Greenville Township (part 6 of 11)

This year, Jesse Prior was on the circuit, and among those in the county added to the church were William J. Birely and wife, J. M. Baskerville, Lovina Houp, Hiram Bell, Jane and Lemuel Rush and Eliza McGinnis. In 1835, a church building was commenced in Greenville. Stephen F. Conry and Adam Miller were on the circuit. In the year 1837, Rev. Prior was returned and the church influence became manifest. Religion was the topic of converse at home, in public and on the street, while attendance at church was general. Eli Truitt labored on the circuit in 1838-39, Robert 0. Spencer was Presiding Elder, and Wilson Barrett and George Starr were Class-Leaders. During the years 1840-41, William Morrow and James McNabb being on the circuit, it was now reduced by increase of population to Darke Count}-. About 300 persons were converted and a like number joined the church. From 1841, to the close of 1843, S. M. Batty and Eliakim Zimmerman, were on the circuit. They were followed in 1844, by Jacob Brown and Cadwallader Owens ; then came T. Phillips in 1845-46 ; Joseph Wykes in 1847-48 ; and Alexander Hammond in 1849-50. David Rutledge labored on the circuit in 1851, and the church received some accessions. Jacob Burkholder, assisted by Franklin Mariott. were well received in 1852. and the church prospered. L. C. Webster, assisted by Rev. Mariott. in 1853. W. W. Winter was the senior preacher in the two following years, assisted first by P. G. Goode, then by Oliver Kennedy, who from 185(3-58, was senior preacher, aided by L. C. Webster and P. B. Lewis. Great interest was shown, accessions were numerous, and the people saw these men remove elsewhere with regret. Ministers in 1858 wereW. J. Peck and John T. Bower, and for 1*59 and 1860, Isaac Newton, assisted by P. B. Lewis, at which date Greenville was made a station with an appointment at Coleville. From this date, the history of Methodism will be found continued in city and township record. It was but justice to enroll the names of those circuit riders. What a life was theirs ; uncertain one year of their field of Labor the next. A pair of saddle-bags contained their wardrobe and their library. Long journeys were made to meet appointments. All honor to these men, though they have gone from us, their memories are preserved in the ennobling influences created and fostered by their faithful instructions.

The Darke County charge of the German Reformed Church presents its first record in reference to a meeting held at Beamsville Aug. 6, 1853, at which five congregations were represented, viz.: Zion, five miles west of Greenville; St. John's, in German Township ; beside Zoar, Beamsville and Gettysburg. At this meeting, Jesse Prugh was President ; John L. Darner, Secretary ; and Philip Hartzell and Jesse Prugh, delegates to synod and classis. A new charge was designed at Greenville, and the different congregations pledged $131 for the support of a minister, and Indian Creek congregation was put down for $25, the sum they were supposed willing to contribute. At the next annual meeting, Zoar and Zion only were represented. Another year elapsed, and the joint consistories of the county met at St. John's Church, when the resignation of Ilev. J. D. Colliflower was tendered and accepted, and a committee appointed to pi"ocure another minister. Meeting again on July 24, these same congregations extended a call to Rev. J. McConnell, and pledged $185 to his support. The call was not accepted ; Mr. Prugh was re-elected President, and Mr. Hartzell was chosen Secretary. Aug. 23, 1856, these congregations were represented at a meeting held at Clayton, Miami Co., Ohio. The same person was continued as Secretary, and John Nicodemus elected Treasurer. Delegates were chosen to attend the meetings of the Synod. The consistory of Zion's congregation desiring to withdraw from the charge, the request was assented to on condition of a donation of $50 to supply the deficiency caused by their retiring. Meantime, Rev. I. M. Lefevre had accepted a call to preach, and a meeting was called for August 23, 1857, at the house of Levi Rahn, in the limits of the Gett}Tsburg congregation, at which Zoar and Beamsville met the local consistory and chose for officer's J. L. Darner, Vice President ; Secretary, the same as before ; G. W. Cromer, Treasurer ; Jesse Prugh and William Aspinwall, elected delegates to Synod and classis. The Missionary Board was asked for $50 for one year, to support minister, in addition to $175 pledged by the members. Again they met a year later, continued the same officers, and, as an illustration of the poverty but willing spirit prevailing, a deficit of the Pastor's salary was reported and a pledge made of $160 for the coming year. It was then "Resolved, That the Pastor preach a missionary sermon in each congregation of this charge, and at the same time take up a collection for domestic missions." In 1859, Beamsville, Zoar and Gettysburg met at Clayton, Ohio, elected officers and appointed a committee to extend an invitation to Rev. J. Weaver to visit the charge with a view of securing him as Pastor. The Darke County charge, of which these records are given, has ceased to be known as such. By an action of classes in the fall of 1861, the Zoar congregation became attached to the St. Paiis' charge, and the Beamsville and Creager's (Gettysburg) to the Dallas charge in 1862, thereby dissolving the charge. This action was preparatory to starting an interest in the town of Greenville, so long neglected, and the formation of what was thereafter to he known as the Greenville charge. The hardships and discouraging vicissitudes incident to a new country, have been experienced by the different denominations; although the record has not been in all accessible, yet no distinction need be made, since originators, members and ministers have been heroic and undaunted in building up the present elevating and advancing interest in things spiritual and eternal, and furthering the cause of the .Master.

The first Sabbath school in the county was organized early in 1834, in what was afterward sometimes called " Scribner's white house," wherein Harrison made a treaty with the Indians. The school began with an enrollment of but eleven persons, including officers, teachers and pupils, and that it was non-sectarian is proved by the association in this work of Methodists, Presbyterians and Congregationalists. In the spring, sixteen accessions were chronicled, and within three years the number had increased to fully one hundred and fifty more. The school was then discontinued, and each denomination that had sufficient pupils organized a school of its own. The first Superintendent was William Barrett, a Methodist. The first Secretary was Herman Searles, a Congregationalist, and the pioneer teachers of classes were Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Sexton, Mrs. Briggs, Mrs. Barrett and Miss Evaline Dorsey.

Educational advantages in town and count}' were for many years quite limited. There were a few rude schoolhouses widely scattered, and these were occupied three months of each winter by teachers whose qualifications better adapted them for burning brick than solving problems in mathematics, and, consequently, there was little learned. Schools were taught by subscriptions. Settlers built houses as they were needed. Taxes came as a result of the practical defeat of a law which appropriated public lands for school funds. Many of these sections were at the time worthless, and, such as were of value being sold, the proceeds were squandered. The work was in private hands, there was no test of ability or qualification, and not till 1821 was the first general school law found in the statutes. There were no school districts, nor public funds, special or tuition. Every one paid for the instruction of his own children.

Many settlers had large families - as many as ten children were found in a single cabin - and, to provide for the future of these .young people, the parents came to this county. There was always work to be done, and the services of all hands were needed ; it was only during the winter months that schools could be attended. At these, only the elementary branches were taught, and the predominant idea of the schoolmaster was discipline first, learning afterward. No grammar nor geography were taught. Few studied arithmetic, and these did not proceed much beyond the rudiments ; and when, at length, grammar was introduced, such pupils were thought well advanced. In any locality, whenever sufficient families had moved in to form a school, the' settlers stood ready to build a house and engage a teacher. Tall, strapping 3Touths attended school, and the master had need of decision and courage as well as method and erudition. It was customary for the person applying for the school to call upon the parties within sending distance and canvass for scholars. If enough were secured, school opened. An illustration of the old-time method is given as follows : About the year 1815, a man came into the Rush neighborhood and offered his services as teacher. The settlers located along Mud Creek, West Branch and Bridge Creek talked the matter over, and concluded to employ him. It was a light labor for all to turn out with axes, handspikes and oxen, upon a day appointed, to chop and draw logs to a chosen site, for the purpose of putting up a schoolhouse. The location was near Bush Fort, on Mud Creek. While some put up round logs, notched down, one layer upon another, until they were of sufficient elevation to form a stoiy, split clapboards for the roof, chamber floor and door, and puncheons for the floor, others drew stone for the fireplace and prepared sticks and mud for the chimney. The floor being laid, next came desks and seats. Large holes were bored in a log on each side of the room, wooden pins were driven in, and a slab or unplaned plank laid on these pins. For seats, holes were bored in puncheons and legs driven in, two at each end. Windows were made by cutting out a log nearly the whole length of the house, leaving a hole a foot wide. Into this was filled a sort of lattice work of sticks, and upon this greased paper was pasted to transmit the light. Such was the schoolhouse of sixty-live years ago. It was not much of a structure, but there was no °Teat contrast between it and the homes of its builders. There was no lack of ventilation, and the wood was not too long for the fire-place. School opened in charge of W. II. -Jones, of whom mention has been made in m previous chapter, his services having been secured at a salary of $7 per month. He was severe and exacting; punishments were the order of the day. Whispering and other indiscretions subjected the offender to blows with a ferule upon the palm of the hand ; and so freely did Mr. Jones administer chastisement, that the patrons were obliged to request him to moderate his punishment, as the hands of their boys were so sore from repeated feruling that they were unable to use the ax. It was a species of torture to strike the tips of the gathered lingers with the ferule, and this was disapproved by the settlers, indurated to rough usages as they were. Only two branches of education were taught - reading and writing. The example of this neighborhood was contagious, and soon a house was built near the place of David Studabaker, and a man named Montgomeiy was hired as teacher. Gradually schoolhouses became more numerous, and the demand for teachers in some measure induced a supply. Summer schools were rare. Females made no application till an adventurous woman, named Anna Boleyn, attempted a three-months term during the summer of 1825, but quit in disgust before the expiration of that time. Despite liberal provisions favorable to education, little had t been done up to 1S8S toward perfecting a system of common schools, the result of the scanty means and constant toil incident to pioneer life. No inconsiderable portion of early history is that which treats of marriage customs, first births in the county, deaths and cemeteries.

The arrival of a family occasioned eager inquiry b}T young men as to whether there were any marriageable daughters of the number. The demand was in excess of the supply. The same maiden had sometimes several suitors ; this involved the delicate matter of rejection as well as of choice. Sometimes the girls were betrothed before leaving home, and a knowledge of this fact caused disappointment. For a long time after the first settlement of the count}', the people generally married young. The parties differed little in fortune, and none in rank. First impressions of love resulted in marriage and a family establishment cost onry a little labor. Weddings occupied the attention of the entire neighborhood, and the event was an hilarious occasion, anticipated by old and young. This is readily understood when it is considered that a wedding was almost the only gathering not accompanied by labor. The marriage ceremony was arranged to take place before dinner, which was a substantial feast of beer, pork, fowls, and sometimes venison and bear meat, roasted and boiled, with abundance of potatoes and other vegetables. Dinner was free from formality, and a time for mirth and enjo3Tment. There was dancing after dinner. "The figures of the dances were three and four handed reels or square sets and jigs. The commencement was always a square four, which was followed by what was called jigging it off; that is, two of the four would single out for a jig, and were followed by the remaining couple. The jigs were often accompanied with what was called cutting out, that is, when either of the parties became tired of the dance, on intimation the place was supplied by some one of the company without any interruption of the dance. In this way the amusement was often continued till the musician was heartily tired of his situation." Among marriages in pioneer days, was that of Ullry to his brother's widow; they had lived together some time during the inoperative period before the election of justices, and when a justice was chosen, they were legally married. In a spirit of joviality a party of young people being resolved to have a marriage, seized upon a man named Israel Wertz and fitted him out with a suit. One of the party furnished leggins, another some other article of dress until he was properly clothed, and then calling upon a woman named Jane I higan, asked her if she was willing to marry Wertz. She replied affirmatively, and they all started for the house of Alexander Smith, a .Justice of the Peace who lived east of Greenville. Wertz repented and broke away, upon which a dog was set after him. and he was caught and held. The ceremony was then performed,

Instances of seduction and bastardy were rare, and could not take place without great danger from the brothers or other relatives of the injured party, as family honor was highly estimated. Divorce was accounted dishonorable, and was seldom a resort. The statistical reports for 1877 give, of marriages that year, in Darke, 334 ; suits for divorce pending. 23 ; brought within the year, 41 - total, 64. Brought by husband, 26 ; wife. 38. Principal causes were, absence, neglect, incontinence and cruelty.

The burial customs of sixty years ago differed much from those of to-day. "When a death occurred, neighbors would call in, take the measure of the body, and procure a plain coffin, at a cost rarely exceeding $5. A neighbor possessed of a team brought the coffin to the house and conveyed the body to the grave. Ruder sepulture was not infrequent. No costly shaft marked the spot where their dust reposes, but plain head-board. Cemeteries were known as graveyards, and some families had a burial plat of their own. as the Sumptions. "We close by a brief extract from the record of what is known as the Old Graveyard, at Greenville, which was deeded by John and Margaret Devor to the Trustees of the M. E. Church, July 15, 1818. The deed is recorded in Book A 1, B. 74. and the bounds are as follows : Southeast by Water street, and running along the said street eight poles and fourteen poles, to the rear, so as to include the burying-ground at the north end of town, and to contain 112 square rods - excepting two square rods, to be used as a burying-ground by each and every person who has heretofore occupied any part of said lots for that purpose." The conveyance was a donation, since the consideration was $1. The grounds were laid out, fenced and left to be populated as the wearied and worn here " laid themselves clown in their last sleep."

It was during the period of heated political debate that Greenville and Darke County began to emerge from the gloom and obscurity of nature, where they had lain from time unknown, and to aspire for place among older and sister counties of the State. You glance over her townships, and you find them thickly settled still. You find that in ten years her population has more than doubled. The 6,204 of 1830 has now become 13,145, or twenty inhabitants to the square mile. Of its eighteen townships, Greenville leads, with a population of 1,851. Four others, Harrison, German, Butler and Twin, have over 1,000 each, while Mississinewa enumerated but 124. Greenville, the county seat, contained four churches, sixteen mercantile stores, a flouring-mill, a printing office and about 800 inhabitants. The lands wear a wild look. There is an abundance of fine poplar, walnut, blue ash, beech, hiekory and sugar maple. It has won a reputation for the production of excellent wheat, and is reputed to be well adapted to grazing. The woods still abound in game. The heavy timber stretches almost unbroken for miles, not alone over the low and swampy but along the higher lands. Cattle range at will through the woods, and the swine run wild and savage in droves. Land ranges in value, from the Government price, to $12 per acre, the latter for improved farms. Soil, relieved of heavier growth, sustained rank and luxuriant grasses, while furnishing but scant supply of wheat and other grains. The old cry of milk sickness and fevers was now changed, and it was said of Darke County that its chief products were " pumpkins and hoop poles," and in this there was much of truth, especially in regard to hoop-poles, since, at this date, they were the only article of export. During the winter, the principal employment of farmers was wagoning these hooppoles to Germantown. Middletown, Lewisburg and other markets, and by this means they were enabled to measurably supply themselves with salt, groceries, leather and other necessaries. This supplied the county with ready money that would otherwise have been badly missed. Away now in the past the count}' seat was seen, with a population of about three hundred, many of those were poor, and had hard scratching to get a living. There were two stores, a blacksmith-shop and a whisky-shop, two doctors' offices, an antiquated brick court house in a spacious public square, a brick jail, a single ordinary frame church building, and a small log schoolhouse. There were a few respectable looking private dwellings, but most of the houses were shabby and were widely scattered, south and southeast of the square. The streets were more nominal than real : the nearest actual being that which runs south from the square, in the direction of the old fort, and which held the business of the place. This was all changed in 1840 ; the town had far more than doubled its population, and indications of business growth were apparent. New buildings had been erected, new stores started, new men had moved in. and they had brought some capital with them. Allan La Mott and John 1). Farrar had opened dry goods in 1830, the next }Tear W. B. Beall and Francis Waring started stores; then, in 1832, came John 0. Potter, and the veteran merchant of Greenville, Henry Arnold, now, in 1840, in business with H. N. Arnold, who three years before had been a partner with James M. Dorsey, an arrival of 1833 ; besides these, there were Townsend, Bailey, Beall and Bascom. Lawyers were not wanting ; of these were Gen. Bell and Dempsey, and of doctors, Baskerville, Ayres, Buell and (lard. Greenville had two hotels now. They were earlier known as taverns. Mrs. Armstrong was the pioneer. Then came Moses Scott, who provided entertainment for man and beast until 1824, when he moved to Fort Wayne, Ind. Linus Bascom, in 1817, opened public house, down where stands Hall & Hine's livery stable. A. Scribner was cotemporary with Scott ; James Craig was successor to the latter. Craig gave way to Edward Shaffer. Then we come to 1840. Charles Hutchins is the proprietor of a two-story brick house, erected in 1837, on the east side, and Frank Hamilton located in a two-story frame, on the south side, of the public square. Notwithstanding the somewhat humble pretensions of the latter, it had the prestige of seniority over its more costly neighbor and vigorous rival, besides being honored by guests renowned and distinguished. During 1840, here stopped the hero and patriot of North Bend, who. from its uppermost porch, addressed the gathered multitude, upon the issues dividing political parties. The urbane, courteous hospitality of the frame was matched by the grandeur of the brick, whose proprietor received the suffrages of the people as the County Treasurer.

The postal facilities gradually approached an ability to transmit intelligence within reasonable time. A. Scribner had been appointed in 1815, and had but nominal duties to perform. His successors were Carleton Morris and David Monroe. He then recovered the position which he held till 1833, when Judge John Wharry became the incumbent, and. after several years, gave way to a successor. The office was not in a room by itself, but occupied a small portion of the store or other room of the Postmaster, and was auxiliary to the business.

Dempsey. of whom mention has been made, a man small in stature but large enough to attract notice at the National Capital, had not long been resident of Greenville before be was favored by Van Buren's administration with the appointment of Postmaster, and at once combined the threefold duties of law. trade and public functionary, having his law and post office in his store. The change of administration again returned the office to Scribner. Although Greenville was tlourishing at an unprecedented rate at this time, it had few attractions, and was lacking in many essential elements to solid improvement and prosperity. It had need of a g 1 printing [tress. Iv ])onnellan had printed and published a newspaper then known as the Western Statesman ami Greenville, ('<>"ri<r. the initial number bearing date of June 25, 1832. It was of super-royal size, was published irregularly, had a sickly existence' and upon its subscription list there were some two hundred and fifty names. lis mottoes were excellent, its prospectuses were frequent, but its duration was brief. A good llouring-mill was a needful thing.

This was not a local want ; the entire county needed better and more reliable milling facilities which had hardly kept pace with the development of the country.

Soon after Harrison's treat}-, Maj. Adams, an old soldier of Wayne's army, erected a kind of chopping-mill, five miles below Greenville, upon the later site of the mills of Oliver & Co. Cotemporary with Adams were Mathias and Aaron Dean, who, having built a saw-mill three miles above Greenville, had attached thereto a " corn-cracker." Neither ground much wheat. Bolting was done by hand, each customer bolting his own grist. Somewhat later, Andrew Noftsinger put up a grist-mill on Mud Creek, below the outlet of the lake, on the later site of Otwell's Mills. The bolting here was done by hand, and could not supply the demands of the people. Wheat had to be taken to the mouth of Greenville Creek, to Milton or to Whitewater to be ground. In dry times the grist was left, and at a specified time it was promised to be ground, and the farmer went back for it, and, in the bad condition of the roads, this made a two days' trip.

The next improvement was a horse-mill, put up by John Puderbaugh, on the east side of West Branch Prairie. This mill afforded fair facilities for grinding in winter while other mills were frozen up. Two neighbors, going together, set out before day with harnessed horses and a sack of corn on each horse. If, on reaching the mill, it was found to be thronged, a neighborly feeling was shown. Each got part of his grist ground, but there was no meal left to require a return, for the old miller had thriftily connected with the mill a small copper still, which turned out a very desirable quality of whisky which was always readily exchangeable for corn.

Then all drank liquor as a beverage. Children were solicited to drink by parents, and, when too raw and strong, it was blended with sweetening, and in it the bread was soaked. It was everywhere indispensable, called for on all occasions and in all places pronounced good and desirable. Quality was reputed good, drunkards were said to have been few, and cases of delirium tremens were unknown.

In 1840, Briggs' mill, two miles below town ; Dean's, three ; Cole's, five miles above on the creek, and Clapp's, six or seven miles west of town, afforded accommodations, but, at the same time, they were regarded as but a shade above refined corn-crackers. Otwell's mill, nine miles southwest of Greenville on Mud Creek, was originally one of the same sort, but it had changed hands several times, and with each change had received repairs that made it, perhaps, the best mill in Darke County. This and a new steam mill started in the vicinity of Palestine by a man named Cloyd, did most of the wheat grinding, but when a drought came, as was the case most every fall, the whole country had to go to Stillwater, a distance of some twenty or twenty -five miles. Fortunately, at such times the roads were dry and solid ; teams could haul good loads without interruption. At any other season, except when the ground was hard frozen, the roads were so intolerably bad that teams could scarcely pass with empty wagons. In the summer of 1833, Patterson had on a load of five barrels of flour drawn by three stout horses and all were mired in a " slough."'

Besides these grist-mills, there were several saw-mills scattered around on the small streams, which answered the purpose so far as they went, but they did not go far enough to meet the demands of the county for lumber. Steam had not then come into use, except in the single instance above named.

Many predicted that would be a failure, there existed such a prejudice against steam as a propelling power. It was generally believed that water was the only force that could be profitably used in running any kind of machinery. With these backward appliances, there was still another establishment in the shape of a " carding machine and fulling-mill." located some Jliree miles west of town, on what was then called West Branch, which was owned and run by Benjamin & Jack Devor. This was the only machinery of the kind in the count}-. Andrew Smith was foreman of the concern and had an apprentice. This mill was a valuable aid to the labors of the women, for homespun in 1840 was still the order of the day. It was only on occasions of weddings that people indulged in "broadcloth and Swiss mull." Alter the ceremony, the garments were carefully laid away and held as proud relics of a precious memory. Matron and maid still spun and wove, as had the mothers and aunts of twenty years before. A delicate chintz, held as a reserve for Sunday occasions, was carefully preserved and worn, and if the fair owner chose to walk barefooted to church, a distance of several miles, custom accorded that privilege, provided the feet were dressed during service. To preserve the shoes in good order, they were taken along wrapped in a handkerchief, and if the happy gallant could secure the privilege of carrying the parcel, he felt highly honored.

We have elsewhere spoken of education and religion. Besides these religious meetings in grove and camp, carrying with them an absorbing influence, there was still another gathering of a military character, the "Big Muster," as it was called. which was held annually at Greenville. This was simply an assembly of the county militia to exercise in the manual of arms, but it was regarded by some of the men, and by the boys generally, as the day for which all other days were made. The show}' uniforms, the stirring martial music, bright muskets, gay cockades and measured tramp, the melons, ginger-cakes, cider and other supplies were a great attraction to the boys. Israel Cox proudly put in his appearance as filer. and well he might, as he was acknowledged the best in the comity. He had no known equal. His brother John was no ordinary performer, but when Israel moved at the head of the column, accompanied by his favorite drummer, his mastery was universally conceded.

Among the well-known and esteemed men of that da}T were Gavin Hamilton, Jacob Hamilton - a friend of and judge of honor - John, who resided at Tecumseh Point in a two-story frame house, James, a clever, country blacksmith, Joseph and Andrew, good farmers. The brothers, James and Alexander Craig, carried on a wagon and blacksmith-shop in Greenville to the manifest advantage of the public. Riley Knox, a young lawyer of promise, had just entered upon his profession. He delivered an oration at a celebration of the 4th of July, in 1838 or 1839, which was considered a masterly production for one so young. William Wilson was his preceptor, and took him in as a law partner. Among the worthy and notable farmers of that day were John and Aaron Hiller, Joseph Croll, John Martin, Samuel Cole, Sr., Philip Manuel, George Diverly, William McKhann, James and Thomas McGinnis, William and Samuel Rush, William Morningstar and James Bryson, a few there of the many whose iron wills held all vantage-ground, and continually extended their domain.

A few of the hoys of that day were David, Theodore and Thomas Beers, John Devor, Jack and Frank Scribner, William Douglass, Calvin McNeil, John Hiller, -Jr.. Levi Elston, William and James McKhann. Martin Brady. -J. and II. Bryson, Benjamin and Andrew Croll, Samuel. Joseph and Henry Cole, John Henning, Jr., James and Barton Hays, Zack and Ben Clark and many another the old resident will recall to mind. Levi and Amos Potter found homes elsewhere. Some have passed from earth, some yet remain where they spent their youthful days together. The heads of those full of ardor then are now adorned with silver locks, premonitory of a coming change.

The celebration of the anniversary of American independence has fallen into disuse since the last, great civil conflict, but for many years, it was made a holiday of the nation. A notable observance of the day was held at Greenville in is,")::, and is probably remembered by many. Due notice had been given, and people began to pour into town at an early hour from all parts, not only of Darke County. lint from the Counties adjoining. All the public houses were crowded the night before by strangers from abroad. Military companies and firemen from Piqua arrived in the vicinity of the town at seven in the morning. An hour later and they were received by the Greenville Guards, ami escorted to the town. At the head of the column marched the Greenville Band, assisted by part of the Winchester (Ind.) Band, and discoursed appropriate airs. A train came from Dayton at 9 A. M. with 800 passengers, among whom were two military companies, the La Fa}rette Bifles and the National Guards and the Deluge Fire Company. These organizations were escorted by the military to their quarters in handsome style under the gratified observation of a tremendous concourse of people. At 10 A. M., a train from Union came in with many excursionists, and the streets were jammed. It was the largest crowd in the place since the meeting of 1840, of which notice will be given further on. There were citizens present from Piqua, Troy, Dayton and from Miami, Preble, Shelby, Mercer and Randolph Counties. The procession was formed at 10 A. M. under Capt. Frizell, and presented a fine sight. First came the military - five well-dressed, well-drilled companies - next followed two fire companies with engine and carriage, then came the officers of the day, the Orator and the Reader; after these were soldiers and citizens, and last of all, a large wagon bearing twenty-two youhg misses, one bearing the flag of our country, and each of the others a flag marked with the name of a State. At the head of the column marched the pioneers of a Dayton company. There were six bands, all of them played at the same time, and gave utterance to a confused and deafening, exciting and bewildering medley of sounds as the procession passed on their way to the grove. Arrived at the stand, the military opened ranks, through which dignitaries and others passed to the stand. The audience was seated. The military drew up in line and fired a round of musketry. After stand exercises, there was a dinner, then a parade and reviews, after which, as the trains came in, the visitors started homeward ; wearied as is usual on such days, with tramping along the streets in heat and dust, but full}' satisfied with what had been seen and heard at the notable celebration. .

The commemoration of the disaster at Fort Recovery was an occasion of an immense assemblage of the people. By accident, the remains buried in one of the shallow trenches became unearthed, and it was deemed a duty to honor the memory of the fallen by a decent and final interment of their remains, accompanied by appropriate ceremonies. The time set for the ceremonies was fixed at September 10, 1851, and, on that day, from five to seven thousand persons had assembled at the appointed hour. Curiosity drew many, but the greater portion came with a due sense of the service done by these fallen soldiers, and, too, there were relatives and descendants amid the gathered throng.

The bones of some three hundred skeletons were found and placed in thirteen large coffins. Upon the skulls were seen the marks of scalping-knife and hatchet, bringing the far-away past into the present like a dissolving view. At an early hour, the procession was formed and assembled to perform the rites required. There were distinguished men among those who eulogized the slain and depicted the events of the bloody fray. Among them were Gen. Bell, member of Congress of Greenville, B. Stover and Abner Haines. Finally, a resolution was passed to petition Congress to raise a monument over the dust of these fallen men, and at the same time it was voted to ask for a monument at Greenville upon the identical spot where Wayne concluded his memorable treaty. The monuments have not been erected, and these men are remembered only in the fragmentary recollections of pioneer and press, but their lives were not laid down in vain, and their efforts to protect the homes of the frontiersmen are as well worth enshrining on historic pages as are those who fought for national independence, for a country's honor, or for the perpetuity of an unbroken union of the States.

Still another outpouring of the people, worthy of fitting record, was the enthusiastic mass-meeting in Greenville on the 22d of July, 18-40, during the remarkable political contest when " Tippecanoe and Tyler too " was the popular cry, before which the party in. power was hurled from position as dry leaves before the wind. It is estimated that more than one hundred thousand visitors were present.

Up to this time, political enthusiasm h:i<l never reached a very high pitch among the hardy settlers, but now the excitement was as great in the woods of Darke County as it was in Hamilton County in Ohio, or in any of the older States, and when it was announced, weeks in advance, that -Old Tip" would address the people, the surrounding country went wild. Immense delegations came from Kentucky. Indiana and .Michigan. There were more than three hundred ladies present from Kentucky, and the gallants of the backwoods were so much smitten by their graces of person, manners and apparel that from that time till after the election all the young men were Whigs, and " log cabins, canoes and coon-skins " became the symbols of their faith, and '-hard cider" the favorite libation. Many of the delegations were headed by log cabins on wheels, drawn by horses, and, in one or two instances, by oxen. One delegation from one of the river counties was headed by a monster canoe mounted on wheels, in which were twenty-seven young ladies, representing the twenty-six States and the Goddess of Liberty. This canoe was drawn by ten white horses. The meeting was held just west of the town, in a beautiful grove. Facing the speaker's stand, or rather encircling it on three sides, was a bank, well shaded and affording comfortable seats for the vast throng. This natural amphitheater could not have been improved had it been designed for this special occasion. The various delegations as they approached the town were met by one of the " Greenville bands" and escorted in with honor. A brief description of these musical companies will not be without some degree of interest. The " band " par excellence consisted of William Morningstar, mounted on a fine horse, and his instrument a violin, upon which he was no mean performer. He met each delegation in turn, and gave them a medley comprising several of the rollicking airs to which the campaign songs were sung - "Hail to the Chief," " Bonaparte's March," with the more inspiring strains of " Soldier's Joy " and " Money Musk," and thus, with the booming of cannon and the cheers of the excited multitude, the delegations were welcomed. The other bands, consisting of drums and fifes, although less singular, were much more noisy, and far and near the martial music resounded, stimulating the feelings, accelerating pulsation, and with rattle and roll of drum and shrill, clear shriek of fife, performing the air of " Yankee Hoodie," and intensifying the excitement with the " double drag." The principal speakers were Tom Corwin and Gen. Harrison. Corwin argued that the re-election of Van Buren would be the signal for a reduction in the prices of labor and of all American products, and. in support of his plea, read several advertisements of well-known produce dealers from Whig newspapers, somewhat after the following effect : "On and after the 1st of Hecember, 1840, the subscriber will pay $1 per bushel for wheat if Harrison be elected, and 40 cents if the election favors Van Buren." Similar notices concerning corn and hogs were also read from the advertising columns of the party press. Various arguments were presented by Corwin in a way and with a force that brought conviction to many a close listener. The speech of Harrison was characterized as an able and eloquent statesmanlike effort in support of republican institutions. He also devoted considerable time to personal reminiscence, and won over many warm friends from the opposing party. He remained two or three days in Greenville, the guest of Mr. Scribner, and. in company with his host and neighbors, visited many points of interest in the town and its environs. The old merchant and tavern-keeper had been a stanch Democrat, but, from this time on, became and continued an anient supporter of the hero of Tippecanoe.

Darke County lies in the extreme western part of the State, a little south of the center, adjoining Indinna on the west. It is bounded by Mercerand Auglaize Counties on the north, by Preble and Montgomery on the south and on the east by Shelby and Miami. The area is 588 square miles. Its outlines nearly describe a rectangle, its greater extent being north and south. In accordance with an act passed by the General Assembly of December, 1803, incorporating townships and establishing boards of County Commissioners, the comity of Darke from its sparse population was originally organized into one township and known as Greenville. On July 3, 1817, Twin Township was taken from the south end of Greenville, and embraced all the county south of a line running due east from the southwest corner of Section 31, Township 11 north, Range 1. In the same month. Wayne was created from the northern part of Greenville, and embraced within its limits all of the county north of a line beginning at the northwest corner of Township 12 north. Range 1 east ; thence east to the northwest corner of Township 9 north, Range 4 east ; thence south to the middle of said township, and thence east to the county line. In February, 1818, Harrison was formed and, in March, 1819, all of Greenville Township that lay in Range 1 was formed into a new township entitled Washington, and, in the same month, Adams was formed from all lands in "the county, east of a line running south from the northwest corner of Section 4, Township 10, Range 3, to the southwest corner of Section 28, Township 9, Range 3. In September, 1820, two tiers of sections across the north end of Greenville Township with parts of Wayne and Adams were formed into a new township called Richland, and. in 1821. Neaves Township was laid out, taking four tiers of sections from the south side of the old township. In March, 1829, all of Richland lying in Township 12 north. Range 2 east, was transferred back to Greenville, and also Section 31, of Township 13 north, Range 2. This last section was afterward returned, leaving Greenville as now constituted. German was constituted in 1820 ; Brown and Jackson in 1833 ; Gibson and Monroe in 1836 ; York in 1837, from Richland ; Van Buren in 1838 ; Allen, north end of Brown, north end of Jackson, and Mississinewa, in 1839 ; also Franklin in -lime of the same 37ear ; Wabash, Patterson and Butler in 1841. In 1840, Gibson Township, about one-half of Allen and parts of Patterson and Wabash were taken from Darke and attached to Mercer County. There are at present twenty civil townships - Patterson, Wabash, Allen, Mississinewa, Jackson. Brown, York, Richland, Wayne, Adams, Greenville, Washington, German, Neaves, Van Buren, Franklin, Monroe, Twin, Butler and Harrison. Within their area are contained eight incorporated towns and twenty-five villages. Greenville has priority from age and has always been the capital of the county. Here, as elsewhere stated, are court house, jail and all the conveniences for officials, courts and criminals ; here are some of the oldest churches in the county ; here lived men prominent in letters, and here was started the first newspaper published in Darke. The place is rich in its historic associations. Near the cit}- are the fair grounds, a notable feature of a leading agricultural section. It is situated on Greenville Creek, in the township of Greenville, ninet}T-two miles west of Columbus, and ten from the Indiana line. It has manifest advantages from turnpikes and railroads, and of later years has made a fair use of them. It was laid out in 1810, and incorporated in 1832. It has a national bank, fine churches, good business houses, a handsome and capacious school building, a number of elegant and costly residences fitted up with tasteful grounds. The Turpen House, a large hotel, together with the Wagner House, offers excellent acommodations to guests ; and the city and county support three newspapers. Postal facilities, fire department and other agencies for business, comfort and safety are well supplied. The incorporated towns are New Madison, laid out in 1817, incorporated. 1841. and situated ten miles southwest of Greenville, near the site of old Fort Black ; it is a fine thriving place. Versailles, platted in 1819, and duly incorporated in 1855, and located in Wayne Township ; Union City, a flourishing place on the State line, platted in 1838, and incorporated in 1853, and a lively railroad center ; Gettysburg, incorporated in 1866 ; Dallas, in 1867 ; Arcanum, platted in 1849 and incorporated in 1858. and Bradford, platted in 1867, and incorporated in 1871. The villages are thus enumerated : Minatown, laid out in 1818 ; Fort Jefferson, same j'ear. remarkable as the first work built as a fort in the county; New castine and Ithaca, in 1832; Braffettsville and Palestine, in 1833; Webster, 1835; Beamsville and New Earrison, in 1837; Bollandsburg, 1838 ; North Jacksonville and' Gettysburg, 1842 ; Dallas. 1845; Sampson. 1846 ; Hill Grove and Coleville, in 1848; Gordon, 1849; Tampico, 1850 ; Hose Hill. 1852; De Lisle, 1853; Nevada, 1854; Stelvidio, in the Same year, and Woodland, in 1859. There was now an interval of seven years. during which the stormy scenes of warfare embittered feeling and absorbed public attention, hut again the current rolled on. and. in 1866, Pikeville was platted. next Bradford; then RossvLUe, in 1868, Painter Creek in 1870, and Woodington in 1871. A number of these are promising, prosperous villages, while others are lively hamlets, convenient of resort for meals, grists, trade, lumber conveniences and church privileges. Pine pikes hearing the name of the village of which they are a terminus, or through which they extend, render wheeling convenient and make all points accessible, regardless of seasons. Railroads traverse the townships in various directions, and the difficulties of early transportation are now unknown. The obstacles of the past cannot be conceived from any observation of the present. The fields traversed by open or covered drains, and hearing fine crops of wheat and corn, the groves free from all undergrowth, and the unobstructed streams, require personal knowledge or strong faith to believe the stories of the battles of civilization with the rude, strong elements of nature.

The county occupies a position inclining its surface southward from the western limits of the great watershed dividing the basins of the Wabash and the Miami. It is classified as a portion of Southern Ohio. A good knowledge of the general topography of the count}', so far as relates to the dip of the land and changes induced by the action of water, is afforded b}^ the statement that "the summit ridge enters the county in the northeastern part, bearing southwest through the northern part of Patterson Township, through the southern parts of Wabash and Allen, and passing out near the middle of Jackson Township." Persons familiar with lands like situated, could derive analogous information of the surface or contour features of this and give proper weight to agencies concerned in alluvial deposits and erosure of higher lands. The general surface is, in the main. Hat. and slopes almost uniformly from the summit line northwest and southeast ; there are, therefore, no distinct topographical features to avert the sight. Something approximating monotony is presented by the basins of Greenville and Stillwater Creeks. the numerous wild and beautiful cairns and other variations originating in local causes. There are occasional striking manifestations perceived upon the underlying rocks of a tremendous erosive power, but the deposit of an average of 100 feet of drift, conceals most effectively this truth, and the surface contour presents no indication of this interesting geologic fact. Portions of the surface are a level plain, others are hilly and undulating, while to the northeast there is low. waste. inundated land, rich in its deposit of vegetable debris, treacherous to the foot and useless for cultivation, till ultimately co-operative drainage shall render its wealth available.

The summit ridge is not strongly marked, nor is it of uneven outline. For ages, active agencies have divested the surface of loose material and worn down inequalities until we simply behold a broad, rounded belt of elevated land. The rock, gradually crumbling has been swept down as varied alkali clays, and spread as a layer over the low. wet basins of the Wabash and Stillwater, thereby commingling with thi' black, loamy soil, ami supplying those elements of fertility which have given this section its reputation, while leveling the early broken outlines of surface. The ridge is yet prominent, as it bounds the line of the extreme southern limits of the northern lakes and stands as a marked feature in thetopography of the State.

The highest land in the region of the divide is in the northwest portion of the county. A little north of Union City, the altitude above low-watermark in the Ohio at Cincinnati, is lit;.") feet, which is the highest accurately known. On the crest of the slope between the Stillwater and the Wabash, the land has an elevation thirty feet less than at the point named. On the line between DarkeTd Mercer, the elevation is 634 feet, although places in this vicinity have a dossH o altitude of 700 feet. The elevation at Greenville is about 59 le7 while1 on he

The greatest depression is considered to exist along the bottom of Greeny lie Creek, m Adams Township where the elevation is but 520 feet, while the bluffs in the vicmity rise 20 feet higher. Lake Erie is 133 feet higher than the Ohio and taking the former as a basis, these altitudes must be diminished to that extent for comparison From this we find the highest land is 567 feet above Laurie or 1,132 ieet above the level of the sea. '

In the study of these surface features, it is remarkable, that but one of those primitive lakes once so numerous and still frequently met with upon the water shed m counties eastward, exists here. It is known as the « Blacl Ind

SffiX'uf^.^ of trees, and other IcoZZtlZs. nad collected until they had formed, as it were, a super-aquatic soil of several feet n thickness, and of such a remarkable density and buoyancy as o support for a time, the weight of a passing train. J 8UPPort; IQ1 a wl 5S8 C°Unt^as> to a certai* extent, divided into prairie and timber land tiUab "n 1U erSperSed that some were advantageously composed of tillable and woodland m fair proportions and compact form. Those so fortunate as o have acquired this land were indeed favored. The timber at once 7SK building material, fences and fuel, and when a market opened, the foie wood was utilized and the ground cleared for tillage. Much the greater portion ofThe Id of Darke is well known to be rich and fertile to a remarkable decree and the appearance of the farms strongly contrasts with those that may be leen te many other counties, and suggests a long-settled section. It is an actual La^arTof corn, oats and wheat. The yield is annually large and the quality is& excellent This fine yield is almost entirely the result of the drift. Deposit? of 2^ and gravel acted upon by heat, cold, air and streams, blended with veoeta fon a anima life for ages, have formed the present productive soil which 3vS cetebriW hlS;" "The ro^f1' "jf* , *£ ^ "* -* beC°me -pai^te? from tte bardpan the locks crumble under the alternate thaws and frosts and their debris was washed downward upon the bottoms and assisted by vegetation and decayed; overflowing streams dissolving mingled these materials ^nd and is a particular constituent of the region of watershed and all other uplands or higher portions of the county. Its hue is varied from yellow to red and brown. It is seen upon the crest of the divide to be of an almost white or ashen color from the weathering and drainage. This soil is in places solid and tenacious, but in the main is fret.' and porous. The former is of value in the manufacture of brick and tile ; the hitter is renowned for the crops of wheat and kindred cereals produced. The alluvial or bottom is of a black, loamy character. blending with a considerable amount of decayed plant matter and leavened with silica; it is free, mealy and fertile, the natural soil for corn, which thrives thereon remarkably. The turf soil is of a dark gray color, covering- the primitive surface, which, where it prevails, is low but dry. It is seen to advantage in freshly cleared forest lands, and blends clay with vegetable growth, and is adapted for the growth of pumpkins, potatoes and the like, together with the lesser grains.

The natural products of Darke County were those little known to the present occupants. The times when Jefferson and Greenville were built and trains of pack-horses traveled the traces of armies, saw an unbroken forest stretching from the Ohio away to the shores of the Great Lakes. Here could be seen the various oaks, white, red, black, burr, chestnut and pin ; sugar and swamp maples, the former rich with the juices of the frosty spring's rising sap ; the sassafras, whose root bark made healthful drink; the white and slippery elms, the latter with its viscous inner bark ; the walnuts, black and white, the one prized by the cabinetmaker, the other known as the " butternut," and freighted in the falltime with brown oval nuts; the S}Tcamore, as often known as " buttonwood ; " the shagbark hickory, whose bark gave light for evening labor ; and besides all these, the Cottonwood, the flowering dogwood, the buckeye, the white ash, the beech, and a sprinkling of black cherry, mulberry, thorn, iron wood, black willow, wild plum, and trembling aspen. The sap of the sugar maple supplied the pioneers with sirup, sugar and vinegar, and from the earliest da}s till now this manufacture of a native product has been a springtime occupation. Pickles were made by placing freshly plucked cucumbers in a mixture of one part whisky to four of water, and a little salt. They were soon fitted for use. Molasses was made from pumpkins, and pared pumpkin, stewed, was placed in the juice, boiled down, allspice was added and pumpkin butter made. Early fruit was of indifferent quality, but later years were marked by attention to its cultivation. The apple thrives, and in 1877, over twenty-five thousand bushels were produced from the orchards. The peach is foreign to this region, and to partake of this fine fruit it is needful to plant out trees each year. Pears thrive with ordinary attention, and during the year last named the product in this county was upward of a thousand bushels.

While the position of her territory admits no rivers, the lands are not deficient in water-courses. The numerous springs and surface drainage occasion many water-ways, which, from proximity to their sources, are but headwaters of ultimate large streams. The chief stream is known as Greenville Creek, which has its origin in the northern divide, a short distance without the county. Conforming to the direction of slope land, it flows in an almost uniformly southeast course, until arrested by the bluff upon which the county seat is located ; its course trends around its cairn toward the northeast, and then, with many a curve and turn, runs eastward to its junction with the Stillwater in Miami County. All its affluents are received from the south, since the highlands on the north press close upon its bank and divert all its streams into the basin of the Stillwater. Painter's Creek drains the count}' to the south, and the two constitute a system of which there may lie said to be four - small, but clearly outlined.

Stillwater Creek rises in the summit ridge, in the northern part of the county. and traverses the shallow valley lying between the plateau and the watershed. Like Greenville Creek, it pursues an easterly course, following the natural inclination of the surface. The rivulets which form its affluents originate in the clayey drift deposits of the divide. This and the Greenville system drain the most fertile lands of the county. The once well-known " spread of the Stillwater " has been rendered the richest and most productive of soils by removing obstructions in the water-course and by ditching.

The Mississinawa and the Wabash rise upon the northern slope of the divide. A little further east these streams would be directed toward Lake Erie, but are intercepted by Wabash Ridge and turned westward into Indiana. Not much area is drained by these headwaters in Darke County, where the basin of the Wabash begins in a narrow, gentle valley, which gradually broadens into an immensely fertile belt in its course through Northeastern and Central Indiana. This course of the Wabash to the southeast may be thought to indicate the course of an ancient gap whereby waters and icebergs were borne into the valley of the Stillwater. Upon a different declivity far to the southward in the county, are the sources of Whitewater, Miller's and Twin Creeks, together with other creeks of minor importance. All these streams are shallow in the main, and flow within modern basins, the greatest elevation of Greenville Creek not exceeding about thirty feet.

Many fine springs are found in different parts of the county. The well-water, as well as the spring- water along the water-sheds, is sulphurous and not desirable for use. Near Weaver's Station, New Madison and that vicinity occur numerous springs, which rise upon the surface of the magnesian limestone, and which are in consequence impregnated with carbonate of lime, magnesia and other mineral properties exuded from the rock and the clay. Thus mineral springs exist, some of whose waters are as fully charged with minerals as are the famous Cedar Spring of New Paris, Preble County. The supply of water is of ample volume and good quality. The best well-water is obtained from a depth varying from thirty to fifty feet, and is drawn from the deposits of sand and gravel upon the surface of blue clay. All in all, situation, soil, climate and product unite to make Darke County one of the most desirable portions of the State.

Agriculture, Trade And Markets

Darke County has a soil, a climate and a local position which constitute the essentials of a first-class agricultural county. For a time, the wave of immigration swept around her lands and beyond, but ultimately those far seeing selected from her territory their farms and began their work. Half a century ago, Darke County was yet in a state of nature, except here and there where the pioneer had kindled his camp-fire and cut away a small area of timber from about his dwelling ; then the settler had at his option the best land in the count}', and his successors continued to make choice until not only the bottoms along the streams and the more inviting upland was entered, but even the "flats" and "slushes," that the settlers thought " would forever remain unentered, and give pasture and range for their stock." The virgin soil produced in abundance with indifferent tillage, and the woods supplied meats for the table.

The ax was vigorously plied, the deadening was extended, and from spring to spring time again, the smoke could be seen to rise from the clearing. Little by little improvements were made, one succeeding another, and here and there the old settlers died until it is seen to-day, that the foundation and the founders are passing from memory in present labors. As was said by Hon. Abner Haines before the agricultural society on September 18, 1853, "The early settlers had many obstacles to contend with in the development of the country which no longer obstruct the progress of this generation. It required much labor to clear the land and prepare it for cultivation. This labor has been performed, leaving to the present generation time to think and improve, as well as to work." We have in earlier chapters depicted the perils and the crudities of early agriculture. We see the settlers flying in panic from their homes, from dread of the hatchet, suffering from chills and lever, hindered by insufficient implements from doing good farming, deprived of access to store and shop, without roads, almost without mills, and dependent upon the soil and the forest for the supply of every want, It is well worth a review to note the gradual transition of field, dwelling, habits and persons, machinery, stock and crops, bringing soil and occupant to the front, the one to become celebrated, the other to be marked as independent and progressive. Old times have passed away ; the ax, the maul and wedges, the sickle, the scythe, and hoe are relics now of a past system. Splitting rails is no longer an occupation, though the most common fence is still the zig-zag rail fence. The cradle displaced the sickle, to be itself superseded by the Dorsey Eeaper, and then others improved to the present perfection. The stumps are gone from the clearings, the log houses have been abandoned, used as granaries and stables, torn away or rotted down, the old well-sweeps have all finally disappeared, and, annually at the old and prosperous agricultural fair, are seen the various plows, chilled, diamond, champion, sulky and others, so of cultivators, corn-planters, seed-drills, harrows, pulverizers, harvesters, hay-rakes, thrashers and separators, each contrasting to the experienced mind, changes of method in agriculture, relieving the husbandman of toil, and assuring in uniformity and perfection in preparation and cultivation a yield of profit and the means of read}' harvesting, thrashing and marketing. Contrast the dropping of corn and covering with the hoe, with the swift movements of the planter, the irregular broadcast sowing by lands or landmarks with the seed-drill, the former harrow with the present, the old reaper even with its man to rake off the gavels with the self-dropper, the old method of haying with scythes laying the swaths, with hand-rakes forming the windrows, with forks placing in cocks, and finally the wearisome labor of pitching and stowing away in the barns, in striking contrast to the music of the mower as the farmer rides, always leaving circles about his meadow, shaving and spreading the grasses at each round, the buggy-rake gathering with wide sweeps, the hay-fork and hoisting tackle depositing the fragrant hay in the capacious bay for winter's food to choice breeds of domestic animals.

The staple grain product of Darke has constantly been corn. Fully twice as many acres have been devoted to this cereal as to any other. It has always played an important part in the agriculture of the country. From being the almost sole dependence for food to the farmer, it has become the source of an important income by export, as well as food for stock. Next in order came wheat, always desirable for food, not so certain as corn, and of later years a second great source of profit to the farmer. In the earlier day, the market was at the mills of Fiqua, where the farmers went with doubled teams upon a three-days trip to realize from 35 to 40 cents a bushel. Reports were circulated of good prices, a rush of teaming followed and the market was overstocked. About 1837 or 1838, a colony of Germans moved into Darke and bought rejected lands, entered some and paid as high as 812 to $16 per acre for farms partially improved, and gave a stimulus to farming, but it was not till after the completion of the first railroad, a dozen years before the pikes began to have an existence, that that the most powerful stimulus was given to agriculture.

We have elsewhere noted a variegated soil, well adapted to wheat, corn, iye, flax, potatoes and various grasses. The improved facilities for market of surplus products and the influence of a newly formed agricultural society, produced a marked and favorable change in farming, and became apparent in every department. The year 1853 may be regarded as the revival of agriculture. The fertility of the soil seems to have been realized, plowing was deeper, manuring was begun, rotation of crops was considered, farm lands were extended by clearing woodland and by bringing into cultivation swamp lands, much of which had been deemed valueless, through the application of judicious draining ; there was improvement in agricultural implements, and the greatest interest and progress seems to have been made in the. breeds of domestic animals. The building of the Fan Handle enhanced values, bringing wheat to 75 cents a bushel and making prices for land.

It will be seen that this year the county was rapidly growing into note and importance, growing out of an ability to enjoy natural and local advantages. Farmers from theEastern States, and industrious foreigners, were constantly moving in and occupying the new lands. Now, at last, the capabilities of Darke were to be realized. Her territory was extensive, fertile and mainly serviceable. The crops of small grains were generally sure and abundant, and confidence not altogether devoid of speculation seized upon the minds of the residents of towns and the dwellers upon the farms.

The Statistics Of 1853

The valuation of the 371,053 acres of land in the county was placed at 81.21 1,- 858, or an average of $11.35 per acre ; the value of buildings was estimated to be $399,731, while the aggregated value of all taxables was nearly $5,000,000. This was a net increase over 1816, but seven years previous, of $2,297,111. There were now of arable or plow lands, 98.512 acres ; of meadows and pasture, 22,169, and of woodland and uncultivated, 250,863 ; this gives us about 60 per cent yet in a state of nature. The wheat crop of 1852 was 321,958 bushels, and of corn, 661,- 019. There were of domestic animals 8,798 horses, 11 mules, 19,717 cattle, 23,731 sheep, and 15,010 hogs.

Four years later, improved farms about Greenville were held at $10 per acre, at which figure several changed ownership. Among them was the sale of 152^- acres by W. A. Weston to John C. Schmidt, for $6,100 ; L. H. Byran sold 97 acres for $1,000 ; and Tunis Denise disposed of 80 acres at the same rate. These figures premise rise in values and wealth of purchasers.

The future was not less prosperous than the past ; an aroused intelligence, increased numbers, ready appliances and the command of means brought Darke County, during the years up to 1860, and thence to 1868, into the front rank in all staple products of the State. In the yield of wheat for the eight years from 1860 to 1868, Darke stands fifth among the foremost ten counties, and in average per acre the seventh. She had during these years turned her energies to the construction of pikes, and speedily advanced toward the van. A writer of that day thus depicts the local feeling, " Ours is a level county, a rich soil susceptible of eas}-, rapid, cheap cultivation and yielding bountifully to the husbandman who is up with the day, in the purchase and use of improved farm machinery. Darke is not dark, but as smiling, beautiful, healthy and pleasant a locality as can be found in the country, possessing good schools and fine dwellings."

The following was the annual yield of wheat from 1860 to 1868, inclusive : 551.119 bushels. 437,001, 671,355, 505,972, 493,513, 310.611,260,611, 337,550. During 1863-61, the yield brought Darke to the fifth from the first in the State. The total yield for the eight years was 3,610,756 bushels. The county stood ninth in corn product in 1866, with a yield of 1,397,968 bushels ; in barley the sixth, and in ilax culture the fourth. She stood second in the number of turnpikes, there being 34, with an aggregate length of 293 miles, and, in 186S, ranked eleventh in the number and value of horses, there being 11,300, valued at $756,139.

for school fund, was $5,135.02; debt of separate school districts. $38,850; the total debl in 1878 amounted to $42,550, which was a reduction as compared with 1ST", of $48,341. The hanks gave as capital the national. $84,000 ; three private, $59,500 a total of $1 13,500. The sale of lands for the year ending June 30, 1878, was 28,540 acres for $1,068,412. Three hundred deeds were recorded, for which the consideration was $207,102 ; 782 mortgages were made to secure $.">( I l.o:-)0. There were canceled 237, releasing $5 t-3,327. Reverting particularly to the source of all these values, we find the following agricultural showing : Acreage of wheat, 35,423, product, 513,105 bushels ; acreage of rye, 2,351, product, 36,591 bushels ; acreage of buckwheat, 378, product, 4,354 bushels ; acreage of oats, 18,044, product 627,405 ; acreage of barley, 2,666, product, 77.182; acreage of corn, 71,416, product, 2,013,504; total acreage, 133,278, total product, 3,172,321 bushels ; acreage of timothy, 1.053. product in tons, 13,684 ; acreage of clover, 10,180, product in tons, 5,527 ; bushels of seed, 3,711 ; pasture lands, 2,611 acres ; tlax product from 2,481 acres, 21,270 bushels, 55,850 pounds fiber ; potatoes product from 1,650 acres, 114,264 bushels; sweet potatoes from 38 acres, 2,220 bushels ; tobacco from 703 acres, 836,206 pounds ; sorghum from 552 acres, 168 pounds of sugar, 37,020 gallons of sirup ; maple sugar, 1,736 pounds, and 5,614 gallons of sirup manufactured ; hives of honey-bees, 2,144, producing 17,186 pounds of honey. There was of taxable land cultivated. 100,035 acres ; pasture, 14,578 acres; woodland, 100.270 acres ; uncultivated or waste, 0,31 0 - total, 315,111 acres. It is most remarkable that the remnant of waste land should have been reduced to less than 10,000 acres. The following were the dairy products : butter, 714,036 pounds ; cheese, 245 pounds. Of stock there were 13.1*57 horses, valued at $724,108 ; 21,180 cattle valued at $203,600 ; 462 mules valued at $29,196 ; 51,605 hogs valued at $110,804 ; 7,787 sheep valued at 18.067 ; wool product was 18,081 pounds. The assessment of dogs is a curious feature, bearing the following showing : There were listed as worth $50 and under, 241 valued at $2,724. and exceeding that figure, 2,514 valued at $134,824. Horticultural interests do not make much prominent showing, there being, however, 5,548 acres devoted to orchards, principally apples. Associations of persons engaged in like pursuits furnish opportunity to disseminate information, compare experiences, examine machinery and stimulate exertion.

It was not until 1852, that leading agriculturists conferring, resolved upon the organization of an agricultural societ}", of which we have the following :

On November 16, 1852. some thirty citizens, from all parts of the county, met at the court house at Greenville and organized a county agricultural society, by appointing X. Grard, President. Alfred Kitchen. Treasurer, and Noah Arnold. Secretary. A committee of one from each township was appointed to procure subscriptions, and Messrs. Wilson, Northrup and Kitchen were appointed to report a constitution and by-laws. The society was organized November 24, 1852, and within a year numbered 320 members. The first annual fair was held at G-reenville on the 7th and 8th of September; attendance large, competition spirited. exhibits respectable. The Greenville ladies made it attractive by a Leafy bower for the reception of dairy products, domestic work' and flowers.

As early as 1853, the local press was earnest in the use of its influence to interesl the public in the support of such a society as would be of service to town and county, in a less or greater degree, and. on April 10, the Greenville Journal contained the following editorial : " The officers and managers of this association are using every effort in their power to insure to their fall exhibition a character of interest that will call together a very great assembly of compel itors and spectators. Their list of premiums is extensive and liberal. They contemplate making a large indosure. The various committees are attending faithfully to the discharge of their duties. From present indications, the first Darke County Fair will be quite creditable to our producers. The spirit of emulation awakened by this move will leave its impress. Darke Count}' has the soil, has all the advantages of a great producing region, and all should conclude to be present on the 7th and 8th of September next." This was followed by other timely articles during the months of July and August. In a paper called The Mad Anthony, published in Greenville September 14, 1853, we read : " The Darke County Agricultural Fair proved to be all that its friends could have wished. The occasion is one that will long be remembered. We have had the pleasure of attending sevei'al old-established count}' fairs throughout the State, and can safely assert that we have never yet witnessed a better display of stock than was exhibited in Greenville on the 7th and Sth. The committee had spared no pains to fit up the grounds in an appropriate manner, and had ample accommodations for every article offered. On the whole, the exhibition reflects great credit upon our county, and should inspire every citizen with zeal in the cause. We anticipate having one of the largest county fairs ever held in the State next fall."' In the same paper, two weeks later, the following paragraph appeared : " We understand that Darke County was not thrown altogether in the shade by her more stately neighbors at the State Fair. She was awarded the first premium on flour, wheat, poultry, apples, potatoes, the best quality of white lime and other articles. Don't be ashamed, now, to admit that you hail from 'way out in Darke County.'' The Mad Anthony must have been propitiated by the receipt of two specimen apples grown by William McKhann, of the count}-, one of which weighed one and three-fourths pounds. The records have not been accessible to us till 1857, when, on November 25, pursuant to notice, the Board of Directors met at the office of M. Spayd and organized, pursuant to their election September 25 previous. Members present, Moses Hart, President ; J. W. Shivery, Vice President ; M. Spayd, Secretary ; Joseph Bryson, Treasurer, and Managers George Elston, Isaac Funk and Reuben Lowry. A committee was appointed to draft a constitution and code of by-laws. The bond of the Treasurer for $1,000 was accepted April 17. 1S58. and approved, and the annual fair appointed for the 23d to the 25th of September following, at the old fair ground south of Greenville. A " complete set of good, substantial books for the use of this society " was also authorized. Committees were appointed to purchase lumber for a fence around the said grounds, and to arrange a premium list. At a meeting held on the 22d of May, the Secretary was instructed to get information from parties resident of the counties of Preble. Miami and Montgomery, regarding the selection from those localities of persons suitable to act as judges on stock. On the 3d of July, the new constitution and by-laws were adopted. The following preamble will be of interest to the reader in this connection : " Whereas, it appears, from the constitution heretofore adopted by the Darke County Agricultural Society, that the same is inefficient and defective, and, for the purpose of more thoroughly and effectually promoting the general interests of said society in our representative capacity, we do alter and amend said constitution." Alterations rectifying defects were accordingly made. On August 25. then' was held a meeting, at which delegates were appointed to confer with like parties from Miami and such other counties as might be represented, concerning a plan for the establishment of a district agricultural society, and the report of this committee was thereafter approved, and it was recommended that a district fair be held in rotation in each of the several counties concerned, in lieu of the fair for that county the same year. The number of entries made for live stock, grain, etc.. prior to the opening of the sixth county, or first district, fair, held in the tall of 1858. was not promising, but on the first day the rush to make entries was remarkable. The Secretary, with the regular aid of two assistants, and the occasional aid of a third, was tasked to his utmost to wait upon exhibitors and make the number of entries desired. The attendance, apart from exhibitors, was meager. About one hundred day tickets were sold, and about three times as many family passes. Considerable stock arrived this day, and the owners took pains to show to advantage. The leader of the following excerpt, taken from the Secretary's report, will admit that that official was endowed with descriptive powers quite beyond what is usual : "The weather was very pleasant, the air was calm and temperate, the skies unclouded, and the atmosphere rilled with a mellow haze which gave everything a softer hue and a milder aspect, constituting one of those delightful autumnal days in which nature seems to be reposing from her toils and labors of the past summer, and to be rejoicing in her own loveliness and beauty. The grounds were undisturbed by drunken revels or beastly brawls, thus presaging a good and agreeable time coming."

The second day was equally propitious and brought a concourse of people much greater than has ever before visited the grounds - the number being variously estimated at from four to six thousand. All departments were well filled, and the floral hall was especially attractive. The third and last day of the fair opened ominously, with gloomy and blustering weather, but soon the cloud rifted and again the grounds were crowded, but the throng was perceptibly less than on the day preceding. Following the award of premiums and the reception of the reports of committees, an election of officers for the ensuing year was held with the following result : President, J. Townsend ; Vice President, Dr. James Rubey ; Secretaiy, M. Spayd ; Treasurer, George Studabaker ; Managers, George Keister, John Plessinger, John McClure, James Grimes and James Aulett. Much spirit was manifested upon the track ; the ladies' equestrian contest won general admiration and a liberal premium. "The bo}rs " engaged in a riding match which won applause, and during the afternoon the Greenville "Yagers" entered the fairground in full uniform, under command of Gen. Craner, and the proceedings were closed with a fine display of the military. The receipts from all sources were $1,594.99 ; from fair, $838.01 ; premiums paid, $384.75 ; balance in treasury, January 3, 1859, $275.19.

We have supplied the description of this, the first fair under the auspices of the new organization in detail, because, in man}' respects, it had its counterpart in those which followed.

As the time drew near for the annual fair of 1859, the Secretary was ordered at a meeting held April 23, to prepare and cause to be published and printed in pamphlet form, the premium list, and this, no doubt, contributed to the attendance at the fair which opened on the 4th of October. The Seeretaiy and four assisants were kept busy recording the raany entries. The second day is described as " an atmospherical phenomenon, a paragon of autumnal beauty." The grounds had been increased materially in extent, yet the woods were filled with vehicles, and the whole area was alive with people. On October 6, the last day of the fair, the attendance reached its maximum. Receipts of the season nearly doubled those of any previous fair in Darke County, there having been taken for tickets $1,332.23, and from all sources, including balance in the treasury. January 3. 1859. $2,376.86. Balance on hand, January 2, 1800, $S09.73. The fair of 1860 is not recorded on the books of the society. Quite a large sum had been expended in improvement of the grounds, but the political excitement just prior to the outbreak of the war had so diverted the attention of the people from civil interests, that the receipts fell some sl'ho below the current expenses. On February 10. 1S01. the Board of Directors met to enter upon the discharge of their duties. There were present President II. 15. Wail. Vice President Levi Graver, Secretary Noah Arnold, and Managers Robert Drew, James McCabe, Nicholas York, John Stoltz and George Shively. August 10, the President was authorized to borrow $400, and. at the next meeting, an additional loan of $50 was sanctioned. The fair opened October 2. and during the first three days of its continuance, the weather was fine and attendance large. An encouraging number of entries was made, but on the fourth and final day, there was a I'alling-otf. partly owing to unfavorable weather. The receipts were sufficient to extricate the society from its indebtedness, but a definite statement has not been made.

On January 18, 1862, it being the time set for choice of officers, William Turner was chosen President, John Stoltz, Vice President ; J. E. Matchett, Secretary ; J. F. Bertch, Treasurer, and J. Townsend, George Shively, A. K. Doty, C. C. Walker and David Thompson, Managers. In common with every other interest and organization, the effect of the war was felt in a marked degree upon the society, and at a meeting held August 15, 1862, the following preamble and resolution were adopted :

Whereas, In consequence of great excitement in military circles, our young men having mostly volunteered in the service of their country, the public mind being very much unsettled thereby,

On December 27, 1862, John E. Matchett was appointed a delegate to represent the Darke County Agricultural Society in the State Agricultural Convention, to be held in Columbus on January 7, 1863. The Board met on January 31, 1863, to elect officers, but, their being no electors present, adjourned sine die.

No fairs were held during during the years 1862-64, but with the return of peace came a revival of agricultural interests. July 22, 1865, the Board of Agriculture for Darke Count}* met at the court house in Greenville, in response to a published call. The following resolutions were passed :

Resolved, That the Board solicit a temporary loan, by subscription, of §1.000 from the citizens of this county for the purpose of enabling it to purchase lumber to fence the grounds preparatory to holding said fair.

Following the appointment of various committees, the meeting adjourned. At the next meeting, on August 8, the Committee on Subscription reported a collectable subscription of $1,000. The fair proved a success in all regards. There was large attendance, numerous entries, and receipts fully equaled the most sanguine expectations. The general expression of managers and people was that " Darke was herself again," and that the fair was this year, as it had been in former times, a great success. The total receipts from all sources, including loans, was $3,792.97, and there was a credit balance, after defraying all expenses, of $103.72. The The officers elect for 1866 were : President, H. B. Vail ; Vice President, John Stoltz ; Secretary, Noah Arnold, Treasurer, John E. Matchett and eight Directors, named as follows : J. Townsend, J. W. Porter, H. Bichel, M. Zich, to serve one year ; for two years, A. Gaskell, N. Arnold, G. W. Studabaker and C. C. Walker. From the 26th to the 29th days of September, inclusive, were fixed upon as the time for holding the next annual fair. It was resolved to make an effort to purchase grounds for the society to hold its fairs in the future," and a committee was appointed to take the matter in charge. On March 17, 1866, a proposition from Messrs. Dawes & Turpen for the sale of the lot south of the railroad for $2,000, was accepted by resolution, and a committee appointed to close the contract. Report was made April 7, that the purchase had been completed of the entire tract south of the railroad for the designated sum - one-half cash in hand, the remainder in one year, with interest at 6 per cent. The contract was at once approved, and a certificate drawn on the Treasurer for $1,000, the society having that amount of mone}' and collaterals. At a subsequent meeting, 48,000 feet of poplar lumber was ordered to be purchased for inelosure.

( hvingto bad roads and unfavorable weather, the attendance at the fair, although larger than was expected, was comparatively small, yet it was no failure in the number of entries, the quality of animals, the article shown, nor in the receipts.

The officers for 1867 were : John L. Winner, President ; H. Mills, Vice President, and the new members of the board - Moses Hart, J. E. Matchett, John Stoltz and George Ivester. The entries and attendance at the fair this year, October 2 to 5, inclusive, was the largest in the history of the society. There was line weather. The stock, products and articles entered were better ; the displays in floral hall, and especially in the fine arts and domestic manufactures were particularly good ; the contest on the race course was unusually spirited, and every thing passed oft' agreeably to all concerned.

A special meeting was called March 21, 1808, to lease additional grounds, and a committee was appointed to contract, if possible, with Isaac Rush, for five acres. On August 29, it was ordered that hereafter all gambling be excluded from the grounds. The fair for 1868 opened September 30 and closed October 3. The first day was rainy, unfavorable, with small attendance ; this continued until noon of the second day. but it cleared off in the afternoon, and from then to the close there was large attendance. The receipts were $1,775.10.. The following officers were chosen January 9, 18G9 : D. Noggle, President ; Gr. W. Studabaker, Vice President. The new members of the board were J. E. Matchett, S. Shepherd, Gr. D. Medford and George Elston, and shortly after it was decided to fence the fair grounds. The fair began September 28, and continued four days, with favorable weather, numerous entries, a fine assemblage and good interest. The number of tickets sold on the third day, exclusive of family tickets, was 1,707. The display of fast horses drew the attention of a large crowd. On the last day, the trotting premium of $100 was won by the horse of William T. Ball, mile heats, three best in five ; time, 2:57, 2:52 and 2:51. Receipts of the fair were $2,297.85, yet a loan of $500 was required to pay off the premiums. The officers elect for 1870 were : H. Mills, President ; David Noggle, Vice President ; new Managers were C. C. Walker, I. D. Parent, N. Arnold and J. T. Martz.

On March 26, 1870, a committee was appointed to rent the grounds during the summer, reserving the privilege of granting the use of the track during the time, to any person or persons who may solicit the same for the training of horses, and also the privilege of permitting picnics and other public gatherings to be held thereon during the said time. At the next meeting, the conditions were modified and the grounds rented to A. H. Vandyke for$25. The society partially relinquished control of the track, but reserved the right to permit picnics, political meetings and other public gatherings to be held on the grounds during the time of the rental. An entry fee of 10 per cent on all premiums of $5 and over was ordered to be hereafter collected at the time said entries were made, and there was to be no deductions on the premiums offered, and it was further decided that any persons who might bring stock to place upon exhibition should not be permitted to pass in any one to care for or take charge of the stock, unless the admittance fee of such party had first been paid. The price of family tickets was fixed at $1 each ; single day tickets, 25 cents ; a wagon 20 cents, or good during the fair, 50 cents. The premium list was carefully considered and revised. All second prizes were fixed at half the amount of the first, except hands, which were set at $25 and $ 1 5. The premium of $15 on vocal music and $20 on cabinet of natural curiosities were stricken from the list, and *1(>o was borrowed to redeem outstanding orders.

On June 30, the contract for building a permanent [ticket fence was let to Abraham Black, the lowest bidder. Seven hundred dollars were borrowed to defray the expenses of erecting this fence, and 12 per cent was paid on this indebtedness. A committee was appointed to supervise the erection of buildings, sheds, etc.. and 5,000 feet of lumber were ordered The need of more lumber to complete improvements caused an additional debt of s!50.

The fair was held during the latter days of September. 1870. There was fine weather with dusty roads and track. There was a notable display of farm implements, and a line turnout of blooded stock, but entries in this department were barred by inability of owners to establish pedigrees. A number of newspaper reporters and correspondents were the guests of the board on the second day. from Cincinnati. Richmond and other places. It was estimated that 7.5(10 people were [-resent on the third day. The receipts were $3,013.97 : subsequent receipts from sale of lumber increased the amount by $586.06. The officers for 1871 were : George

D. Miller, President ; George W. Brawley, Vice President, and Managers - James Hopper, John M. Hall, Amos Halin and George Elston. The treasury contained less than $100 in uncollected notes, accounts and cash, and $50 was borrowed to meet orders issued. On the 1st of April, 40,000 feet of lumber, dressed on one side, was ordered for roofing buildings, etc., and in July a committee was appointed, in connection with one from the Joint Stock Agricultural, Mechanical and Horticultural Association, to consult with the County Commissioners relative to the future disposal of the fair grounds. Following considerable discussion and a tie vote, the President ruled in favor of a proposition to hold a horse fair on August 18 and 19. There was $400 borrowed to apply on payment of lumber purchased.

Having included in our history of the Darke County Agricultural Society nearly every important item from its organization up to 1871, and the details during the last ten years being easily accessible to the general public, only a brief outline of what has transpired up to 1880 will be supplied. The fair of 1871, held early in October, was attended by a multitude of people, as many as eight to ten thousand beingreported present on the second day. The officers for 1872 were H. Mills, President ; A. H. Vandyke, Vice President, and new Managers - G. D. Miller, J. T. Martz, James McCabe and N. Arnold. J. J. Martz was chosen Secretary and Amos Hahn, Treasurer. The " horse fair " proposition was this year defeated. The fair for 1872 was a notable success. There were, in round numbers, twelve hundred entries, and, from sale of tickets, it was seen that 9,494 persons were on the grounds.

The election of 1873 resulted in the choice of John M. Hall, President ; H. Mills, Vice President ; new Managers - Daniel Walker, James Hopper, Amos Hahn and I. N. Shivery. The Treasurer and Secretary of the previous year were retained. In the early part of the year, the board procured the written consent of the County Commissioners to sell the fair grounds, provided they purchase other grounds with the proceeds of the sale. Soon after this, the grounds embracing 17.19 acres in the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 34, Township 12, Range 2 east, were sold to J. W. Sater, and, on June 7, forty acres were bought of Messrs. O'Brien & Martz for a new ground. The price being $125 per acre, involved an outlay of $5,000, besides the no inconsiderable sum required for fencing and general improvements. The fair began September 22, continued five days and gave universal satisfaction. On the third day, it was estimated that 9,000 persons were within the inclosure, and the expression was heard that " these are the very grounds we want." The officers for 1874 were : H. Mills, President ; John M. Hall, Vice President ; new Managers - David Thompson, J. T. Martz, Arnold and McCabe. The others as before. This year the fair was held during the first days of September. Entries were being made on the first day by the Secretary and three assistants, and were continued until late at night. The crowd was very great the next day, and despite the intention to close entries at noon, the number and eagerness of the crowd to enter articles for exhibition were so great that the time was extended until the close of the day.. The principal attraction of the day was the trial of speed of horses. The attendance on the third, estimated by tickets, was above 12,000 ; there were 1,000 wagons on the ground, and the sale of single tickets realized $3,604. The expression was heard that the grounds were too small. There were 1,800 entries. The racing elicited lively interest from the presence on the course of noted horses from Centerville. Urbana, and from Fort Wayne, Ind. The fourth day was clear above, but the dust was almost unendurable. Many of the finer articles of needlework, etc., on exhibition were badly soiled, and it became evident that to insure the prosperity of this department in the future, a building must be erected which should combine security of goods at night with means of protection from the dust or storm by day. The show of stock, products and implements was creditable, and the test of speed seemed to have been fairly and satisfactorily made. The final day presented the attraction of the ladies' equestrian performance. In competing for the premium of a lady's saddle and bridle, valued at $40, there were four entries, and we would have been glad to record the one successful did we know her name. A balloon ascension failed, through no fault of the managers. The result of the fair financially was gratifying, bat who can estimate the benefit derived from the commingling here and interchange of opinion of the great body of farmers. By this agency. the manufacturer was brought to acquaintance of his patrons, and premiums given by capable men, directed where the best machinery could be obtained. Step by step, a progress was made toward permanent and advantageous improvements, now evident in all parts of the county. Arrangements were made, close following the conclusion of the fair, to construct a dwelling on the grounds, to be occupied b}T a family whose duty it should be to take charge of the property.