickets was commenced. When $40,000 had been realized from these sales, $30,000 was invested in real and personal property, which was judiciously divided into prizes, according to the original plan. When the sale of tickets was exhausted the lottery was drawn, the prizes distributed, and Messrs. Carey, Vandegrift & Frazier appeared before the City Council and delivered to that body the proceeds of the lottery, amounting to $11,473.97. This ended the responsibilities of Messrs. Vandegrift, Carey & Frazier; but their efforts received, as they deserved, the grateful encomiums of a whole community.

On the 2d of May, 1871, the General Assembly of Ohio passed an act providing for the appointment of trustees and the disposition of moneys or other property held in trust for the erection of soldiers' monuments. This act provided for the appointment of trustees by the Court of Common Pleas, who should give bond for the faithful discharge of the duties of the office: that such board of trustees should not exceed seven members, each of whom should be a resident of the county in which a monument was to be erected : that the board, or a majority' thereof, should determine whether to erect a monument or a monumental building: that permanent tablets should be provided, on which should be inscribed the name of each soldier who lost his life in the service of his country': that vacancies in the board should be filled by the Court of Common Pleas: that all monuments or monumental buildings should be forever free from taxation.

On the 27th of May r , 1871, W. P. Stowell, Esq., presented a petition to the Court of Common Pleas, asking that the funds held by J. F. Frazier, George Vogle, and J. II. Fry', being the proceeds of the lottery, be placed in the hands of trustees under the act of May 2, 1871. Messrs. Frazier & Vogle appeared in court, waived service, and on June 12th the Court determined, after due examination, that there were in the hands of said persons money, property, and assets to the value of $11,473.97, the same being a fund set apart for the erection of a soldiers' monument. The Court thereupon appointed a Board of Trustees, consisting of Levi C. Barkdull, Nathan R. Wyman, II. S. Gillespie, Daniel Staley, Hugh Thompson, Joseph C. Haines, and R. R. Lytle. . The Court further directed the original trustees, Messrs. Frazier, Vogle, and Fry, to bring said amount of $11,473.97 into court on the 17th of June inst. This order was complied with, the new trustees gave approved bonds, and received the property' in trust with instructions to loan the same in good and sufficient security. The trustees met on the same date and organized by electing Hugh Thompson, President; N. R. Wyman, Secretary; and Hugh Thompson, N. R. Wyman, and L. C. Barkdull, Executive Committee.

On May' 27, 1873, the trustees purchased the corner lot, known as the Ackerly corner, and being the south half of the lot on corner of Court and Ohio streets, Sidney. The consideration was $4500 and possession until the 1st of April, 1874.

On February 15, 1874, A. J. Robertson and Col. Harrison Wilson were appointed members of the Board of Trustees vice R. R. Lytle and H. S. Gillespie, who became non-residents. The property was then rented to John Mather for one year at $50 per annum.

In the autumn of 1874 Mr. Robertson suggested the idea of requesting an additional legislative act to authorize the town and township to raise a joint fund which, with the amount already in the hands of the trustees, should Ire applied to the erection of a monumental building. This action was approved by the legislature, and the people were authorized to hold an election to determine whether the town and township should contribute to the project. Under this provision the corporation of Sidney and Clinton Township each voted $13,000, and issued bonds for said amount.

On March 21, 1875, the Board had resolved to erect a monumental building if sufficient aid could be obtained from Sidney and Clinton Township to make an aggregate fund of $40,000, and as noted above, said fund was raised by taxation.

On May 30, 1875, Hugh Thompson and Col. II. Wilson were appointed to take proper measures to have another amount of $12,000 voted by- Sidney and Clinton Township, or a tax of $6000 each. This was done March 15, 1876, the same having been changed to $7500 each, or an aggregate of $15,000.

On the 14th of April the trustees rented a room for office uses in the residence of Hugh Thompson, and authorized A. J. Robertson to act for the Board in arranging terms with the town and township as to the rights and privileges of each concerning the proposed building. Levi C. Barkdull, Harrison Wilson, and N. R. Wyman were appointed a committee on plan of building, subject to the approval of the full board. Hugh Thompson and L. C. Barkdull were authorized to dispose of the building which occupied the lot already- purchased. The trustees, town council, and township trustees elected represen tatives to report plans and confer in joint session. A. J. Robertson was chosen by the building trustees, Samuel McCune by the town council, and John Wagner by the township officers, as representatives of the three bodies concerned. Plans were received, and, after a full examination by the joint bodies, the plans submitted by Samuel Lane of Cleveland were adopted, and on May 10, 1875, a committee on contracts was appointed, consisting of A. J. Robertson, L. C. Barkdull, and N. R Wyman, their action to be subject to the approval of the whole Board. A J. Robertson was appointed to superintend the construction of the building.

Description and Contracts. - The size of the building is 165 feet on Court Street and 44 feet on Ohio Street; three stories high, with basement in front 35 by 41 feet, and a cellar under the whole building, which is so arranged as to be converted into rooms if any necessity of this character should arise.

The brickwork was let to W. W. Robertson for $9259.82. The cellar wall to Jacob Hopler for $954.26. Cut stonework to Thomas Jones for $9650. Additional work to Thomas Jones for $473. Woodwork to Mr. McCoy for $11,500. Painting and glazing to F. Gierman for $2963. Galvanized iron, tin, and slating to W. M. -Service & Co. for $1915. Plastering to Fullers & Pecks for $6508. Iron columns to Manning & Son for $2887-29. Gas fitting to P. Smith & Bro. for $225. Frescoing and scene painting to E. F. Harvey for $1200. Steam heater to Brooks, Leight & Co. for $3397. Stage carpenter work to F. Fowler for $430. Cost of stone for cellar and area walls for $1479.85.

Laying the Corner-stone - The following order of exercises was observed on Thursday, June 24, 1875, being the occasion of the laying of the corner-stone of Monumental Building. Prayer, by Rev. T. C. Reade, after which the square, level, and plumb were masonically applied to the corner-stone, and the corn, wine, and oil sprinkled upon it; whereupon the Grand, Master struck the corner with his gavel, and the whole ceremonies were masonically explained. A box was then deposited in the corner-stone, containing the following-named articles: Programme of the day; list of discharged soldiers of Shelby County; list of officers and members of Company M, 1st Ohio Light Artillery of Shelby County-; copy of Shelby County Democrat of June 24, 1875; copies of Sidney Journal of April 21, 1865, and June 18, 1875; list of Summit Lodge, No. 50 K. of P. ; A $500 monumental bond of the village of Sidney, of issue of June 14, 1875; Wide-awake badge of J. C. Jacobs, Lieut.-Coionel of the 24th New York Cavalry; list of Silver Star Cornet Band; copy of Cincinnati Gazette . , Commercial, and Enquirer of June 24, 1875; charter of Orange Lodge, No. 152, and names of charter members; name of the former owner of the building site, George Ackerly; names of survivors of the Mexican War, A. J. Robertson, George Ackerly, Amos Woaley', and W. H. Howell; names of building committee, A. J. Robertson, N. R. Wyman, and L. C. Barkdull; name of architect, Samuel Lane, associate member of American Institute of Architects.

It may here be observed that after this part of the ceremony, Sergt. W. M. Tan Fossen, who in the procession was color-bearer of the 99th Regiment, veiled the corner-stone with the flag, saying, " Done in memory of the fallen heroes of Shelby County, in the State of Ohio and town of Sidney, June 24, in the year of our Lord 1875."

On April 14, 1877, the trustees were authorized to issue bonds for the completion of the building, and H. Thompson and J. G. Stephenson were appointed to procure printed bonds. Messrs. Haines and Stephenson were instructed to collect $670 from Sidney and $100 from Clinton Township, to be applied to the payment for heating apparatus.

On the 4th of May the trustees submitted a report to the Court of Common Pleas. Moneys received consisted of real estate, notes, <fec., amounting to $59,538.32. Disbursements, $58,289.08. Balance on hand, $1249.24.

On February 1, 1879, the trustees met to consider a proposition to receive the books and other property from the Library Association Trustees, and on February' 10th the proposition was accepted on the following conditions: That the library be free to the clergy, their wives and minor children; to soldiers and sailors of the civil war and their wives and minor children; to the widows and mothers of such soldiers or sailors who may have died in the service ; to all others upon such terms as the trustees may prescribe; the whole institution to be governed by such rules and regulations as the board may- adopt. The Monumental Association, by the Board of Trustees, bound the corpora-

Uses of the Building . - The front basement is occupied by the Sidney Wheel Club; the first floor on Ohio Street is occupied as two storerooms, one of which is 112 by 19 feet, and the other 75 by 19 feet. These have entrances on Ohio Street, as have also the library and hall, while the storeroom occupying the ground corner has also au entrance on Court Street. Next this is an entrance to the hall and second story. Adjoining the Court Street entrance is the room formerly occupied as the post-office, being 18 by 43 feet. West of this room is the engineroom of the fire department, this being 44 feet square, while One corner room, 18 feet square, is occupied as a polling-room.

Oh the second floor is Library Hall, 42 by 75 feet, with a librarian's office and museum, 35 by 18 feet. In Library Hall are preserved the marble tablets upon which are inscribed the names of the illustrious patriots who died that the nation might live. Its splendid alcoves, arches, and decorations make it a fit place to enshrine the names of a county's dead.

On the third floor is the Opera Hall, 42 by 126 feet, complete in ornament, scenery, and furniture, and capable of seating seven hundred and fifty people. West of this, on the same floor, is the Town Hall, 40 by 33 feet, which is used for public meetings of every character.

Present Board of Trustees: Hugh Thompson, President; A. J. Robertson, Col. Harrison Wilson, J. C. Haines, Daniel Staley, N. R. Burress, C. W. McKee.

Republics are not always ungrateful, as shown by such magnificent tributes of love to those who went down in death beneath the old flag we love so well. These buildings are more than mere monuments, for they tell the history of that struggle which ensued when the arbitrament of logic gave place to the arbitrament of the sword, and the nation's life was suspended in the scales of war. It was when this shock of war burst upon our land, that these men, whom the nation delights to honor, threw down the implements and ornaments of peace to grasp and wield the weapons and agencies of war. It was at that period when the nation was paralyzed, industry prostrated, plows and spindles idle, and men gazed bewilderingly into each other's faces, fearing to hear the worst, that these men left the farm, the office, the counting-room, and the shop to rush to the rescue of the nation's honor, and prove themselves giants, not only willing but also able to grapple with the proudest species of the rebellion. At the roll call they rallied beneath the flag, and from Pilot Knob to Washington, from the misty lowlands of Vicksburg to the cloud-capped summit of Lookout, from the Ohio to the Gulf and the Ocean they carried their flag to victory, or lay in the embrace of death. From the midnight slumber of quiet to the continent-shaking thunders of Gettysburg; from Sumter to Appomattox, when the failing hearts of men, the desolation of women, and the sobs of children told how fearful was the strife; when the heart strings of society were palpitating at their highest tension, and the pulse-beats indicated fever heat; through that season of doubt and fear and death, the soldier of the Union stood at his post, with almost more than human fortitude and endurance. Living, the land for which he fought was still beneath his feet, her flag still floated above him, while the terrors of death could not assuage his love of country. Dead, he lay upon the same field, beneath the same flag, while mortality, with just scales, found his life a crowning effort, his death a glorified triumph. So it is that no holier trust is confided to any nation than that reposed in the United States for the veneration of her martyrs and the protection of their comrades, their widows, and their orphans. As a tribute these buildings form a vigorous protest against the clamored theory that republics are ungrateful, while the deeds of those who are thus commemorated stand as a reproof of that other theory that republics are not self-preservative, but are calculated only for the olive season of peace. The lives of these men vindicated the stability of popular government, and its vitality to survive not only the evolutions of peace, but also the revolutions of war. By their heroism they taught us it is not necessary to look to Marathon or Waterloo for deeds of martial courage, while they taught the world that freemen are boru warriors, and cherish principles higher than life itself. Their history is not written in the hearts of their countrymen alone, but of every lover of freedom throughout the world, for the nobility of their deeds, the grandeur of their achievements, and the devotion of their heroism have called forth the plaudits of the world. They fought as men for man, and their lives did not end when they fell upon the field. There is an immortality on this side of the grave, and the immortal element of these men lias gone forth carrying cheer to the dependents of European potentates, Asiatic despots, and even of African chiefs. They exploded the European theory of free institutions, and proved the violent assumption of those who proudly exclaimed across the water, "You must not judge of the structure while the scaffolding is up," for they removed the scaffolding to exhibit a finished temple with pillars of strength as well as pillars of beauty.

But no words of ours can do justice to the soldier living, much less add to the glory of the soldier dead. The names of the latter are written on the thousand monuments and tablets of brass and marble, but when these shall crumble before all-destroying time, their acts will be seen emblazoned on the pyramid of glory, their deeds will be chanted in the upper corridors of the temple of fame, while the animating spirit of their dust will stimulate posterity to renewed life and courage should wrong for a moment become triumphant, or the rights of man be invaded. By their devotion, sacrifice, and death let us learn fidelity to principle, and duty to our country and its future. It is enough to know they secured for themselves the grateful benedictions of a liberty-loving people and a place on glory's roll, while for us they secured a land of liberty, a land of unity, a land of peace.

The monument is here, and on each recurring Memorial Day appropriate and touching tributes are carried to the graves of those who rest in the village cemeteries. It is fit, too, that once each year we

Tablet Roster

The soldiers' tablets in Monumental Hall contain the roster as given below. The inscriptions at the head of the three tablets are also reproduced.

At Rest In Peace

The officers of the incorporated village of Sidney feeling the necessity of a better protection against the destruction of property by fire, took into consideration the purchase of a fire engine of some kind. After investigating the utility of the different kinds of engines and appliances used for extinguishing fires, they believed that waterworks would be of the greatest utility to the town, not only as a protection against fire, but for street and household purposes.

Accordingly, in the winter or spring of 1 873, they made an arrangement and entered into a contract with B. W. Maxwell to furnish the water for said works for a term of fifteen years at $800 per year. Said Maxwell agreeing to furnish the full capacity of Mosquito Creek, a stream largely supported by springs. The supply of water is sustained by two reservoirs, which are supposed to hold a supply for every emergency.

An agreement was made with the Holly Manufacturing Company of Lockporl, N. Y., to furnish two engines and water-wheels, with all the necessary machinery for the same, for the sura of $10,000, they agreeing that the engines should have the power and capacity to throw four one and a half-inch streams of water over the highest building in the town of Sidney.

A brick building was erected on the east bank of Miami River for the works. The works were put in complete and pipes laid in the fall of 1873. After the completion of the works a test was made; four streams were thrown over the Taylor building and the spire of the Presbyterian Church. The works stood the test and proved satisfactory, and were accepted.

There is at the present time 4^ miles of main pipe laid, with 42 fireplugs and 147 hydrants for private use. The main pipe was bought at $55 per ton, and was laid down at $5 per ton. The total cost of the works, together with the building, pipes, etc., was $55,000.

L. C. liarkduli, James Lamb, and F. E. Hoover were elected as the first board of trustees. L. C. Barkdull had the principal supervision during the construction of the works. The present trustees are G. W. Hendershott, Pres., J. W. Skilleu, Sect., and Joseph M. Nutt.

The fire department consists of one Ahrens No. 2 Steam Fire Engine, four hose and one hook and ladder companies. Each of the hose companies being located in different parts of the town, and one in the first, one in the second, one in the third, and one in the fourth ward. They

These companies are composed of young, energetic, and reliable men, who are ever on the alert for the sound of the fire-bell, and are always prompt to respond to every call.

Sidney is as well protected against fires, perhaps, as any town of its size in the State. Her waterworks have mains leading to almost every part of the town. Her steam fire-engine has access to the canal and river, while reservoirs (built expressly for that purpose), can be reached at all points not accessible by the waterworks. In from three to five minutes from the time the alarm is given, a stream of water can be thrown upon almost any building in the town. " Vigilance" is the motto of every fireman.

was incorporated as a stock company Jan. 1873. The original petitioners for the incorporation were Conrad Ritter, F. E. Hoover, John H. Mathers, N. R. Wyman, J. C. Haines, R. L. Fry, Charles Timeus, and L. C. Barkdull.

The following were the first board of directors : N. R. Wyman, Pres., John H. Mathers, Jacob Piper, F. E. Hoover, and H. Guthrie. The capital stock subscribed was $16,000, in shares of $25 each. Only about $14,000 of this stock was collected. After the completion of the works there was found to be an indebtedness of about $8000. This indebtedness was assumed by the stockholders and paid by the revenue of the works; no dividends being made by the company for several years. Additional pipe was laid from year to year until the capital stock was $25,000, consisting of 1000 shares of $25 each.

The works were completed and put in operation in the fall of 1873, since which time they have been in successful operation. There are at the present time over three miles of main pipe, 160 meters, 67 street lamp-posts.

The present directors are: L. C. Barkdull, Pres., W. P. Metcalf, Treas., D. W. Parapell, H. Thompson and A. J. Robertson ; G. A. Hyde, Jr., Sect, and Superintendent.

At the A pril election, 1880, the question of building a new court-house was submitted to the people of the county, and resulted in a vote of 2024 for and 1786 against building the same. The old court-house was sold to Henry Guckes for $295, he to remove the building by the 10th of March, 1881.

On the 14th of August, 1880, the commissioners entered into a contract with G. H. Maetzel, architect, of Columbus, O., to furnish plans, specifications, detail, and working designs for the contemplated building! Maetzel was to have the sole superintendency of the work, and to see that all materials were according to specifications. * His compensation was to be five per cent, of the whole cost of the structure. The total cost of the building was estimated at $140,000, but will largely exceed that amount. Original contracts for material and work were let as follows: cast and wrought iron -work to H. P. Clough & Co., of Middleton, O., for $30,050; brickwork to Henry Guckes, $13,623; carpenter work to John Rouser' $10,086.30; cut stonework to Wittenmeir Bros., $35,500; tin, galvanized' iron, and slating to W. R. Kinnear & Co., $9998; painting and glazing to Philip Knapf, $4977 ; plastering and stucco-work to Michael Hayes $2900; gas-piping to Andrew Shwartz, $330; plumbing, same, $998- drainage, same, $392. The building is located in the centre of the public square, Sidney, and at this date, June, 1883, is rapidly nearing completion. The site is a beautiful one, and is richly ornamented by forest trees, which make it one of the most desirable sites in the State. The building is substantially built, very commodious, and will be elegantly furnished and finished. Being centrally located in the public square, it fronts all the cardinal points. It will be heated by air conducted in pipes from the heating building at the rear of the jail. The whole structure is theoretically and practically fire-proof. The four corners rise into towers, while the central tower, about one hundred and seventy feet in height, looks down upon all other buildings and spires within the city. It is furnished with a clock which presents a dial on the four sides or faces. Each side of the upper square of the building presents the emblematic and significant goddess, blindfolded, holding the sword and scales of justice. When fully completed it will be the finest structure in this section of Ohio.

Touching the ceremonies at the laying of the corner-stone, July 4, 1881, we insert the following account furnished the readers of the Shelby County Democrat in the issue of July 8th.

"The celebration of the 4 th of July was the most imposing ceremony of the kind ever held in Sidney. The laying of the corner-stone was an important attraction, and brought a large number of persons from the surrounding towns. The ripening fields kept many farmers and their families at home, and the horrible tragedy at Washington was discouraging to all who love their country ns they ought, and cast a gloom over the celebration which every person felt. There was a fine display of flags from offices, stores, and many of the private buildings, and everybody felt it a duty to honor the National birthday, notwithstanding its Chief Magistrate was approaching death through the relentless act of an assassin. From early dawn the boys made things lively by using fire-crackers. At Heiser's shop two anvils were improvised, and used in place of firing the cannon. Tappe's Band was on hand early and put in a hard day's work, and the band from Anna came in early. The efficient Committee of Arrangements did their work faithfully and were promptly at their posts.

" The arrival of the train from the west brought in the first delegation from a distance - the Union City firemen - a splendid set of boys, who are always met with the best feeling by their host of friends in Sidney. They were accompanied by the Union City Band, one of the largest and best in the State. They were the guests of our firemen, and were met at the depot by the firemen of Sidney, Committee, and Tappe's Band, and escorted into town. When the time for the train from the north arrived, the Sidney Lodge of Knights of Pythias, accompanied by the band, reported at the depot, and after waiting half an hour for a delayed train, met the Shawnee Commandery from Lima, and other visiting guests from Lima, Wapakoneta, and other points north. They were escorted to the square, and the same reception was given to the Coleman Commandery from Troy, and other visitors from Troy, Piqua, and other points south. The hotels were crowded, and a large number of persons went to the M. E. church, where the ladies of the church had provided a fine dinner. On the arrival of the train from the east, the Committee on Arrangements, accompanied by a band, went to the Bee Line depot and received the Bellefontaiue Lodge of Masons, accompanied by the Bellefontaine Band.

"The places of meeting for the different Orders were as follows: Knights of Pythias, at their hall over Zinn's store; Odd Fellows, in their hall in Thompson's building; Shawnee and Coleman Commanderies, in Piper's Hall ; and Blue Lodge of Masons, in Temperance Hall, in Fry's building. The Lodge from Bellefontaine came in as the procession was being formed, and entered it without going to any hall. The Masonic Lodges of Shelby County and visiting brethren met with the Sidney Lodge; the Firemen met at the headquarters of Valley City No. 2. Each organization appointed its own marshals, and the whole was under the direction of Chief Marshal E. M. Green and his Assistants, J. S. Laughlin, W. H. Taylor, E. E. Nutt, J. B. Edgar, and H. M. Lehman.

" The following is the order of the procession: Anna Band; County and City officials in carriages ; Pioneers in carriages ; Citizens in carriages; Martial Band; Grand Army of the Republic ; Piqua Band; Knights of Pythias ; Union City Band ; Fire Department; Odd Fellows; Lima Band; Shawnee and Coleman Commanderies; Bellefontaine Baud ; Bellefontaine Lodge of Masons; Tappe's Band and Sidney Lodge No. 73, Masons, which included the members of Stokes Lodge, at Port Jefferson, and Epler Lodge, at Jaokson Centre, and visiting members.

" The following was the line of march : North on Main Street to Poplar; East on Poplar to Miami; North on Miami to North; West on North to Ohio; South on Ohio to Dallas; East on Dallas to Main; North on Main to Poplar; thence to the square, where the ceremonies were conducted.

"By authority of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in the State of Ohio, and in obedience to his order, I do now command and require all persons here assembled to preserve silence, and to observe due order and decorum during the performance of the ceremonies or Una. occasion.

" The following articles were deposited in a receptacle made in the corner-stone : A list of the present officers of the county ; a copy of the Constitution and By-laws, and a list of the present members and officers of Temperance Lodge No. 73, F. & A. Masons ; a list of the officers and members of Stokes Lodge No. 305, F. & A. Masons; a list of the members of Summit Lodge No. 50, Knights of Pythias; and the name of the architect, and a list of the names of the contractors and workmen employed on the stone and brickwork of the new court-house ; a list of the members of Tappe's Cornet Band ; a copy of the Shelby County Democrat; a copy of the Sidney Journal; a copy of the Sentinel; a copy of the record of the three first sessions of the Court of Common Pleas of Shelby County in 1819.

"The following is a copy of the report of the first three courts in the county : The first Court of Common Pleas for Shelby County met in the village of Hardin, in Turtle Creek Township, on the 16th day of May, 1819: President, Judge Jos. H. Crane, of Dayton ; Robert Houston, Samuel Marshal, William M. Cecil, Associates: Harvey B. Foote, Clerk. The term lasted only one day. The Journal of the Court mentions no one as Sheriff. Henry Bacon, of Dayton, was appointed by the Court as Prosecuting Attorney. The next term was held Sept. 13th and 14th, 1819, at same place, by the foregoing named Judges and officers. The third term was held at the same place, beginning Dec. 13th, 1819, same Judges and officers, and also Daniel V. Dingman as Sheriff. At the close of the December term, 1819, the Court ordered the next term to be held at the then newly situated county seat, viz., the village of Sidney, where the Courts have all been held ever since.

" The covering was then lowered to its place with appropriate ceremonies by Past Grand Master of the State, A. II. Newcomb, and the ceremonies closed with prayer by Grand Chaplain O. Kennedy.

" The oration was delivered from the stand erected by A. L. McKinney, of Troy, and was a brilliant, eloquent address. The ceremonies closed about half-past four o'clock.

" There was a large crowd in town, including a great many strangers .from abroad. The people came in from the country in the afternoon, and the city was filled with people. There were not less than five thousand people present. The procession was long and made a fine display. Good order prevailed throughout the whole day and evening, and every one seemed to be gratified with the entire success of the celebration."

On the 12th of April, 1839, the Legislature of the State passed "An Act to Authorize and Encourage Agricultural Societies in the Several Counties in the State and Regulate the Same." Under this a call was made by William Murphy, Esq. (then auditor of the county), for a meeting of the county to be held in the court-house, on the 21st of August, 1839, to form an agricultural society.

The meeting was organized by calling Stephen Wilkin to the chair, and appointing J. S. Updegraff secretary. At this meeting seventy-one names were recorded as members of the society.

The organization was perfected by the election of the following officers: President, H. Thompson; Vice-President, Luke Fish; Corresponding Secretary, William Fielding; Recording Secretary, W. A. Carey; Treasurer, John Shaw. A committee, consisting of George D. Leckey, William Fielding, and J. S. Updegraff, was appointed to draft a constitution. An adjournment was then had until the second Monday in September, at which time a constitution was reported and adopted, and 150 copies ordered printed.

The first annual meeting of the society was held on the 27th day of June, 1840, when the following officers were elected: President, Stephen Wilkin; Vice-President, James McLean; Treasurer, Samuel Mathers; Corresponding Secretary, H. S. Conklin ; Recording Secretary, H. Thompson. John Shaw, late treasurer, made his report. Balance in the treasury $27.81|.

A committee was appointed to wait on the county commissioners and solicit a donation from them in aid of the society in accordance with law.

On the 8th of October, 1840, the board met at the office of Dr. H. S. Conklin, and fixed the time for holding the first county fair on the 17th of October, and at the same time prepared a premium list amounting to forty-five dollars.

Among the premiums awarded at this fair was one of $5 to George D. Leckey for the best acre of corn, 99? bushels; one to Stephen Wilkin of $2 for the best ^ bushel of potatoes, 146 bushels; and one to J. II. Kirkindall, $5, for the best stallion, Tuckahoe. At tins fair there were twentysix premiums awarded. The record shows that the fair was considered a success, and augured well for the future success of the society, and that Shelby County was destined to take a prominent rank among the grain-growing and stock-raising counties of our flourishing Miami Valley.

The second annual meeting was held at the court-house on the 12th of June, 1841, when the following officers were elected: President, Benjamin Fulton; Vice-President, David Reynolds; Treasurer, H. Thompson; Recording Secretary, William Murphy; and Corresponding Secretary, J. S. Updegraff.

The prediction made by the secretary at the first fair was not realized, . for we find that there were but two fairs held under that organization ; and that on the 9th day of August, 1845, a meeting was held at the court-house for the purpose of reviving the society (a period of four years having elapsed since a fair was held). But we cannot learn that an organization was completed until April, 1851, when a constitution was reported and adopted, and an election for officers was held under it, as follows: President, Irwin Nutt; Vice-President, H. Walker; Secretary, J. P. Ilaggott; Treasurer, T. Stephenson. The fair for this year was held October 15, 1851.

March 26, 1852, the annual meeting was held, and the following officers were elected: President, Irwin Nutt; Vice-President, Curtis Kelsey; Secretary, J. P. Haggott; Treasurer, Thomas Stephenson.

At a meeting of the board held in August, it was resolved to have but one day of fair, as there was a show advertised for one of the days of the fair. This fair was held on the 28th of September. The exhibition of stock was very good. Twenty-three premiums were awarded on horses, fourteen on neat cattle, with a fair display of sheep, hogs, farm products, and miscellaneous articles.

At a meeting on the 6th of December, 1852, the treasurer made his report: Receipts $186, $67 of which had been received from the county ; $73.59 paid for premiums; balance in treasury, $112.41. An election for officers was held: President, W. J. Thirkield; Vice-President, Sam. Stephenson; Secretary, S. Alexander Leckey ; Treasurer, T. Stephenson.

The third annual fair was held on the 5th and 6th days of October, 1853, on the grouuds west of Sidney (known as the Jordan property), then owued by Dr. H. S. Conklin. There were 181 premiums awarded at this exhibition, consisting of silver cups, money, and diplomas. A greater display and variety of domestic and miscellaneous articles were on exhibition than at any previous fair held in the county. The display of poultry was the largest that had been seen in the county. A premium was awarded to Dr. Conklin' for a fine specimen of rat terrier dog.

December 6, 1853, the following were elected officers: President, Col. J-. W. Carey; Vice-President, Hugh McElroy; Secretary, S. Alexander Leckey; Treasurer, W. J. Thirkield.

The fourth annual fair was held October 12th and 13th, on the grounds of B. VV. Maxwell, east of the river. A fine display of thoroughbred cattle was exhibited by Dr. Thirkield, Spense, J. W. Carey, and others. An election of officers was held during this fair, which resulted as follows: President, A. F. Munger; Vice-President, H. Walker; Secretary, VV. P. Stowell; Treasurer, W. J. Thirkield.

The fifth annual fair was held on the grounds of I. T. Fulton, on the 4th and 5th'days of October, 1855. There does not seem to have been the same interest taken at this time that there had previously been, for we find that this was the last fair held for several years, or until 1860, when the present independent society was organized, under the name of the Shelby County Agricultural Institute.

The grounds now owned by the Institute were purchased from W. P. Reed and J. L. Thirkield, as administrators of the estate of W. J. Tliirkiekl, deceased, and contain twenty acres. Deeds were made on the 12th day of November, 1860, to John H. Mathers, S. Alexander Leckey, James A. Wells, 1. F. Fulton, and J. C. Coe, as trustees for the Institute. For the payment of the purchase-money' and the improvement of the ground there were 229 shares of stock subscribed, at $10 per share, by 222 persons, on which had been paid $2299.15, leaving a balance on slock subscribed and unpaid $290 85. From the above it will be seen that the grounds are not the property of the county, but belong to individuals who have invested their money for the purpose of furnishing a place for the accommodation of the agricultural and mechanical industries of the county to exhibit their productions, and from which the stockholders have^ never received one cent in the shape of dividends or interest on the investment - the annual receipts from fairs having been expended in the improvement and beautifying of the grounds, and much more is required at this time to make further improvements that must be made.

At the first election in 1860 for officers of the Institute the following were elected: President, James. A. Wells; Vice-President, E. Lytle; Secretary, S. Alexander Leckey; Treasurer, John Duncan.

The first annual fair was held on the 4th, 5th, and 6th days of October. At the second election in 1861 the same officers were re-elected, and the second annual fair was held on the 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th days of October. At the election in 1862 the same officers were re-elected, and the third annual fair was held on September 30th, October 1st, 2d, and 3d. At the election in 1863 the same officers were re-elected, with James I. Elliott as secretary.

The fourth annual fair was held in October, 1863. At the election in 1864 the following officers were elected: President, E. Lytle; Vice- President, H. M. Reed; Treasurer, John Duncan; Secretary, A. B. C.

Hitchcock. The fifth annual fair was held on the 27th, 28th, and 29th of September. On the 16th of January, 1864, J. A. Lamb was elected trustee to supply the vacancy occasioned by the death of I. T. Fulton. January 21, 1865, at the annual election the same officers were continued, and the annual fair held in October. J. C. Coe tendered his resignation as trustee, and Edmund Lytle was elected to supply the vacancy. The annual fair was held in October. January 20, 1866, the following were elected officers: President, William Shinn; Vice-President, James A. Wells; Treasurer, John Duncan; Secretary, A. B. C. Hitchcock. The annual fair was held in October, 1867. The same officers were elected. At the annual meeting in 1868 the following were elected: President, John Duncan; Vice-President, W. A. Carey; Secretary, J. S. Read; Treasurer, O. J. Taylor. At the annual meeting in 1869 the following were elected: President, J. A. Wells; Vice-President, J. R. Kendall, with secretary and treasurer as before. The tenth annual fair was held in October. At the election in 1870 the following were elected: President, J. R. Kendall; Vice-President, Morris Honnell; secretary and treasurer same as before. The eleventh lair was held in October. In 1871 the following were elected: President, J. R. Kendall; Vice-Presiednt, Morris Honnell; Treasurer, L. E. Mathers; Secretary, H. B. Blake. The twelfth annual fair was held in October. In 1872 the following were elected: President, R. Joslin; Vice-President, D. M. Line; Treasurer, L. E. Mathers; Secretary, J. S. Read. The thirteenth annual fair was held in October. In 1873 the following were elected: President, R. Joslin; Vice-President, S. Alexander Leckey; Treasurer, C. C. Weaver; Secretary, J. S. Read. Iu 1874 the officers were: President, S. A. Leckey; Vice-President, M. Honnell; Treasurer, 0. 0. Mathers; Secretary, J. S. Read.

The fifteenth annual fair was held Sept. 22d. 23d, 24th, and 25th, 1874. At the election held Jan. 1875, the following officers were elected: Pres., Francis Bailey; Vice-Pres., Morris Honnell; Treas., 0. 0. Mathers; Sect., J. S. Read.

The sixteenth annual fair was held Sept. 21st, 22d, 23d, and 24th, 1875. Officers elected Jan. 15, 1876: Pres., Francis Bailey; Vice-Pres., M. Honnell; Treas., John Duncan; Sect., J. S. Read.

1877. The total amount of receipts for the eighteenth annual fair from all sources was $2081.28. Total disbursements were $2084.94, leaving a deficit of $3.66. The election for officers for the year 1878 resulted as follows: Pres., S. Alex. Leckey; Vice-Pres., Ed. E. Nutt; Treas., C. C. Weaver; Sect., J. S. Read.

The nineteenth annual fair was held Oct. 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th, 1878. The total number of entries made in the different classes was 1320, an advance of more than fifty per cent, over that of the year before, showing that the Institute was at this time in a flourishing condition. The result of the election held Jan. 18, 1879, was the re-election of all the officers of the preceding year.

The time of the twentieth annual fair was Sept. 30th and Oct. 1st, 2d, and 3d. Th<5 total number of entries made at the twentieth annual fair was 1618. Total receipts from all sources $2590.08. This included $106.63 in treasury from the last year. Total disbursements $2160.30, leaving a balance of $419.76 in treasury. At the election held Jan. 17, 1880, the same officers were elected as those of the preceding year.

This year, 1880, the Institute purchased six and a half acres of ground in addition to their former grounds, for which they paid the sum of $1300. The number of acres in the grounds at this date was twenty-six and a half. Cash value of the grounds and improvements was $8000.

Sept. 6, 1880, S. Alex. Leckey, the president of the Institute, died. By his death the society lost one of its most efficient members. Appropriate resolutions were passed in honor of his memory, and the same were recorded in the secretary's book.

At a meeting held Jan. 15, 1881, the following officers were elected: Pres., Morris Honnell; Vice-Pres., Daniel Staley; Treas., O. J. Taylor; Sect., fl. Guthrie

The time of holding the twenty-second fair was Sept. 27th, 28th, 29th, and 30th. During the year 1881 the institute purchased one and a half acres of land adjacent to their grounds, for which they paid the sum of $325. The receipts for the fair held in Sept. 1881, were as follows: Received from sale of tickets, $2190 ; entrance fees, $209 ; received from State, $120.68; balance from last year, $180.77 ; from all other sources, $593.40 ; making a grand total of $3293.85. Total disbursements, $2433.22. Balance in treasury, $860.63. At the election for officers for the year 1882 the same persons were re-elected of the year previous.

The twenty-third annual fair was held Sept. 26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th. This was one of the most successful fairs ever held in the county, although the weather was very unfavorable, raining every day. The entries in all the departments (excepting that of fruit) were better than those of any previous year. The general attendance was better, and it is safe to say that if the weather had been favorable the receipts of the fair would have exceeded those of the year previous by from $500 to $1000. The total receipts for this fair were $3061.71. Balance on hand from previous year, $860.63. Total, $3922.34. Disbursements for the year, $3545.03.

At the aunual meeting of the society held Jan 1882, a resolution was offered to prohibit the sale of ale, beer, and wine on the fair grounds. This resolution met with some opposition, but was adopted by the board. The year previous they had received for the permit of the eating-house and the sale of beer, ale, and wine the sum of $135. This year they could get no offer for the privilege of an eating-house. It accordingly was given to the ladies of the First Presbyterian Church of Sidney free of charge, who made a success of it and gave universal satisfaction.

A noticeable feature at this fair was the quietness and good behavior of the large crowd of people in attendance. No drunkenness or disorderly conduct was seen. This proved, not only to the board of directors but to all who were there, that beer, ale, and wine are not essential to the succos8 of a fair in Shelby County.

The election for officers held Jan. 1883, resulted as follows: Pres., Daniel Staley; Vice-Pres., Isaac Betts; Sect., Harvey Guthrie; Treas., O. J. Taylor.

This enterprise was originally known as the Stone Bridge Warehouse, the building of which was erected in 1858 by Mathers & McGrew, and was a two story frame 70 by 70 feet, but without an elevator. It was first sold to J. F. Frazier, next to Frank Levering, again to J. R. Kendall, and finally to Kendall & Conroy. In 1871 it became the property of Forsyth, Nutt & Co.; but two years later E. E. Nutt purchased the interest of all his partners, attached a steam elevator, added a story to the building and a drive-way through the centre on the ground floor. About a year later Mr. Nutt associated his brothers in the business, and the firm style became Nutt Bros., the members being E. E., J. N., and J. M. Nutt. The building has a capacity of about 50,000 bushels; the annual handling of grain amounting to about 150,000 bushels. This showing assumes extra proportions wheu it is remembered there are thirteen other grain-dealing establishments within the county outside of Sidney.

The building used by this firm was erected about 1849 by Lamb & Zinn, but in 1853 it was converted into a steam flouring mill with six run of stones, by Mathers, McGrew & Co., who operated until about 1862. At this date it was reconverted into an elevator. It was afterward operated as an elevator until 1878 by J. B. Wilkin, who removed the milling machinery. It then passed through the hands of John Hart, H. M. Reed, and finally came in possession of W. R. Moore in 1875. Its style then became the Sidney Steam elevator, and an addition 24 by 55 feet was made to the main building, the dimensions of the whole building being now 55 by 82 £ feet and two stories high. In 1876 T. J. Orbison bought a half interest, and the firm became Orbison & Moore. About a year later Mr. Moore repurchased the whole interest, and operated alone until 1879, when he sold a one-half intevest to O. S. Marshall, since which time the firm style has been Moore & Marshall. In 1880 additions were made to both the building and the machinery.

0. J. Taylor commenced the hardware business in 1854 under the firm, name of McLain & Taylor, and continued under this style until 1856. First opened in the old Piper building, but in November moved into the room now occupied by G. C. Kelsey, and three years later to that now occupied by the German American Bank. In 1863 left here and moved into a building on Main Street. In 1859 the firm became Taylor & Stephenson, and in 1864, Taylor & Bro. In 1881 Mr. O. J. Taylor assumed sole proprietorship. In 1873 he erected a building 50 by 120 feet, on the corner of Main and Poplar, facing on Main. It contains two storerooms on first floor ; the second floor is used for offices, and the third floor as an opera hall with a seating capacity of about 1000 persons. The lower corner room is 100 by 25, with an iron room to the rear 22 by 66 feet - these being used as hardware sales and storeroom by Mr. Taylor, who carries a stock of from $18,000 to $20,000 at all times.

The proprietor of this establishment came as a grocer from Piqua in 1863 and opened a grocery in Sidney, with which he was connected until 1875. In 1865 he commenced the pork-packing business, having erected a main building 40 by 60 feet, an addition 20 by 60, and other buildings of a shed character. About 2800 hogs are slaughtered annually, which gives employment to about twenty-five men. In connection with this house the proprietor keeps a meat market in Sidney, where meats ol all kinds are constantly on sale. Aside from the demands of this market, his pork is packed and shipped, to a greater or less extent, all over the country.

In March, 1876, W. M. Hall established a buggy and spring wagon salesroom in Sidney, but kept enlarging his stock until it embraces wagons, reapers, mowers, and portable steam-engines. At present he handles the Haydock, Emerson & Fisher, Lewis Cook, Anderson, Harris & Co., and United States Buggy Co.'s buggies, as well as the best manufacture of wagons in the market. His agricultural machinery and implement stock embrace the best makes of the various machines or implements. To all this stock he also added firebrick, cement, fireclay, and stove-flues. He is doing a Very extensive and successful business.

In 1855 George Hemm started a small nursery in South Sidney, where may now be found elegant and opulent residences. In a few years his business had assumed such proportions that he was compelled to seek greater elbow-room, and so moved out to the " Blair" farm. His business kept swelling, and he kept increasing his area until he now has 280 acres. Twenty -five acres within the city limits are planted in fruit and ornamental trees; while he has about 300,000 trees and shrubs of different kinds; and roses of the choicest varieties may be found lending a charm at almost every turn on his lands. Having made a special study of his business, he has been enabled to produce some happy results from experimental cultivation.

This institution was organized July 15, 1870, and has since been in successful management. The original stockholders were : J. H. Mathers, L. E. Mathers, Edward Smith, William Johnston, J. A. Lamb, Jacob Piper, Samuel Rice, John Barkalow, Hugh Thompson, C. L. Pomeroy, James Murray, George Hemm, L. Marx, W. L. Alfele, and Kindall & Conroy. The capital stock was $34,000, which was a few years later increased to $82,100.

Present Board: J. A. Lamb, President; W. A. Graham, Cashier; S. Carey Cummings, Assistant Cashier; Hugh Thompson, William Johnston, O. O. Mathers, and William P. Medcalf.

Manufactories: Sidney Steel Scraper Co., American Steel Scraper Co., and Slusser & McLean, Steel Scraper Co.; Sidney Agricultural Works; P. Smith, Bro. & Co. Machine Works and Foundry; Eagle Plow Works; Sidney Plow Works; Sidney Pinning Mills and Lumber Yard; J. F. Black, Planing Mills and Lumber Yard; " D" Handle Factory; Excelsior Works; J. M. Blue, Sawmill and Lumber Yard; Flax Mill; Sidney Lime Kiln; J. S. Crozier, Carriage Factory; A. Miller, Carriage Factory; Sidney Marble Works; Shea & Buell, Marble Works; Sidney Wheel Works; New York Spoke Works; Sidney Hub and Spoke Factory; J. Dan, Hub and Spoke Works; Automatic Vise Works; Collar and Fly Net Factory; John Wagner's Brewery.

Lodges: Temperance Lodge No. 73 F. & A. M. ; Sidney Chapter; Sidney Council; I. O. O. F. No. 60; Osceola Encampment; Sidney Temple Patriarchar Circle; Summit Lodge K. of P.; Neal Post No. 62 G. A. R.

Newspapers: Weekly Valley Sentinel and Daily Sentinel, Democratic, J. T. Hearn, Editor and Proprietor; Shelby County Democrat , Democratic, Gen'l J. O. Amos, Editor and Proprietor; Sidney Journal , Republican, Trego & Binkley, Proprietors.

The Shelby County Democrat was established by William Ramsey in -1849. The first issue was published on the first of January of that year. It was then called the Democratic Yeoman. Mr Ramsey continued its publication for about two years, when he died, and the paper passed into the hands of S. Alexander Leekey. On the 30th of January, 1 852, under Mr. Leckey's management, the name of the paper was changed to Shelby Democrat. It was subsequently changed to Shelby County Democrat , but the exact time when it assumed the present name cannot be ascertained. During the time that Mr. Leekey had charge of the paper he took in partnership with him A. M. Hollabaugh, and in 1856 he sold his interest to Mr. Hollabaugh. Mr. Hollabaugh ran the paper a short time, and sold it to J. M. Miller, who only managed it a short time, and sold it to A. M. Dumbaugh. Mr. Dumbaugh did not succeed in the paper, and it was purchased in 1858 by A. Kaga, who came from Tiffin. Mr. Kaga was then a young man, and he made the paper an excellent one. In 1861 he went into the army, first as a three-month soldier, and afterward as captain of a company in the 20th regiment. For a time after he went into the service the Democrat was run for him by a committee of Democrats. In the early part of 1862 Gen'l Thomas L. Young purchased the Democrat , and published it until October, 1862, whi n he went into the 118th regiment as major, and the paper again was taken charge of by a committee of Democrats, and placed under the management of W. N. Skidmore. In the summer of 1x63 McGonagle & Lewis, of Cambridge, Ohio, purchased the paper, and it was published by them until 1871, when H. Hume bought out the interest of Mr. Lewis, and he and McGonagle published it until April 1, 1874, when J. S. Van Valkenburg, then a member of the Constitutional Convention from Sandusky County, purchased the paper, and placed it under the editorial charge of W. N. Skidmore until the close of the Constitutional Convention, when he took control himself. Mr. Van Valkenburg died in December, 1875, and, on the 28th day of January, 1876, James O. Amos purchased the Democrat from O. O. Mathers, the administrator, and has been the editor and proprietor ever since. During the time Van Valkenburg owned the paper he enlarged it from a twenty-eight to a thirty-two column paper, and afterwards to a thirty-six column paper. On the first of February, 1882, Mr. Amos changed the size from a four page to au eight-page paper, with fifty-six in place of thirty-six columns.

Under Mr. Amos's management it has largely increased its circula- . tion, and ranks as' one of the best and most enterprising papers in Northwestern Ohio. It has always been true to the principles of the Democratic party.

The Valley Sentinel . - The first number of this paper was issued September 1, 1880, by John T. Hearn and Van B. Baker. The latter gentleman retired from the paper after the second number was issued, and it has been under the management of Mr. Hearn, the present proprietor, since thnt time. The paper was started in response to a popular demand, and the fact that the Sentinel has grown in circulation and influence, with a large subscription list and a liberal advertising patronage, is evidence that there was an opening for the paper. The Sentinel is Democratic in politics, but has always been noted for fairness and caudor in treating political questions.

March 12, 1883, the proprietor of the Sentinel issued the first number of the Baity Sentinel, and that too has proved a success. It has received a generous support from the business men of Sidney, and its subscription list has been quite satisfactory to the publisher. The establishment of a daily paper in a town like Sidney is no ordinary event, and requires no small amount of nerve, but its success would indicate that its publisher had the judgment to perceive that the people would support his enterprise if it proved worthy of support.

The Sidney Journal , the oldest paper in the county, was established by J. Smith in 1832. Smith appears to have been an eccentric individual, and it is said he frequently walked from Sidney to Cincinnati, a distance of ninety -eight miles, where he purchased his paper and carried it to Sidney on his back. About 1842 the paper passed into the hands of William Armstrong and became the Bugle-blast of Freedom The name afterward became the Aurora. A little later it became the Herald , and was published by Clinton Edwards until 1851. It next appeared as the Sidney Banner, and was published by J. P. Haggott about two years, when it was purchased by Samuel H. Matthews, who changed its name to the Sidney Journal, under which title it is still published. In 1861 it passed into the hands of P. A. Ogden, and was subsequently edited by J. H. McElroy, J. Dubois, and Bliss & Adgate. In 1869 it came into the possession of the present proprietors, Messrs. Trego & Binkley. The Journal is an eight-page paper, ably edited, and Republican iu politics.

This name is found not only in judicial records of Ohio, but also in the legislative records of the Nation. Judge Goode was born in Prince Edwards County, Va., May 10, 1798, and came to Ohio, near Xenia, with his father in 1805. Here he worked on a farm until sixteen years of age, when he entered the classical school of Professor Espy at Xenia. Three years later he followed the same instructor to Philadelphia, Pa., where he remained about two years, and then removed to Lebanon, Warren County, and began the study of law under Judge Collett. At the age of twenty-three he was admitted to the Lebanon bar, which then boasted of such legal lights as Thomas Corwin, Benjamin Collett, and other advocates of celebrity. Removing to Madison, Indiana, he entered upon the practice of law, but in 1828 he moved to Liberty, Indiana, and again in 1831 to Sidney, Ohio. At the latter place he stepped to the front rank of his profession, but as the country was yet new, he devoted a portion of his time to teaching. About the year 1832 he was appointed agent of the State Sabbath-school Society, for Shelby and the counties north of it. For several months he was zealously engaged in this field, organizing Sabbath-schools and otherwise laboring in the interests of the society's cause. In 1833 he was elected to the Ohio House, and was honored by a re-election the following year. In 1835 he was a candidate for the Ohio Senate and received the certificate of election ; but as a number of votes for his opponent, Colonel Hunt, had been thrown out on technical grounds, the judge refused to claim the office to which he did not believe himself fairly elected. The following year he was elected to Congress from a district extending from Dayton to Toledo, and comprising fourteen counties. He was twice re-elected, but after the redistricting of the State he refused to be a candidate for a fourth term. In Congress he was an indefatigable worker, and received great praise from his constituents for his successful labors in behalf of improvements in the Maumee Valley. In 1844 the sixteenth judicial district was created, and was composed of Shelby and Williams, with all intervening counties, ten in number. Judge Goode was elected President Judge of this district by the General Assembly, for seven years, when the district was remodelled and the old constitution was superseded by the new. He then resumed the practice of law at Sidney, but finally abandoned this profession to enter the ministry. In 1855 the M. E. Conference gave him a temporary appointment to fill a vacancy, and the next year he was regularly appointed, so that by 1857 his full time was devoted to Gospel duties. In the fall of 1862 he attended the conference at Greenville, Darke County, where, owing to his knowledge of parliamentary law, he was burdened by grave responsibilities. These, taken in connection with the arduousness of his preceding labors, seem to have overtaxed his endurance, for he only survived the conference about two weeks, his death occurring at his home, October 7, 1862. On July 3, 1832, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of Benjamin and Catherine Whiteman, near Clifton, Greene County, 0. They had three children, of whom two survived childhood. These were Catherine, who married Wm. McCullough, of Sidney, 0., and Benjamin W., who married Miss Anna S. Evans, of Franklin, O. Judge Goode was a lover of books, a classical scholar, and an earnest, persuasive advocate. In all the stations and relations of life he won the confidence and esteem of the constituency which he served and the people who had opportunities of knowing him. Everywhere he was given credit for highmindedness and a keen perception of justice, whether in the halls of Congress, on the bench, or in the pulpit. As a lawyer, too, he was said to have arisen above the abuses of that profession, and to have relied, not upon trickery or technicality, but upon the broader principles of fairness and justice. At the establishment of the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, he became a member of the board of college trustees, and held the same relation to the institution up to the time of his death. As nearly as we can to-day estimate his life-work and individual character, we feel safe in saying he shed a lustre upon Shelby County, and is entitled to the grateful veneration of the people not only of this county, but throughout that larger field to which his work and influence extended.

This gentleman needs but little introduction to the people of Ohio, less to the people of the 4th Congressional district, and none to the people of Shelbj' County, where it may be said he is familiarly known to every man, woman, and child. He is one of those large and genial individuals who can adapt himself to almost all the conditions incident to the organization of political forces. Although he lays no claims to ability as a public expounder of the principles of statesmanship of as an orator, he is possessed of that ease of manner and agreeableness of address which are calculated to make friends as they come in contact with the people. He belongs to an old family, and was born in Salem Township, October 8, 1838. During youth he worked on his father's farm, and did his reading largely at night by the light of a burning knot. During the school years he attended the log school-house until thirteen years of age, when he entered the Sidney school, then taught by a Mr. Arnott, in the old Presbyterian Church. After about a year's study here he worked along at farm labors until 1856, when he began teaching during the winter seasons and working and studying during the summer. He afterwards attended Miami University about three years and read law with Smith & Cummings, of Sidney, and in the mean time taught school to defray his expenses. He entered the army as a private in the Benton Cadets, and served through the Missouri campaign of Generals Fremont and Seigel, and was mustered out of the service at St. Louis in the spring of 1862, the Secretary of War having decided against the regularity of the organization. After the forced march at Springfield, Mo., he was promoted to 6th corporal upon the recommendation of Capt. Thos. L. Young, since Governor of Ohio. He next entered the 99th Ohio at Lima, and at the organization was promoted to adjutant, and served through the Kentucky campaign. At the battle of Stone River, upon recommendation of brigade, division, corps commanders, and General Rosecranz, he was promoted major, and served with the regiment in all its campaigns about Chattanooga. When the 99th and 50th Ohio regiments were consolidated he was retained as major of the consolidated regiment, and was mustered out at Salisbury, S. C., in the summer of 1865, after the surrender of Johnson. After final discharge at Camp Dennison, Ohio, he returned home, and, after a spirited contest, was nominated by the Democrats as representative in the Ohio General Assembly, to which office he was elected. While serving in this position he took an active interest in legislation, and devoted his energies to the passage of the free pike bill, which had been introduced by the Hon. James Hall, of Toledo. He was then the youngest member of the 65th and 66th General Assemblies. While serving in the Legislature he was nominated for Secretary of State by the Democrats, but suffered defeat, with his ticket, as the Republicans carried the State by about 40,000 majority. At the close of his House term, he was appointed Governor of Washington Territory by President Johnson, but on account of his youth the appointment was withdrawn, and he was appointed Consul to Neuremberg, Germany, in the spring of 1867. After his return to the United States he spent a few months in various interests, and was finally employed by Col. Thos. A. Scott to look after the revenue cases of that gigantic corporation, the Pennsylvania Railroad. During the period he was with this corporation he organized the First National Bank of Lima, and held the office of vice-president of the institution about six years. His resignation of the position he held with the P. R. R. was caused by his nomination to the 46th Congress by his home district. The contest for this nomination was one of the fiercest ever waged in a mass convention in this State, and lasted three days and three nights. On the 218th ballot Le Fevre was nominated by a majority of one and one-half vote. The contest was embittered and acrimonious, and from it sprang crimination and recrimination. Still Le Fevre was elected at the general election, although by a greatly reduced vote. Entering Congress, he served on the committee on agriculture and the committee on military affairs, and introduced the first House bill for the suppression of contagious diseases among domestic animals. He also introduced 'the resolution providing for a department of agriculture and was made chairman of the committee. Espousing the cause of the soldiers, lie introduced bills for the equalization of soldiers' bounties. His old district was composed of the counties of Shelby, Darke, Auglaize, Mercer, and Miami; but before the 47th Congress the State was redistricted, throwing him into a district composed of the counties of Auglaize, Allen, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Defiance, Shelby, and Van Wert. Five of these counties had been represented by Hon. W. D. Hill, and as the two members were thrown into the same district, a contest arose in the nominating convention which was held at Lima. The contest, however, was soon over, as Le Fevre was nominated on the first ballot. He was reelected by a majority of about 8000, although at the previous election his majority was only about 1800. During the 47th Congress he served on the appropriation committee. During this Congress, Ohio was redistricted, and Le Fevre found himself in the 4th district, composed of the counties of Allen, Auglaize, Darke, Mercer, and Shelby. The Democratic nominating convention was held at Wapakoneta, and such was Le Fevre's hold upon the party that he was nominated by acclamation and elected to the 48th Congress by a large majority in 1882.

In the life of this man we can read the favoritism of fortune, for capricious as she may be, she has smiled upon him at almost every turn in his life. Make all the calculations yon may as to probabilities, abilities, and determination, and yet it must be admitted that fate decides the general affairs of life. Le Fevre has been opposed by men of eminent ability and commanding oratory, and yet he has succeeded almost beyond his most sanguine expectations. Once in Congress, it is readily seen how Le Fevre has retained his position, for as a campaigner he is tireless and never sleeps. While at home he mingles with the people so freely and happily that the term mixer acquires a broad significance. While absent at his place in Congress his constituents are kept under continual obligations to him, or at least in constant recollection of him, for that family is not to be found in his district to whom he has not sent out from Washington an occasional report, pamphlet, printed speech, package of garden seeds, or box of bulbs. 'Besides all this, by some apparent concert or coincidence, he receives more press notices touching his personal appearance, affability, and gallantry than any other member of any Congress. It is fate which favors him, and no one individual will presume to account for the caprices of this destiny.

The parents of Wm. C. Wyman were natives of County Wexford, Ireland, where the father was born in 1780, and the mother in 1782. Their lives were passed in their native land, although their children drifted away to the land across the waters. Mrs. Wyman, nie Mary Furlong, was a close relative of Bishop Furlong, Prelate of the Diocese of Ferus, Ireland. Mr. Wyman, well advanced in years, passed away March 14, 1870, while his wife survived him some seven years, her death occurring September 7, 1877. They both died in their native county, and were survived by but two of their nine children. It will be proper here to relate an incident which was of much interest to the family and partakes somewhat of the tint of romance. The oldest son, John, when eleven years of age, left home and shipped on board a merchant vessel, but the storms and calms of a series of years failed to bring any tidings to the anxious parents. Eighteen years elapsed and his brother William, then a boy of ten, was attending school at the "National School-house," when a stranger in the dress of a sailor one day approached the school children and made special inquiries concerning the Wymans, which at once suggested the thought to William that the stranger was his own brother whom he had never seen, but of whom be had heard much from an ever anxious mother. So, satisfying himself, he hastened to his home, and almost overcame the feelings of his parents by announcing the return of their long absent and unexpected son. The scene of joy which followed can only be imagined. The returned sailor was first mate under Capt. George H. Flanders, of the brig Keying , then lying in Liverpool harbor.

William C. Wyman, the boy who carried the glad news of his brother's return to their mother, was born in County Wexford, Ireland, September 29, 1882, and remained with his parents until bis eleventh year, when he shipped with his brother as cabin-boy on the brig Keying , which with a cargo of salt left Liverpool for Newburyport. The destination was safely reached, and William commenced attendance at the "West Male Grammar School," while his brother shipped again in charge of one of Captain Cushing's vessels. From that time the brothers never met, as William had himself gone to sea before the return of John from his first voyage. Ill health soon compelled John to abandon the sea, and he located in Norfolk, Virginia, where he married and reared a son and daughter. His health, however, never returned, and in 1857 he died in his adopted State. His family afterward moved to Scottsville, Albemarle County, Va., where the mother and daughter still live, the son having died in 1863. William, on leaving Newburyport, secured a position as cabin-boy on the brig Ark , commanded by Captain Johnston. From Beverly, Mass., the vessel started for Charleston, S. C., and made a boisterous and dangerous voyage. Off Cape Hatteras a storm raged with great violence, and the cabin-boy resolved that if once he reached the land he would give up entirely the " rolling deep." On reaching Charleston he applied himself to a search for work, but stood confronted by slavery, an institution of which he had never dreamed, and which he contemplated with aversion and hatred. That hatred did not die out, and so when the great issue came, although a Democrat, he gave his vote to the author of the " Emancipation Proclamation." Disappointed at Charleston he again turned seaward, and through the kindness of Captain Black, secured a position on the Sarah Peneringlon, commanded by Captain Penerington, and bound to Liverpool. With this vessel he made two trips across the ocean. While returning the second time a three weeks' dead calm was encountered off the island of Cuba, where he first heard of the city of Cincinnati, to which some of the passengers were bound. From what he could learn of the town he resolved to seek it, and escape ocean life if possible. On arriving at New Orleans he was confronted again by that giant curse, Slavery ; but still he thought of Cincinnati, for which place he set out at once. On his arrival, his first friend was of the despised race, a free negro, who secured him a position in a grocery store. Soon afterward he was apprenticed at the plastering trade, which he followed until 1853 in that city. Coming to Sidney on something of a prospecting tour, he was pleased with the town and so settled here and followed his old trade. He was married in 1856, and has a family of seven children living. In 1875 Mr. Wyman was elected Probate Judge of Shelby County, to which office he was re-elected in 1878. His official career was highly satisfactorj' to his constituents and very gratifying to his host of friends. During his whole life he has been a Roman Catholic in religion, and a Democrat in politics. Of his brothers and sisters not already mentioned, we may add he has one brother living in Westmoreland County, Pa.; one sister died in Ireland; his brother James came to America in 1856, and died the same j ? ear; another brother, Francis, enlisted in the 27th Horse Dragoons of the British Army, and died in the East Indies.

The great-grandfather of the above - a Scotchman by birth - emigrated to the American Colonies about 1770: his family consisted of his wife and three sons. They located near Philadelphia, Pa. These three sons all took a part in the struggle for independence. One of the threfe - Samuel - married a Miss Hendricks, near Philadelphia, in New Jersey, about 1784. They moved to Southern Ohio at the close of the last century and located within the present limits of Warren County ; here he died, but the date of his death is not known. Of his family we will only speak of Samuel, the second son, who was born near Elizabethtown, N. J., in 1787. He learned the brickmason trade, and is said to have built the first brick house in Preble County, Ohio. This was in 1811. While building this house he formed the acquaintance of Miss Susan Van Winkle, of Preble County, whom he married the same year. In 1814 he entered the U. S. Army and received a commission as a major, by which title he was ever afterward known. They reared a family of eight children. About 1812 he entered a piece of land in Preble County, to which he moved his family and where he made his home during the remainder of his life. He died April, 1872; his wife died Oct. 1881, aged eightysix years. Major Robertson was a prominent man in his community ; he was an extensive contractor on public works, was Associate Judge of his county, and also Justice of the Peace for many years.

Andrew Jackson, his eldest son, was born in Preble County in 1825. He remained at home with his parents on the farm until seventeen years of age, at which time he went to learn the trade of stone-cutting. He worked as an apprentice about two years. In 1844 he, with a partner, went to Hamilton, Ohio, and built a mill on the Hydraulic, for the purpose of sawing stone for monumental and building purposes. They ran the mill about two years, when a freshet destroyed the Hydraulic, and left him without power to work. This was in 1846, the time of the war with Mexico. In May, 1846, he enlisted in the 4th O. V. I. under Charles Brough. They left Cincinnati the last of June, and went down the Ohio and Mississippi to New Orleans; from there to the mouth of the Rio Grande and up that river to Matamoras; from there to Vera Cruz; from there they marched to Pueblo, where they remained until the close of the war, when they returned to Cincinnati and were mustered out of the service. After his return from Mexico Mr. Robertson remained at home until 1851, when he came to Sidney and entered into partnership with Patrick Fehan in the marble business. This partnership continued about three years, when they dissolved, and Mr. R. went into the business for himself, which he has carried on until the present time. In 1860 he married Miss Mary E., a daughter of George D. Leckey, of Sidney. By this union there were six children born, viz., Lulu G., Clement \V., Lillie S., George S., Mary I., and Nellie. Mrs. Robertson died May, 1874. She was an estimable lady, beloved by all who knew her for her amiable and self-sacrificing disposition. At her death her loss was felt, not only by her devoted husband and loving children, but by the whole community in which she lived. It would not be out of place here to notice briefly some of Mr. Robertson's public life. While lie has always been a man of rather retired and timid disposition, never having aspired to public honors or emoluments, yet he has ever been prominent in all the public enterprises of his town and county. After the close of the late rebellion, the citizens of Sidney and vicinity took steps toward the erection of a soldier's monument. After a certain amount of funds had been raised for that purpose, but before anything was done toward its erection, Mr. Robertson conceived the idea of a monumental building instead of a monument. He suggested his idea to some of his friends, who heartily indorsed it. The conception was original with him, for at that time there was no such building anywhere in the United States. He was one of the Board of Trustees, and was appointed by them tiie Superintendent of the construction of the building, and to him more than any other one man is due the credit, not only of the conception, but the planning and erection of a structure that is a credit to Sidney and Shelby County, as well as an honor to their fallen heroes. t

Mr. Robertson has always been an ardent Democrat of the old Bourbon stamp. Although a strong partisan, he has never been a politician, nor an aspirant for office. Years ago, when his township was strongly against him in politics, he was elected as justice of the peace, much against his own desires and wishes. His abhorrence of having anything to do with law inclined him to resign the position, but by the advice of his friends he retained the office during the term, but did as little business as possible, always advising settlement to litigation. In 1869 he was elected to the office of County Treasurer, which he filled two terms. On his election to the second term he received a greater majority than any other man on the ticket. Beside these offices, lie has filled the various municipal as well as township offices, ail without solicitation on his part.

As a compliment to him, his comrades in arms at the organization of the Ohio State Mexican Veteran Association in 1814, held at Dayton, elected him President of the Association, and again re-elected him in 1882 and 1883, a position of which any man might be. proud, for among the veterans are found such men as Gen. George VV. Morgan, Gen. Thomas L. Young, Gen. Geo. W. McCook, and other men of national fame and reputation.

The Bushes are of German descent, came to the American Colonies about the middle of the last century, and located in Eastern Pennsylvania, where Henry Bush was born in 1754, and married Eva Huffman about 1780. They reared a family of ten children, viz., Sarah, Catharine, George, John, Henry, Jacob, Mary, Charles, Michael, and Elizabeth. Of this family five came to Shelby County; Catharine, the wife of Daniel Vandemark, was the first who came ; Charles came in 1821, and located in Sidney. The others came some years later. Jacob, the father of Daniel L., was born in Pennsylvania in 1794. He married Anna Labor in 1818. 1 hey raised a family of twelve children ; Daniel was the second of the family; he was born in 1820, and came to Sidney in 1844 anti worked at the carpenter trade until 1853, when he received the appointment of postmaster, which he held for a terra of eight years. He was then elected treasurer of the county, which office he filled for two terms. Since that time he has been justice of the peace two terms, and mayor of Sidney two terms. In 1846 lie married Sarah J. Bush (a daughter of Charles Bush), who came to Sidney in 1821. Esq. Bush's family consisted of live children, viz., Charles E., Albert, Anna, James J., and Eva.