Greenville Township (part 1 of 11)

History Of The State Of Ohio

three days thereafter, by the " Cleveland, Columbus k Cincinnati Railroad." The " Little Miami " was begun in 1837. Notwithstanding these chartered rights, but 129 miles were completed in 1847, and in operation. In 1878, the mileage had increased to 6,264. The valuation of the operating roads was estimated the same year, at $76,113,500. Their taxation summed up $1,128,116.

No State in the Union has been more zealous in her educational interests than Ohio. Public lands were generously granted by Congress, and the State added her affirmation. However, no practical and effectual system was adopted until 1825.

An act was then passed to tax all real property one-half mill per dollar for the establishment of schools in each township, and the support of the same. An act of 1829, increased the tax to three-fourths of a mill. Tru, ees of townships were instructed to make divisions and locate convenient school districts. Householders were to elect three school directors, a clerk and treasurer annually. Privileges and restrictions were enjoined in all cases. The householders were allowed their discretion, governed accordingly, in imposing taxes for the erection of school buildings. The Courts of the Common Pleas appointed a committee to examine the qualifications of those individuals making application for the position of teachers. The school extended equal privileges to all white children. Those of colored parentage were excluded, and no tax was levied for school purposes upon colored parents. An amendment has admitted the children of colored parents. The system has continued the same, with a few amendments. A State Commissioner of Common Schools is elected every third year, who has general charge of the interests of public schools. A State Board of Examiners, composed of three persons, appointed by the State Commissioner, for two years' term, is authorized to issue life certificates of high qualifications, to such teachers as it may find to possess the requisite scholarship, character, experience and ability. These certificates, signed by the Commissioner, are valid throughout the State. A County Board of Examiners, of three members, is formed in each county. Boards of education, for cities, are made up of one or two members from each ward. City Boards of Examiners are also appointed. Section 4 of the law of 1873, was amended in 1877, which made the territory annexed to an incorporated village, at the option of the voters of the village and tributary section, whether it be included with the village as one school district, or left as two school districts. Section 56 of the law was amended, in its bearing upon cities of 30,000 to 75,000 inhabitants, by limiting to five mills on the dollar of taxable property, the levies in such cities for continuing schools, for purchasing sites for schoolhouses, for leasing, purchasing, erecting and furnishing school houses, and for all school expenses. The public funds are subject to the discretion of voters, and boards are authorized, under instructions, to make the best use of such funds. Taxation is subject to the discretion of the State, certain limits being prescribed.

Ohio not only sustains her public schools on a broad, liberal basis, but she encourages educational pursuits in superior universities and colleges throughout the State These institutions are not aided by State funds, but are sustained by society influence, added to their self-supporting resources. Ohio also possesses a large number of normal schools, academies, seminaries and business colleges. These are not entitled to the privileges of the school fund. Scientific, professional, theological, legal and medical instructions are in no manner limited in their facilities. Industrial and reformatory schools are especially thorough. Institutions for the instruction of the deaf and dumb, and blind, and feebleminded, are under the best discipline.

We may add, many female seminaries have been established which are entirely sustained by other than State aid. Ohio has, from its inception, been solid and vigorous in whatever tended toward improvement and enlightenment.

We have also referred to the banking system of this State, as being first established on a basis through a contest between the State and the General Government. Authorities differ regarding the exact date and location ot the very first house established in the State for the purpose of transacting banking business It is highly probable that Marietta is more directly associated with that event than any other town. There are at present over one hundred and sixty-seven national banks, with an aggregate capital of $27,7J4,4bS. It also has eighteen banks of deposit, incorporated under the State banking laws of 1845, representing an aggregate capital of $539,904. Twenty-three savings banks, incorporated under the State act of 1875, with an aggregate capital of $1,277,500. Of private banks it has 192, with an aggregate capital ot $5663 898. The State represents in her banking capital over $36,275,7* 0. The First National of Cincinnati has a capital stock of over $1,000,000 The others fall below that sum, their capital diminishing from 10,000 shares ot $100 each. The valuation for taxation is $850,000-Merchant's National of Cincinnati-to the valuation of a tax of $5,000 on the First National of Beverly.

Boundary Lines

We must not omit the subject of the State boundaries. Ohio was especially the field for most animated discussions, relative not only to State limits but county lines and township rights. In 1817, a severe controversy arose, which was settled only after violent demonstrations and Government interference.

In primitive times, the geographical position, extent and surface diversities were but meagerly comprehended. In truth, it may be asserted they could not have been more at variance with actual facts had they been laid out haphazard." The ordinance of 1787 represented Lake Michigan far north ot its real position, and even as late as 1812, its size and location had not been definitely ascertained. During that year, Amos Spafford addressed a clear, comprehensive letter to the Governor of Ohio, on this subject, relative to the boundary lines of Ohio. Several lines of survey were laid out as the first course, but either Michigan or Ohio expressed disapproval in every case This culminated in 1835, when the party beginning a « permanent " survey began at the northwest corner of the State, and was attacked by a force of Michigan settlers who sent them away badly routed and beaten. No effort was made to return to the work until the State and various parties had weighed the subject and finally the interposition of the Government became necessary.

A settlement resulted in Ohio being bounded on the north by Lake Erie and the State of Michigan, on the east by Pennsylvania and West Virginia, on the south by the Ohio River, and on the west by Indiana.

It is situated between the 38° 25' and 42° north latitude, and 84° 50' west longitude from Greenwich, or 3° 30' and 7° 50' west from Washington From north to south, it extends over 210 miles, and from east to west" 220 miles - comprising 39,964 square miles.

The State is generally higher than the Ohio River. In the southern counties, the surface is greatly diversified by the inequalities produced by the excavating power of the Ohio River and its tributaries. The greater portion of the State was originally covered with timber, although in the central and northwestern sections some prairies were found. The crest or watershed between the waters of Lake Erie and those of the Ohio is less elevated than in New York or Pennsylvania. Sailing upon the Ohio the country appears to be mountainous, bluffs rising to the height of two hundred and fifty to six hundred feet above the valleys. Ascending the tributaries of the Ohio, these precipitous hills gradually lessen until they are resolved into gentle undulations and toward the sources of the river the land is low and marshy.

Although Ohio has no inland lakes of importance, she possesses a favorable river system, which, aided by her canals, gives her prestige of a convenient water transportation. The lake on her northern boundary, and the Ohio River on her southern limit, afford most convenient outlets by water to important points. Her means of communication and transportation are superior in every respect, and are constantly being increased.

Organization Of Counties And Early Events

Adams County was named in honor of John Adams, second President of the United States. Gov. St. Clair proclaimed it a county on July 10, 1797 The Virginia Military Tract included this section, and the first settlement made withm its boundaries was in this county in 1795, between the Scioto and Little Miami, at Manchester, by Gen. Nathaniel Massie. In this town was held the first court of the county.

West Union, the present county seat, was laid out by the Hon. Thomas Kirker. It occupies the summit of a high ridge. The surface of this county is hilly and broken, and the eastern part is not fertile. It produces corn, wheat, oats and pork. Beds of iron are found in the eastern part. Its hills are composed of aluminous shale. The barren hills afford a range for cattle and hogs A sort of vagrant class derive a support by collecting stones, hoop-poles and tanners

Ashland County is one of the finest agricultural sections. It was formed February 26 1846. Wheat comprises its principal crop, although large quantities of oats, corn, potatoes, grass and fruit are raised. Ashland is its county seat and was laid out by William Montgomery in 1816. It was called Uniontown for several years. Daniel Carter raised the first cabin within the county

Ashtabula County was formed June 7, 1807, and was organized January 22 1811 The surface is level near the lake, while the remainder is undulating The soil is mostly clay. Very little wheat is raised, but considerable corn and oats. Butter and cheese are the main marketable productions This was the first county settled on the Western Reserve, and also the earliest in Northern Ohio. On the 4th of July, 1796, the first surveying party arrived at the mouth of Conneaut Creek. Judge James Kingsbury was the first who wintered there with his family. He was the first man to use a sickle m he first wheat-field in the Western Reserve. Their child was the first born on the Western Reserve, and was starved to death. The first regular settlement was

180Athens County was formed from Washington March 1, 1805. It produces wheat corn, oats and tobacco. The surface is hilly and broken, with rich bottom lands between. Coal, iron ore and salt add materially to its commercial value. It has the advantage of the canal, as well as other transportation. A hens, its county seat, is situated on the Hocking River. The Ohio Unite sty the first college founded in the State, is located here We have mentioned the ancient mounds found in this county, heretofore, bellow pine ,s abundant in the lower part of the Hocking Valley.

Brown County was formed March 1, 1817, from Adams and Clermont It produces wheat, corn, rye, oats and pork. The southern part is prolific m TrL, while the northern is adapted to grazing purposes. The surface is undufating, with the exception of the Ohio River hills. Over this county Tecumseh once held sway.

Belmont County was announced by Gov. St. Clair September 7, 1801. It produces large crops of wheat, oats, corn and tobacco, an annual crop of over 2,000,000 pounds of the latter being the average. It also trades largely in wool and coal. It is a picturesque tract of country, and was one of the pioneers in the early settled portions.

In 1790, Fort Dillie was erected on the west side of the Ohio. Baker's Fort was a mile below the mouth of the Captina. Many desperate Indian battles were fought within the limits of this county, and the famous Indian scout, Lewis Wetzel, roamed over the region.

St. Clairsville is the county seat, situated on the elevation of land, in a fertile district. Capt. Kirkwood and Elizabeth Zane, of historic fame, were early pioneers here.

Butler County was formed in 1803, from Hamilton. It is within the blue limestone formation, and one of the most fertile sections of Ohio. It produces more corn than any other county in the State, besides fine crops of wheat, oats and large quantities of pork. Hamilton, the county seat, is situated on the Great Miami. Its hydraulic works furnish superior water-power. Rossville, on the opposite side of the Miami, is a large mercantile town.

Champaign County was formed March 1, 1805, from Greene and Franklin. It is drained by Mad River and its tributaries, which furnishes extensive mill privileges. Nearly a half is undulating, a quarter rolling, a fifth hilly, and 5 per cent wet prairie. The soil is fertile, and produces wheat, corn,' oats, barley, hay, while beef and wool add to the general wealth. Urbana, the county seat, was laid out in 1805, by Col. William Ward. He was chief owner of the land and donated many lots to the county, under condition that their proceeds be devoted to public improvements. Joseph Vance and George Fithian were the first settlers. The Methodists built the first church in 1807. The main army of Hull concentrated at this point before setting out for Detroit. Many Indian councils were called here, and Tecumseh was located for a time near Deer Creek.

Carroll County was formed from Columbiana in 1832-33. It produces wheat, oats and corn, and valuable coal and iron. The surface is hilly. Carrollton is its county seat. At Harlem is a celebrated chalybeate sprint.

Clark County was formed March 1, 1817, from Champaign, Madison and Greene. Its first settlement was at Chribb's Station, in 1796. It is highly cultivated, well watered and very fertile. The Mad River, Buck and Beavlr Creeks furnish abundant water-power. It produces principally wheat, corn and oats. Tecumseh, the old Indian warrior, was born at the ancient Indian village, Piqua, on the Mad River, on the present site of West Boston. Piqua

Springfield, the county seat, is situated on the National road. It has convenient transportation facilities, is handsomely laid out, and is noted for its cultured citizens. It is near Mad River, and Buck Creek runs through it.

Clinton County was formed in 1810. It produces chiefly wheat, oats, wool and pork. Its surface is undulating, in some parts hilly, and the soil fertile. Its streams furnish desirable water-power. The county was settled in 1803. Wilmington is the county seat, and was laid out in 1811. The first log house was built by William Hobsin.

Clermont County was the eighth formed in the Northwest Territory, by proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, December 9, 1800. The soil is exceedingly rich, and the surface is broken and, near the Ohio, hilly. Wheat, corn, oats, hay, potatoes, tobacco, barley, buckwheat and rye form the main crops, while beef, pork, flour, hay and whisky constitute its main exports. Its streams furnish good water-power. Batavia, its county seat, is situated on the Little Miami River, and was laid out in 1820, by George Ely.

Columbiana County was formed March 25, 1803, from Jefferson and Washington. Its soil is very fertile, producing wheat, corn, oats and potatoes. It is wealthy in mineral deposits, coal, iron ore, lime and freestone being abundant. Its water-lime stone is of superior quality. Salt water is found on Yellow and Beaver Creeks. This is also the great wool-producing county of the State. It was settled in 1797. New Lisbon, its county seat, is well built.

Coshocton County was organized April 1, 1811. Its principal products are wheat, corn, oats and wool. Hills and valleys alternate along the Muskingum River. ' Abrupt changes are strongly marked - a rich alluvum being overhung by a red-bush hill, while directly beside it may be seen the poplar and sugar tree. Coal and iron ore add to its general importance, while salt wells have proven remunerative.

Cuyahoga County was formed June 7, 1807, from Geauga. Near the lake, the soil is sandy, while a clayey loam may be found elsewhere. The valleys near the streams produce wheat, barley and hay. Fruit is successfully grown, and cheese, butter, beef and wool are largely exported. Bog iron is found in the western part, and fine grindstone quarries are in operation. The sandstone from these quarries is now an important article of commerce. As early as 1775, there was a French settlement within the boundaries of Cuyahoga. In 1786, a Moravian missionary came to the present site of Cleveland, and settled in an abandoned village of the Ottawas. Circumstances prevented a

The first permanent settlement was made at Cleveland in 1796. Mr. Job V. Stiles and family and Edward Paine passed the first winter there, their log cabin standing where the Commercial Bank is now located. Rodolphus Edwards and Nathaniel Doane settled here. The town was, in 1813, a depot of supplies and a rendezvous for troops engaged in the war.

Cleveland, the county seat, is situated at the northern termination of the Ohio Canal, on the lake shore. In 1814, it was incorporated as a village, and in 1836, as a city. Its elevation is about a hundred feet above the lake. It is a lovely city, and has one of the best harbors on Lake Erie.

Crawford County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian territory. The entire county is adapted to grazing. The soil is generally composed of rich vegetable loam, and in some parts the subsoil is clay mixed with lime. Rich beds of shell marl have been discovered. It produces wheat, corn, oats, clover, timothy seed, wool and cattle. Fine limestone quarries are worked with success.

Bucyrus is the county seat, and was laid out February 11, 1822, by Samuel Norton and James Kilbourn, original owners of the land. The first settler in the town proper was Samuel Norton. A gas well has been dug in Bucyrus, on the land of R. W. Musgrove, which burns in a brilliant light when conducted to the surface by means of pipes. Crawford's Sulphur Springs are located nine miles from Bucyrus. The water is impregnated with sulphuretted hydrogen. It deposits a reddish-purple sediment. In its nature the water is a cathartic, and is diuretic and diaphoretic in its effects. A few rods away is a burning spring. The Annapolis Sulphur Spring is clear and has gained considerable fame by its curative qualities. Opposite Bucyrus is a chalybeate spring of tonic qualities.

There are some beds of peat in the county, the most extensive one being a wet prairie called Cranberry Marsh, containing nearly 2,000 acres.

Darke County was organized in March, 1817, from Miami County. It is abundantly timbered with poplar, walnut, blue ash, hickory, beech and sugar maple. It yields superior wheat, and is well adapted to grazing. In this county occurred the lamentable defeat of St. Clair, and the treaty of Greenville.

Greenville is the county seat, and was laid out August 10, 1808, by Robert Gray and John Dover. In December, 1793, Wayne built Fort Greenville on this spot, which covered about the same extent as the present town.

Delaware is the county seat, and was laid out in the spring of 1808, by Moses Byxbe. The Delaware Spring in the village is of the white sulphur or

Defiance County was inaugurated March 4, 1845, from Williams, Henry and Paulding. The Maumee, Tiffin and Auglaize flow through it. The Black Swamp covers much of its area.

Defiance, the county scat, is situated on the Maumee. It was laid out in 1822, by B. Level and H. Phillips. A large Indian settlement occupied its gite in very early times. Wayne arrived here August 8, 1794, captured the place, finding about one thousand acres of corn, peach and apple orchards, and vegetables of all varieties. Here he built Fort Defiance.

Erie County was formed in 1838, from Huron and Sandusky. The soil is alluvial, and yields large crops of wheat, corn, oats and potatoes. It possesses inexhaustable quarries of limestone and freestone. Immense quantities of bog iron are also found. The Erie tribe is said to have once occupied the land, and were extirpated by the Iroquois. As early as 1754, the French had built settlements. In 1764, the county was besieged. Pontiac came here with warlike demonstrations, but made peace with the whites. Erie was included in the "fire lands" of the Western Reserve.

Sandusky City is the county seat, and was laid out in 1817, then termed Portland. At that time it contained two log huts. The town is finely situated, and is based upon an inexhaustible quarry of the finest limestone. In the "patriot war" with the Canadians, this city was the rendezvous for the "patriots."

Franklin County was formed April 30, 1803, from Ross. It contains much low wet land, and is better adapted to grazing than agricultural purposes. It was in early times occupied by the Wyandot Indians. Its first white settlement was made in 1797, by Robert Armstrong and others. Franklinlon was laid out in 1797, by Lucas Sullivan. Worthington was settled by the Scioto Company in 1801. Col. Kilbourn, who was interested in the work, constructed the first map of Ohio during his explorations, by uniting sectional diagrams.

Columbus, the capital of the State of Ohio, is also the county seat of Franklin County. After the organization of a State government, the capital was "portable" until 1816. In 1810, the sessions were held at Chillicothe, in 1811 and 1812 at Zanesville, removing again to Chillicothe, and, in 1816, being located at Columbus. The town was laid out during the spring of 1812. A penitentiary was erected in 1813, and the State House was built in 1814. It was incorporated as "the borough of Columbus," February 10, 1816. The city charter was granted March 3, 1834.

It is beautifully located on the east bank of the Scioto. The Columbus Institute is a classical institution. A female and a theological seminary also add to its educational advantages. The Ohio Lunatic Asylum is also located here - also the Ohio Institution for the Education of the Blind. East of the

The soil is varied, being in some parts exceedingly rich, and in others very sterile. It produces principally wheat, corn, rye, oats, buckwheat, barley, potatoes and tobacco.

Lancaster is the county seat, laid out by Ebenezer Zane in 1800. In 1797, he opened the road known as "Zane's Trace," from Wheeling to Limestone - now Maysville. It passed through Lancaster, at a fording about three hundred yards below the present turnpike bridge. Near the turn stands an imposing eminance called " Standing Stone." Parties of pleasure frequently visit this spot.

Fayette County was formed from Ross and Highland in 1810. Wheat. corn, cattle, hogs, sheep and wool comprise its main productions. " The barrens" are situated in the northeastern part. This tract is covered by a growth of grass.

Col. Stewart was active in the interests of this section, and his memory is sacredly revered. Jesse Milliken was prominent in public affairs.

Fulton County, bordering on Michigan, was organized in 1850. It is drained by Bean Creek and other small affluents of the Maumee River. The surface is nearly level, and a large part of it is covered with forests of ash, beech, elm, hickory, white oak, black walnut, etc., furnishing excellent timber. The soil is fertile. Wheat, corn, oats and hay are the staple products. Wauseon is the county seat.

Guernsey County was organized in March, 1810. Wool is a staple product, together with beef, horses and swine. It produces wheat, corn and oats.

Cambridge is the county seat and was laid out in June, 1806. Mr. Graham was the first settler on the site of the town, and his was the only dwelling between Lancaster and Wheeling.

Greene County was formed May 1, 1803, from Hamilton and Ross. It produces wheat, corn, rye, grass-seed, oats, barley, sheep and swine. The streams furnish good water-power. There are five limestone quarries, and a marble quarry of variegated colors. The Shawnee town was on the Little Miami, and was visited by Capt. Thomas Bullit in 1773. When Daniel Boone was captured in 1778, he was brought to this town, and escaped the following year. Gen. Clarke invaded this county and the Indians reduced the town to ashes. * Xenia, the county seat, was laid off in the forest in 1803, by Joseph C. Vance. The first cabin was erected in April, 1804, by John Marshall. The Rev. James Fowler built the first hewed-log cabin. David A. Sanders built the first frame house. Nine miles north of the town, on the Little Miami River, are the Yellow Springs, which are impregnated with sulphur.

Geauga County was formed in 1805 from Trumbull. It exports sheep, cattle, butter and cheese. It is situated at the head of Chargrine, Cuyahoga and a part of Grand Rivers, on high ground, and is subjected to snowstorms more frequently than any other part of the Reserve. Its first settlement was made in 1798, at Burton. Chardon is fourteen miles from Lake Erie, and is 600 feet above it. It was laid out as the county seat in 1808.

Gallia County was formed April 30, 1803, from Washington. Its principal crops are wheat, corn, oats and beans. The surface is generally broken. Its first settlement was made in 1791, by a French colony, at Gallipolis. This colony was sent out under the auspices of the Scioto Company. This town is now the county seat.

Hamilton County was the second established in the Northwestern Territory by proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, January 2, 1790. Its surface is generally rolling. It produces the ordinary farm products, and a great variety of fruits and vegetables for the Cincinnati market. Vineyards thrive well within its limits, and the manufacture of wine is carried on to a considerable extent.

This county was the second settled in Ohio, and the first within the Symmes purchase. Settlers arrived at the spot now occupied by Cincinnati, and three or four log cabins were erected. Gen. Arthur St. Clair arrived here in January, 1790. The army of Wayne encamped here later, at Fort Washington. Mr. Maxwell established in 1793 the Sentinel of the Northwestern Territory, the first newspaper printed north of the Ohio River. In 1796, Edward Freeman became its proprietor, and changed the name to Freeman's Journal. January 11, 1794, two keel-boats sailed from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh, making regular trips every four weeks. In 1801, the first sea vessel built at Marietta came down the Ohio.

Cincinnati, the county seat, was incorporated January 2, 1802. It was chartered as a city in 1819. The city is beautifully laid out and delightfully situated. Its public buildings are elegant and substantial, including the court house and many literary and charitable institutions.

The Cincinnati College was founded in 1819. It stands in the center of the city. It is built in Grecian-Doric style, with pilaster fronts and facade of Dayton marble. Woodward College is also popular.

The Catholics have founded the St. Xavier's College. Lane Seminary, a theological institution, is at Walnut Hills, two miles from the center of the city. It has over 10,000 volumes in its libraries. No charge is made for tuition. Rooms are provided and furnished at $5 per year, and board ranges from 62^ cents to 90 cents a week. The Cincinnati Law School is connected with Cincinnati College. The Mechanics' Institute was chartered in 1828, and is in all respects well supplied with apparatus. A college for teachers was established in 1831, its object being to perfect those contemplating entering that profession in their studies and system.

The Cincinnati Orphan Asylum is an elegant building, and has a library and well-organized school attached. The Catholics of the city have one male and female orphan asylum. The Commercial Hospital and Lunatic Asylum of Ohio was incorporated in 1821.

Cincinnati is a large manufacturing city, and possesses fine water-power facilities. It communicates with the world by means of its canal, river, turnpikes, and railways. North Bend is another prominent town in this county, having been the residence of Gen. William H. Harrison, and the site of his burial place. The town was of considerable importance in the early settlement of the State. About thirty yards from Harrison's tomb is the grave of Judge Symmes.

Hancock County was formed x\pril 1, 1820. It produces wheat, oats, corn, pork and maple sugar. The surface is level and its soil is fertile. Blanchard's Fork waters the central and southern part of the county. Findlay, the county seat, was laid out by ex-Gov. Joseph Vance and Elnathan Corry, in 1821. It was relaid in 1829. William Vance settled there in the fall of 1821. At the south end of the town, are two gas wells. In the eastern part, is a mineral spring, and west of the bridge, is a chalybeate spring.

Hardin County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian Territory. It produces, principally, wheat, corn and swine. A portion of the surface is level, and the remainder undulating. Fort McArthur was built on the Scioto River, but proved a weak stockade. Kenton is the county seat, situated on the Mad River.

Harrison County was formed from Jefferson and Tuscarawas January 1, 1814. The surface is hilly, abounding in coal and limestone. Its soil is clayey. It is one of the important wool-growing counties in Ohio. It produces large quantities of wheat, corn, oats and hay, besides a considerable number of horses, cattle and swine.

In April, 1799, Alexander Henderson and family settled in this county, and at the same time, Daniel Peterson and his family resided at the forks of Short Creek. The early settlers were much annoyed by Indians and wild beasts. Cadiz is the county seat, and was laid out in 1803 and 1804, by Messrs. Briggs and Beatty.

Henry County was formed from the old Indian Territory, April 1, 1820. Indian corn, oats, potatoes, and maple sugar constitute the main products. The county is well supplied with running streams, and the soil is unusually rich.

The greater portion of this county is covered by the "Black Swamp." Throughout this swamp are ridges of limestone, covered with black walnut, red elm, butternut and maple. The soil is superior for grain. Fruit thrives and all varieties of vegetables are produced in large quantities. Simon Girty, notorious for his wicked career, resided in this county. Girty led the attack on Fort Henry, in September, 1777. He demanded the surrender of the fort, and menaced its inmates with an Indian massacre, in case of refusal. The

Highland County was formed in May, 1805, from Ross, Adams and Clermont. It is a wealthy, productive county. Its wheat commands a high market price. The crops consist of wheat, corn, oats, maple sugar, wool, swine and cattle. Its first settlement began in 1801, at New Market, by Oliver Ross, Robert Keeston, George W. Barrere, Bernard Weyer and others. Simon Kenton made a trace through this county in early times. Hillsboro is the county seat, and was laid out in 1807, by David Hays, on the land of Benjamin Ellicott. It is situated on the dividing ridge, between the Miami and Scioto. The Hillsboro Academy was founded in 1827.

Hocking County was formed March 1, 1818, from Ross, Athens and Fairfield. Its principal products are corn, wheat, tobacco and maple sugar. Its surface is broken and hilly, but is level and fertile beside the streams.

The Wyandots once occupied this tract, and built a large town herein. In 1798, a few white families ventured to settle. Logan is its county seat, and is situated on the Hocking River.

Holmes County was formed from Coshocton, Tuscarawas and Wayne, January 20, 1824. It produces wheat, corn, oats, potatoes, maple sugar, swine, sheep and cattle. The southwestern portion is broken. Thomas Butler was the first settler, in 1810. Millersburg is the county seat, and was laid out in 1830.

Huron County was organized in 1815. It produces hay, wheat, corn, oats, barley, buckwheat, flaxseed, potatoes, butter, cheese, wool and swine. Norwalk is the county seat.

Jackson County was organized March, 1816. The country is rich in minerals and abounds in coal and iron ore. The exports are cattle, wool, swine, horses, lumber, millstones, tobacco and iron. Jackson, the county seat, was laid out in 1817. The old Scioto salt-works were among the first worked in Ohio by the whites. Prior to this period, the Indians came some distance to this section to make salt. When Daniel Boone was a prisoner, he spent some time at these works.

Jefferson County was proclaimed by Gov. St. Clair July 29, 1797, and was the fifth county established in Ohio. It is one of the most important manufacturing counties in the State. Its resources in coal are also extended. The surface is hilly and the soil fertile, producing wheat, corn and oats. The old "Mingo" town was on the present farms of Jeremiah Hallock and Mr- Daniel Potter. The troops of Col. Williamson rendezvoused at this point, when they set out in their cruel Moravian campaign, and also the troops of Col. Crawford, when they started on the campaign against the Sandusky Indians. Here Logan, the powerful and manly chief of the Mingo nation, once resided. He took no active part in the old French war, which closed in

History Of The State Of Ohio

1760, except that of a peacemaker. He was a stanch friend of the whites until the abominable and unprovoked murder of his father, brother and sister, which occurred in 1774, near the Yellow Creek. He then raised the battle cry and sought revenge.

However, Logan was remarkably magnanimous toward prisoners who fell into his hands. The year 1793 was the last spent in Indian warfare in Jefferson County.

Fort Steuben was erected on the present site of Steubenville, the county seat, in 1789. It was constructed of block-houses, with palisade fences, and was dismantled during Wayne's campaign. Bezaleel Wells and Hon. James Ross laid the town out in 1798. It was incorporated February 14, 1805. It is situated upon an elevated plain. In 1814, Messrs. Wells and Dickerson built a woolen manufactory, and introduced merino sheep to the county.

Knox County was formed March 1, 1808, from Fairfield. It is drained by the Vernon River. It produces wheat, corn, oats, tobacco, maple sugar, potatoes and wool. Mount Vernon was laid out in 1805. The early settlers found two wells on the Vernon River, built of hammered stone, neatly laid, and near by was a salt-lick. Their direct origin remains a mystery. Gilman Bryant, in 1807, opened the first store in Mount Vernon. The court house was built in 1810. The Indians came to Mount Vernon in large numbers for the purpose of trading in furs and cranberries. Each Saturday, the settlers worked on the streets, extracting stumps and improving the highway. The first settler north of the place was N. M. Young, who built his cabin in 1803. Mount Vernon is now the county seat, beautifully situated on Vernon River. Kenyon College is located at Gambier. It is richly endowed with 8,000 acres, and is valued at $100,000. This institution was established under the auspices of Bishop Chase, in July, 1826, in the center of a $4,000-acre tract belonging to Kenyon College. It was chartered as a theological seminary.

Lucas County is of comparatively recent origin. A large portion is covered by the "Black Swamp." It produces corn, wheat, potatoes and oats. This county is situated in the Maumee Valley, which was the great arena of historical events. The frightful battle of Wayne's campaign, where the Indians found the British to be traitors, was fought at Fort Meigs, in this county. Maumee City, the county seat, was laid out in 1817, as Maumee, by Maj . William Oliver and others. It is situated on the Maumee, at the head of navigation. The surface is 100 feet above the water level. This town, with Perrysburg, its neighbor, is exceedingly picturesque, and was in early times frequented by the Indians. The French had a trading station at this point, in 1680, and in 1794, the British Fort - Miami - was built. Toledo is on the left bank of the Maumee, and covers the site of a stockade fort, known as Fort Industry, erected in 1800. An Indian treaty was held here July 4, 1805, by which the Indians relinquished all rights to the " fire lands." In 1832, Capt. Samuel Allen gave an impetus to the place, and Maj. Stickney also became interested in its advancement.

Speculation in lots began in 1834. The Wabash & Erie Canal interest arose in 1836. Mr. Mason and Edward Bissel added their energies to assist the growth of the town. It was incorporated as a city in 1836. It was the center of the military operations in the " Ohio and Michigan war," known as the "boundary conilict."

The Ordinance of 1787 provided for the division of the Northwestern Territory into three or five States. The three southern were to be divided from the two northern by a line drawn east and west through the southern point of Lake Michigan, extending eastward to the Territorial line in Lake Erie. The constitution of Ohio adds a provision that if the line should not go so far north as the north cape of Maumee Bay, then the northern boundary of Ohio should be a line drawn from the southerly part of Lake Michigan to the north cape of the Maumee Bay.

When Michigan became a Territory, the people living between the " Fulton " and '- Harris " lines found it more to their wishes to be attached to Michigan. They occupied disputed ground, and were thus beyond the limits of absolute law. In 1835, the subject was greatly agitated, and J. Q. Adams made a warm speech before Congress against the Ohio claim. The Legislature of Ohio discussed the matter, and an act was passed to attach the disputed section to Ohio, according to the constitutional decree. An active campaign opened between Michigan and Ohio. Gov. Lucas came out with the Ohio troops, in the spring of 1835, and Gov. Mason, of Michigan, followed the example. He marched into Toledo, robbed melon-patches and chicken-houses*, crushed in the front door of Maj. Stickney's house, and carried him away prisoner of war. Embassadors were sent from Washington to negotiate matters - Richard Rush, of Pennsylvania and Col. Howard, of Maryland. At the next session of Congress, the matter was settled. Samuel Vinton argued for Ohio, in the House, and Thomas Ewing in the Senate. Michigan received an equivalent of the large peninsula between Lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior. Ohio received the disputed strip, averaging eight miles in width. Manhattan, Waterville and Providence are all flourishing towns.

Lorain County was formed from Huron, Cuyahoga and Medina, on December 26, 1822. The soil is generally fertile, and the surface level. Wheat> grass, oats, corn, rye and potatoes constitute the principal crops. Bog-iron ore is found in large quantities. A curious relic has been found in this county, bearing the date of 1533. Elyria is the county seat, and was laid out in 1817. The first settler was Mr. Heman Ely. Oberlin is situated about eight miles southwest of Elyria. The Oberlin Collegiate Institute has attained a wide celebrity.

Logan County was formed March 1, 1817. The surface is broken and hilly near the Mad River, but is generally level. The soil is fertile, producing wheat, corn, rye, oats, clover, flax and timothy seed. The Shawnee Indians were located here, and built several villages on the Mad River. These towns were destroyed in 1786, by a body of Kentuckians, under Gen. Benjamin Logan. The whites surprised the towns. However, they returned after the work of destruction had been completed, and for many years frequented the section. On the site of Zanesville was a Wyandot village. By the treaty of September 29, 1817, the Senecas and Shawnees held a reservation around Lewistown. April 6, 1832, they vacated this right and removed west. Isaac Zane was born about the year 1753, and was, while a boy, captured and afterward adopted by the Wyandots. Attaining the age of manhood, he had no desire to return to his people. He married a Wyandot woman, who was half French. After the treaty of Greenville, he bought 1,800 acres on the site of Zanesville, where he lived until the year 1816, when he died, lamented by all his friends.

Logan County was settled about the year 1806. During the war of 1812, it was a rendezvous for friendly Indians. Bellefontaine, the county seat, was laid out March 18, 1820, on land owned by John Tulles and William Powell. Joseph Gordon built a cabin, and Anthony Ballard erected the first frame dwelling.

Gen. Simon Kenton is buried at the head of Mad River, five miles from Bellefontaine. He died April 29, 1836, aged eighty-one years and twenty-six days. This remarkable man came West, to Kentucky, in 1771. He probably encountered more thrilling escapes than any other man of his time. In 1778, he was captured and suffered extreme cruelties, and was ransomed by the British. He soon recovered his robust health, and escaped from Detroit the following spring. He settled in Urbana in 1802. He was elected Brigadier General of the militia, and in the war of 1812, joined Gen. Harrison's army. In the year 1820, he removed to Mad River. Gen. Vance and Judge Burnet secured him a pension, of $20 per month

Licking County was formed from Fairfield March 1, 1808. The surface is generally level, diversified by slight hills in the eastern portion. The soil is fertile, producing wheat, corn, oats and grass. Coal and iron ore of good quality add to the wealth of the county. Wool and dairy productions are also staples. Newark is the county seat, and is situated at the confluence of the three principal branches of the Licking. It was laid out by Gen. William C. Schenk, George W. Burnet and John M. Cummings, who owned this military section of 4,000 acres, in 1801. In 1802, Samuel Elliott and Samuel Parr built hewed-log houses. The picturesque "Narrows of the Licking " are in the eastern part of the county, which have elicited general praise from scenic hunters.

Lawrence County was organized March 1, 1816. There are many high and abrupt hills in this section, which abound in sand or freestone. It is rich in minerals, and the most important section of Ohio for iron manufacture.

The county was settled in 1797 by the Dutch and Irish. The iron region extends through the west part of this county. Lawrence County produces a superior quality of iron, highly esteemed for castings, and is equal to Scotch pig for furnace purposes. Burlington is the county seat.

Lake County was formed from Geauga and Cuyahoga March 6, 1840. The soil is good and the surface rolling. It produces wheat, corn, oats, buckwheat, barley, hay and potatoes. Dairy products, cattle and wool are also staples. Its fruits - apples, peaches, pears, plums and grapes are highly prized. As early as 1799, a settlement was formed at Mentor. Painesville, the county seat, is situated on Grand River, in a beautiful valley. The Painesville Academy is a classical institution for the education of both sexes. Near the town is the Geauga furnace. Painesville was laid out by Henry Champion in 1805. At Fairport, the first warehouse in this section, and probably the first on the lake, was built by Abraham Skinner in 1803. This town has a fine harbor, and has a light-house and beacon. Kirtland, southwest from Painesville, was, in 1834, the headquarters of the Mormons. At that time, they numbered about three thousand. The old Mormon temple is of rough stone, plastered over, colored blue, and marked to imitate regular courses of masonry. As is well known, the Mormons derive their name from the book of Mormon, said to have been translated from gold plates found in a hill in Palmyra, N. Y.

Madison County was organized in March, 1810. The surface is generally level. It produces grass, corn, oats and cattle - the latter forming a chief staple, while wool and pork add to the general wealth.

Jonathan Alder was much interested in the settlement of the county. He, like some other whites, had lived with the Indians many years, and had formed a lasting affection for them, and had married a squaw, with whom he became dissatisfied, which caused him to desire finding his own family. He succeeded in this through the assistance of John Moore. He left his wife and joined his people.

This county was first settled in 1795. Benjamin Springer made a clearing and built a cabin. He settled tiear Alder, and taught him the English language. Mr. Joshua Ewing brought four sheep to this place, and the Indians exhibited great astonishment over these strange animals. When the hostilities of 1812 began, the British offered inducements to the Indians to join them, and they consulted Alder regarding the best policy to adopt. He advised them to preserve neutrality until a later period, which they did, and eventually became firm friends of the Americans.

Marion County was organized March 1, 1824. The soil is fertile, and produces extensive farm crops. The Delaware Indians once held a reservation here, and conceded their claims in 1829, August 3, and removed west of the

Mississippi-. Marion, the county seat, was laid out in 1821, by Eber Baker and Alexander Holmes. Gen. Harrison marched through this section during his campaign.

Mahoning County was formed in 1846, from Trumbull and Columbiana. The surface is rolling and the soil generally fertile. The finer qualities of wood are produced here. Bituminous coal and iron are found in large quantities. Col. James Hillman came to the Western Reserve in 1786. The settlement of the county went forward. Canfield is the county seat.

Medina County was formed from the Western Reserve February 12, 1812. The surface is rolling and the soil is fertile, producing fine agricultural products. The first trail made through the county was made by George Poe, Joseph H. Larwell and Roswell M. Mason. The first settlement was made by Joseph Harris in 1811. He was soon joined by the Burr brothers. Medina is the county seat.

Meigs County was formed from Gallia and Athens April 1, 1819. The general character of the soil is clayey, producing large quantities of wheat, oats, corn, hay and potatoes. Vast quantities of salt are made and exported. Pomeroy, the county seat, is situated under a lofty hill, surrounded by picturesque scenery. Mr. Nathaniel Clark was the first settler of the county. He arrived in 1816. The first coal mine opened in Pomeroy was in 1819, by David Bradshaw.

Mercer County was formed from the Indian Territory in 1820. The surface is generally flat, and while covered with forests, inclined to be wet ; but, being cleared, it is very fertile, and adapted to producing farm crops. St. Clair's Battle was fought on the boundary line between this and Darke County. The Hon. Lewis Cass and Duncan McArthur made a treaty at St. Mary's with the Wyandots, Shawnees and Ottawas, in 1818. The odious Simon Girty lived at one time at St. Mary's. Wayne built St. Mary's Fort, on the west bank of the river. John Whistler was the last commander of the fort. The largest artificial lake in the world, so it is asserted, is formed by the reservoir supplying the St. Mary's feeder of the Miami Extension Canal. It is about nine miles long, and from two to four broad. Celina is the county seat.

Miami County was formed January 16, 1807, from Montgomery. It abounds in excellent limestone, and possesses remarkable water-power facilities. Its agricultural products rank highly in quality and quantity. John Knoop came into this section about the year 1797, and its first settlement began about this time. Troy, the county seat, is situated upon the Great Miami. Piqua is another lovely town. The Miami River affords delightful scenery at this point.

Monroe County was formed January 29, 1813, from Belmont, Washington, and Guernsey. A portion of its surface is abrupt and hilly. Large quantities of tobacco are raised, and much pork is exported. Wheat and corn grow well in the western portion. Iron ore and coal abound. The valleys of the streams are very narrow, bounded by rough hills. In some places are natural rock grottoes. The first settlement was made in 1799, near the mouth of the Sunfish.

At this time, wolves were numerous, and caused much alarm. Volney entered this county, but was not prepossessed in its favor. One township is settled by the Swiss, who are educated and refined. Woodsfield is the county seat.

Montgomery County was formed from Ross and Hamilton May 1, 1803. The soil is fertile, and its agricultural products are most excellent. Quarries of grayish-white limestone are found east of the Miami.

Dayton is the county seat, situated on the Great Miami, at the mouth of Mad River. It was settled in 1788, but the Indian wars prevented a rapid growth. After Wayne's treaty, in 1795, a new company was formed. It advanced rapidly between the years 1812 and 1820. The beginning of the Miami Canal renewed its prosperity, in 1827. The first coal-boat from Cincinnati arrived at Dayton on the 25th of January, 1829. The first one arrived from Lake Erie in June, 1845. Col. Robert Patterson came to Dayton in 1804. At one time, he owned Lexington, Ky., and about one third of Cincinnati.

Morgan County was organized in 1818, March 1. The surface is hilly and the soil strong and fertile, producing wheat, corn, oats and tobacco. Pork is a prolific product, and considerable salt is made. The first settlement was made in 1790, on the Muskingum. McConnelsville is the county seat. Mr. Ayres made the first attempt to produce salt, in 1817. This has developed into a large industry.

Morrow County was organized in 1848. It is drained by the Vernon River, which rises in it, by the East Branch of the Olontangy or Whetstone River, and by Walnut Creek. The surface is undulating, the soil fertile. The staple products are corn, wheat, oats, hay, wool and butter. The sugar maple abounds in the forests, and sandstone or freestone in the quarries. Mount Gilead, the county seat, is situated on the East Branch of the Olentangy River.

Muskingum County was formed from Washington and Fairfield. The surface is rolling or hilly. It produces wheat, corn, oats, potatoes, tobacco, wool and pork. Large quantities of bituminous coal are found. Pipe clay, buhrstone or cellular quartz are also in some portions of the State. Salt is made in large quantities - the fine being obtained from a stratum of whitish sandstone. The Wyandots, Delawares, Senecas and Shawanoese Indians once inhabited this section. An Indian town occupied the site of Duncan's Falls. A large Shawanoese town was located near Dresden.

Zanesville is the county seat, situated opposite the mouth of the Licking. It was laid out in 1799, by Mr. Zane and Mr. Mclntire. This is one of the principal towns in the State, and is surrounded by charming scenery.

Noble County, organized in 1851, is drained by Seneca, Duck and Wills Creeks. The surface is undulating, and a large part of it is covered with forests. The soil is fertile. Its staples are corn, tobacco, wheat, hay, oats and wool. Among its mineral resources are limestone, coal and petroleum. Near Caldwell, the county seat, are found iron ore, coal and salt.

Ottawa County was formed from Erie, Sandusky and Lucas, March 6, 1840, It is mostly within the Black Swamp, and considerable of its land is prairie and marsh. It was very thinly settled befere 1830. Extensive plaster beds exist on the peninsula, which extends into Lake Erie. It has also large limestone quarries, which are extensively worked. The very first trial at arms upon the soil of Ohio, during the war of 1812, occurred upon this peninsula. Port Clinton, the county seat, was laid out in 1827.

Perry County was formed from Washington, Fairfield and Muskingum, March 1, 1817. Fine tobacco is raised in large quantities. Wheat, corn, oats, hay, cattle, pork and wool add to the general wealth. This county was first settled in 1802. In 1807, John Finck erected the first cabin near the site of Somerset, formerly the county seat. New Livingston is now the county seat.

Pickaway County was formed from Fairfield, Ross and Franklin, January 12, 1810. The county has woodland, barren, plain and prairie. The barrens were covered by shrub oaks, and when cleared are adapted to the raising of corn and oats. The Pickaway plains are three and a half miles west of Circleville, and this tract is said to contain the richest land in Ohio. Here, in the olden times, burned the great council fires of the red man. Here the allied tribes met Gen. Lewis, and fought the battle of Mount Pleasant. Dunmore's campaign was terminated on these plains. It was at the Chillicothe towns, after Dunmore's treaty, that Logan delivered his famous speech. Circleville, the county seat, is situated on the Scioto River and the Ohio Canal. It was laid out in 1810, by Daniel Dresbach. It is situated on the site of ancient fortifications.

Portage County was formed June 7, 1807, from Trumbull. It is a wealthy, thriving section. Over a thousand tons of cheese are annually produced. It also produces wheat, corn, oats, barley, buckwheat, rye, butter and wool. Ravenna is the county seat, and was originally settled by the Hon. Benjamin Tappen in June, 1799. In 1806, an unpleasant difficulty arose between the settlers and a camp of Indians in Deerfield, caused by a horse trade between a white man and an Indian. David Daniels settled on the site of Palmyra in 1799.

Pike County was organized in 1815. The surface is generally hilly, which abound with freestone, which is exported in large quantities for building purposes. Rich bottom lands extend along the Scioto and its tributaries. John Noland and the three Chenoweth brothers settled on the Pee Pee prairie about 1796. Piketown, the former county seat, was laid out about 1814. Waverly, the present county seat, is situated on the Scioto River.

Eaton, the county seat, was laid out in 1806, by William Bruce, who owned the land. An overflowing well of strong sulphur water is near the town, while directly beside it is a limestone quarry. Holderman's quarry is about two miles distant, from which is obtained a beautifully clouded gray stone. ' Fort St. Clair was built near Eaton, in the winter of 1791-92. Gen. Harrison was an Ensign at the time, and commanded a guard every other night for three weeks, during the building. The severe battle of November 6, 1792, was fought under its very guns. Little Turtle, a distinguished chief of the Miamis, roamed over this county for a time. He was witty, brave and earnest, and, although engaged in several severe contests with the whites, he was inclined toward peace. But when his warriors cried for war he led them bravely.

Putnam County was formed April 1, 1820, from old Indian territory. The soil is fertile, its principal productions being wheat, corn, potatoes and oats. Large quantities of pork are exported. Kalida, once the county seat, was laid out in 1834. Ottawa is the county seat.

Ross County was formed August 20, 1798, by the proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, and was the sixth county formed in the Northwestern Territory. The Scioto River and Paint Creek run through it, bordered with fertile lands. Much water-power is obtained from the many streams watering it. The main crops are wheat, corn and oats. It exports cattle and hogs.

The Rev. Robert W. Finley, in 1794, addressed a letter of inquiry to Col. Nathaniel Massie, as many of his associates had designed settling in the new State. This resulted in packing their several effects and setting out. A trivial Indian encounter was the only interruption they met with on their way. After Wayne's treaty, Col. Massie and many of these early explorers met again and formed a settlement - in 1796 - at the mouth of Paint Creek. In August of this year, Chillicothe was laid out by Col. Massie, in a dense forest. He donated lots to the early settlers. A ferry was established over the Scioto, and the opening of Zane's trace assisted the progress of settlement.

Chillicothe, the county seat, is situated on the Scioto. Its site is thirty feet above the river. In 1800, it was the seat of the Northwestern Territorial Government. It was incorporated as a city in January, 1802. During the war of 1812, the city was a rendezvous for the United States troops. A large number of British were at one time guarded here. Adena is a beautiful place, and the seat of Gov. Worthington's mansion, which was built in 1806. Near this is Fruit Hill, the residence of the late Gen. Mc Arthur, and latterly the home of his son-in-law, the Hon. William Allen. Eleven miles from Chillicothe, on the road to Portsmouth, is the home of the hermit of the Scioto.

Richland was organized March 1, 1813. It produces wheat, corn, oats, hay, potatoes, rye, hemp and barley. It was settled about 1809, on branches of the Mohican. Two block-houses were built in 1812. Mansfield, the county seat, is charmingly situated, and was laid out in 1808, by Jacob Newman, James Hedges and Joseph H. Larwell. The county was at that period a vast wilderness, destitute of roads. From this year, the settlement progressed rapidly.

Sandusky County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian Territory. The soil is fertile, and country generally level. It mainly produces corn, wheat, oats, potatoes and pork. The Indians were especially delighted with this tract. Near Lower Sandusky lived a band of Wyandots, called the Neutral Nation. These two cities never failed to render refuge to any who sought their protection. They preserved their peacemaking attributes through the Iroquois conflicts. Fremont, formerly called Lower Sandusky, the county seat, is situated at the head of navigation, on the Sandusky, on the site of the old reservation grant to the Indians, at the Greenville treaty council. Fort Stephenson was erected in August, 1813, and was gallantly defended by Col. Croghan.

Summit County was formed March 3, 1840, from Medina, Portage and Stark. The soil is fertile and produces excellent fruit, besides large crops of corn, wheat, hay, oats and potatoes. Cheese and butter may be added as products.

The first settlement made in the county was at Hudson, in 1800. The old Indian portage-path, extending through this county, between the Cuyahoga, and Tuscarawas Branch of the Muskingum. This was a part of the ancient boundary between the Six Nations and the Western Indians. Akron, the county seat, is situated on the portage summit. It was laid out in 1825. In 1811, Paul Williams and Amos and Minor Spicer settled in this vicinity. Middlebury was laid out in 1818, by Norton & Hart.

Stark County was formed February 13, 1808. It is a rich agricultural county. It has large quantities of mineral coal, iron ore, flocks of the finest sheep and great water-power. Limestone and extensive beds of lime-marl exist. The manufacture of silk has been extensively carried on. Frederick Post, the first Moravian missionary in Ohio, settled here in 1761.

Canton is the county seat, situated in the forks of the Nimishillen, a tributary of the Muskingum. It was laid out in 1806, by Bezaleel Wells, who owned the land. Massillon was laid out in March, 1826, by John Duncan.

Shelby County was formed in 1819, from Miami. The southern portion is undulating, arising in some places to hills. Through the north, it is a flat tableland. It produces wheat, corn, oats and grass. The first point of English settlement in Ohio was at the mouth of Laramie's Creek, in this county, as early as 1752. Fort Laramie was built in 1794, by Wayne. The first white family that settled in this county was that of James Thatcher, in 1804. Sidney, the county seat, was laid out in 1819, on the farm of Charles Starrett.

Seneca County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian territory. Its principal products are corn, wheat, grass, oats, potatoes and pork.

Fort Seneca was built during the war of 1812. The Senecas owned 40,000 acres of land on the Sandusky River, mostly in Seneca County. Thirty thousand acres of this land was granted to them in 1817, at the treaty held at the foot of the Maumee Rapids. The remaining 10,000 was granted the following year. These Indians ceded this tract, however, to the Government in 1831. It was asserted by an old chief, that this band was the remnant

Scioto County was formed May 1, 1803. It is a good agricultural section, besides producing iron ore, coal and freestone. It is said that a French fort stood at the mouth of the old Scioto, as early as 1740. In 1785, four families settled where Portsmouth now stands. Thomas McDonald built the first cabin in the county. The "French grant" was located in this section - a tract comprising 24,000 acres. The grant was made in March, 1795. Portsmouth, the county seat, is located upon the Ohio.

Trumbull County was formed in 1800. The original Connecticut Western Reserve was within its limits. The county is well cultivated and very wealthy. Coal is found in its northern portion. We have, in our previous outline, given a history of this section, and it is not, therefore, necessary to repeat its details. Warren, the county seat, is situated on the Mahoning River. It was laid out by Ephraim Quinby in 1801. Mr. Quinby owned the soil. His cabin was built here in 1799. In August, 1800, while Mr. McMahon was away from home, a party of drunken Indians called at the house, abused the family, struck a child a severe blow with a tomahawk and threatened to kill the family. Mrs. McMahon could not send tidings which could reach her husband before noon the following day. The following Sunday morning, fourteen men and two boys armed themselves and went to the Indian camp to settle the difficulty. Quinby advanced alone, leaving the remainder in concealment, as he was better acquainted with these people, to make inquiries and ascertain their intentions. He did not return at once, and the party set out, marched into camp, and found Quinby arguing with Capt. George, the chief. Capt. George snatched his tomahawk and declared war, rushing forward to kill McMahon. But a bullet from the frontierman's gun killed him instantly, while Storey shot " Spotted John" at the same time. The Indians then fled. They joined the council at Sandusky. Quinby garrisoned his house. Fourteen days thereafter, the Indians returned with overtures of peace, which were, that McMahon and Storey be taken to Sandusky, tried by Indian laws, and if found guilty, punished by them. This could not be done. McMahon was tried by Gen. St. Clair, and the matter was settled. The first missionary on the Reserve was the Rev. Joseph Badger.

The first white settlers were Moravian missionaries, their first visits dating back to 1761. The first permanent settlement was made in 1803. Miss Mary Heckewelder, the daughter of a missionary, was born in this county April 16, 1781. Fort Laurens was built during the Revolution. It was the scene of a fearful carnage. It was established in the fall of 1778, and placed under the command of Gen. Mcintosh. New Philadelphia is the county seat, situated on the Tuscarawas. It was laid out in 1804 by John Knisely. A German colony settled in this county in 1817, driven from their native land by religious dictation they could not espouse. They called themselves Separatists. They are a simple-minded people, strictly moral and honest.

Union County was formed from Franklin, Delaware, Logan and Madison in 1820. It produces corn, grass, wheat, oats, potatoes, butter and cheese. Extensive limestone quarries are also valuable. The Ewing brothers made the first white settlement in 1798. Col. James Curry, a member of the State Legislature, was the chief instigator in the progress of this section. He located within its limits and remained until his death, which occurred in 1834. Marysville is the county seat.

Van Wert County was formed from the old Indian territory April 1, 1820. A great deal of timber is within the limits of this county, but the soil is so tenacious that water will not sink through it, and crops are poor during wet seasons. The main product is corn. Van Wert, the county seat, was founded by James W. Riley in 1837. An Indian town had formerly occupied its site. Capt. Riley was the first white man who settled in the county, arriving in 1821. He founded Willshire in 1822.

Vinton County was organized in 1 850. It is drained by Raccoon and Salt Creeks. The surface is undulating or hilly, and is extensively covered with forests in which the oak, buckeye and sugar maple are found. Corn, hay, butter and wool are staple products. Bituminous coal and iron ore are found. McArthur is the county seat.

Washington County was formed by proclamation of Gov. St. Clair July 27, 1788, and was the first county founded within the limits of Ohio. The surface is broken with extensive tracts of level, fertile land. It was the first county settled in the State under the auspices of the Ohio Company. A detachment of United States troops, under command of Maj. John Doughty, built Fort Harmar in 1785, and it was the first military post established in Ohio by Americans, with the exception of Fort Laurens, which was erected in 1778. It was occupied by United States troops until 1790, when they were ordered to Connecticut. A company under Capt. Haskell remained. In 1785, the Directors of the Ohio Company began practical operations, and settlement went forward rapidly. Campus Martius, a stockade fort, was completed in 1791. This formed a sturdy stronghold during the war. During the Indian war there was much suffering in the county. Many settlers were killed and captured.

Marietta is the county seat, and the oldest town in Ohio. Marietta College was chartered in 1835. Herman Blannerhassett, whose unfortunate association with Aaron Burr proved fatal to himself, was a resident of Marietta in 1796. About the year 1798, he began to beautify and improve his island.

Warren County was formed May 1, 1803, from Hamilton. The soil is very fertile, and considerable water-power is furnished by its streams. Mr. Bedell made the first settlement in 1795. Lebanon is the county seat. Henry

Wayne County was proclaimed by Gov. St. Clair August 15, 1796, and was the third county in the Northwest Territory. The settlement of this section has already been briefly delineated. Wooster is the county seat. It was laid out during the fall of 1808, by John Beaver, William Henry and Joseph H. Larwell, owners of the land. Its site is 337 feet above Lake Erie. The first mill was built by Joseph Stibbs in 1809, on Apple Creek. In 1812, a block-house was erected in Wooster.

Wood County was formed from the old Indian territory in 1820. The soil is rich, and large crops are produced. The county is situated within the Maumee Valley. It was the arena of brilliant military exploits during early times.

Wyandot County was formed February 3, 1845, from Marion, Harden, Hancock and Crawford. The surface is level and the soil is fertile. The Wyandot Indians frequented this section. It was the scene of Crawford's defeat, in June, 1782, and his fearful death. The treaty of 1817, Hon. Lewis Cass and Hon. Duncan McArther, United States Commissioners, granted to the Indians a reservation ten miles square, the central point being Fort Ferree. This reservation was ceded to the United States in 1829. The Wyandots ceded theirs March 17, 1842. The United States Commissioner was Col. John Johnson, who thus made the last Indian treaty in Ohio. Every foot of this State was fairly purchased by treaties. The Wyandots were exceedingly brave, and several of their chiefs were men of exalted moral principles.

Upper Sandusky is the county seat, and was laid out in 1843. Gen. Harrison had built Ferree on this spot during the war of 1812. Gov. Meigs, in 1813, encamped near the river, with several thousand of the Ohio militia.

The Indian town of Upper Sandusky was originally Crane Town. The Indians transferred their town, after the death of Tarke, to Upper Sandusky.

Governors Of Ohio

The Territorial Governors we have already mentioned in the course of our brief review of the prominent events of the State of Ohio. After the Territory was admitted as a State, in '1802, Edward Tiffin was elected to that position, and again received the same honor, in 1804 and 1806. In 1807, circumstances led him to resign, and Thomas Kirker, Speaker of the House, acted as Governor, until the close of the term.

Edward Tiffin was born in Carlisle, England, coming to this country in 1784, at the age of eighteen. He entered the University of Pennsylvania, and applied himself to the study of medicine, graduating and beginning his practice at the age of twenty, in the State of Virginia. In 1789, he married Mary, daughter of Col. Worthington, and sister of Thomas Worthington, who subsequently became Governor of Ohio. In his profession, Gov. Tiffin was highly esteemed, and his public labors were carried forward with a zealous earnestness which marked his career as one of usefulness. He settled in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1796, where he died, in 1829.

Samuel Huntington, the recipient of the honor of second Governor, was inaugurated in 1808. He was an American by birth, Norwich, Conn, being his native place. He was a diligent student in Yale College, graduating in 1785. He removed to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1801. He attained a reputation for integrity, ability and rare discretion. As a scholar, he was eminently superior. He resided in Cleveland at the time of his death, in 1817.

Return Jonathan Meigs followed Gov. Huntington. He was born in Middletown, Conn., in 1765. He was also a student in Yale College, graduating in 1785, with the highest honors. He immediately entered the study of law, and was admitted to practice in his twenty-third year. He married Miss Sophia Wright, and settled in Marietta, Ohio, in 1788. He took his seat as Governor in 1810, and was re-elected in 1812. In 1813, President Madison appointed him to the position of Postmaster General, which occasioned his resignation as Governor. Othniel Looker, Speaker of the House, acted as Governor during the remainder of the term. Mr. Meigs died in 1825, leaving as a memento of his usefulness, a revered memory.

Thomas Worthington, the fourth Governor, was born in Jefferson County, Va., in 1769. He gained an education in William and Mary's College. In 1788, he located at Chillicothe, and was the first Senator from the new State. He was also the first man to erect the first saw-mill in Ohio. He served two terms as Senator, from 1803 to 1815, resigning in 1814, to take his position as Governor. In 1816, he was re-elected. He was exceedingly active m paving the way for the future prosperity of Ohio. His measures were famous for practical worth and honesty. Chief Justice Chase designated him as "a gentleman of distinguished ability and great influence." He died in 1827.

Ethan Allen Brown followed Mr. Worthington. His birthplace was on the shore of Long Island Sound, in Fairfield County, Conn., July 4, 1766. His education was derived under the most judicious instruction of a private tutor. In classics, he became proficient. Directly he had reached the required standard in general education, he began the study of law, at home. After becoming conversant with preliminary requirements, he entered the law office of Alex^ ander Hamilton, who at that time was a national pride, as a scholar, lawyer and statesman. Opportunities coming in his way, which promised a fortune, he abandoned the law, and achieved success and a fortune. He then decided to return to his study, and was admitted to practice in 1802. Thereafter, he was seized with an exploring enthusiasm, and with his cousin as a companion, set out upon a horseback tour, following the Indian trails from east to west, through Pennsylvania, until they reached Brownsville, on the Monongahela River. Here they purchased two flatboats, and fully stocking them with provisions and obtaining efficient crews, started for New Orleans. Reaching that city, they found they could not dispose of their cargoes to any advantage, and shipped the flour to Liverpool, England, taking passage in the same vessel. They succeeded in obtaining good prices for their stock, and set sail for America, arriving in Baltimore nine months after first leaving " home," on this adventure. Mr. Brown's father decided to secure a large and valuable tract of Western land, as a permanent home, and authorized his son to select and purchase the same for him. He found what he desired, near Rising Sun, Ind. After this, he settled in Cincinnati, and engaged in the practice of law, speedily achieving prominency and distinction. Financially, he was most fortunate. In 1810, he was elected Judge of the Supreme Court, which position he filled with honor, until he was chosen Governor, in 1818. He was re-elected in 1820. In 1821, he received the honor of Senator, and served one term, with the highest distinction, gaining emolument for himself and the State he represented. In 1830, he was appointed Minister to Brazil. He remained there four years, and returning, was appointed Commissioner of Public Lands, by President Jackson, holding this position two years. At this time, he decided to retire from public life. Since he never married, he was much with his relatives, at Rising Sun, Ind., during the latter part of his life. His death was sudden and unexpected, occurring in February, 1852, while attending a Democratic Convention, at Indianapolis, Ind. He was interred near his father, at Rising Sun.

Jeremiah Morrow, the sixth Governor of Ohio, was born at Gettysburg, Penn., in October, 1771. His people were of the " Scotch-Irish " class, and his early life was one of manual labor upon his father's farm. During the winter, he had the privilege of a private school. With a view of establishing himself and securing a competency, he bade the old home farewell, in 1795, and set out for the " Far West." A flatboat carried him to a little cluster of cabins, known by the name of Columbia, six miles from Fort Washington - Cincinnati. He devoted himself to whatever came in his way, that seemed best and most worthy - teaching school, surveying and working on farms between times. Having accumulated a small capital, he ascended the Little Miami, as far as Warren County, and there purchased an extensive farm, and erected an excellent log house. In the spring of 1799, he married Miss Mary Packtrell, of Columbia, The young couple set out upon pioneer farming. Gaining popularity as well as a desirable property, he was deputized to the Territorial Legislature, which met at Chillicothe, at which time measures were inaugurated to call a Constitutional Convention, during the following year, to organize the State of Ohio. Mr. Morrow was one of the Delegates to this convention, and steadfastly worked in the interests of those who sent him, until its close in 1802. The following year, he was elected to the Senate of Ohio, and in June of the same year, he was appointed the first Representative to the United States Congress from the new State.

Ohio was then entitled to but one Representative in Congress, and could not add to that number for ten years thereafter. During these years, Mr. Morrow represented the State. In 1813, he was sent to the United States Senate, and in 1822, was elected Governor of Ohio, almost unanimously, being re-elected in 1824. It was during his administration that work was begun on the Ohio Canal. Mr. Morrow received the national guest, La Fayette, with an earnest and touching emotion, which affected the emotions of the generous Frenchman more profoundly than any of the elaborate receptions which paved his way through America. On the 4th of July, 1839, Gov. Morrow was appointed to lay the corner stone of the new State capitol, at Columbus, and to deliver the address on this occasion. Again, in 1840, he was in the House of Representatives, filling the vacancy caused by the resignation of Hon. Thomas Corwin. He was elected for the following term also. He died at his own homestead, in Warren County, March 22, 1853.

Allen Trimble was a native of Augusta County, Va. The date of his birth was November 24, 1783. His ancestors were of Scotch-Irish origin, and were among the early settlers of Virginia. His father moved to Ohio in 1804, purchasing a tract of land in Highland County. His cabin was remarkably spacious, and elicited the admiration of his neighbors. He cleared six acres of land for an orchard, and brought the trees on horseback, from Kentucky. Before this new home was completed, Allen, then a young man of twenty, took possession. This was in the year 1805. Four years thereafter, he occupied the position of Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and Recorder of Highland County. He was serving in the latter capacity at the breaking out of the war of 1812. Naturally enthusiastic and patriotic, he engaged a competent person to perform his civil duties, while he went into active service as Colonel of a regiment he had summoned and enlisted. He was always eager to be in the front, and led his men with such valor that they were termed soldiers who did not know the art of flinching. His commanding General lavished praises upon him. In 1816, he was in the State Senate, representing Highland County. He occupied the same position for four terms, two years each. In 1818, he was Speaker of the Senate, over Gen. Robert Lucas. He remained in this office until elected to the United States Senate, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of his brother, Col. William A. Trimble. In October, 1826, he was elected the seventh Governor of Ohio, by an astonishing majority. The united vote of his three competitors was but one-sixth of the vote polled. Gov. Trimble was an earnest Henry Clay Whig. In 1828, he was re-elected, although Jackson carried the State the following November. Gov. Trimble was married in 1806, to Miss Margaret McDowell. Three years thereafter, she died, leaving two children. He was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Woodrow, and they lived together sixty years, when he died, at home, in Hillsboro, Highland County, February 3, 1870. His wife survived him but a few months.

Duncan Mc Arthur, the eighth Governor of Ohio, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1772. While yet a child, his parents removed to the western part of Pennsylvania, where they entered upon the hard life of pioneers. While there, young Duncan had the meager advantages of a backwoods school. His life was a general routine until his eighteenth year, when he enlisted under Gen. Harmer for the Indian campaign. His conduct and bravery won worthy laurels, and upon the death of the commander of his company, he was elected to that position, although the youngest man in the company. When his days of service had expired, he found employment at salt-making in Maysville, Ky., until he was engaged as chain-bearer in Gen. Massie's survey of the Scioto Valley. At this time, Indian atrocities alarmed the settlers occasionally, and his reputation for bravery caused him to be appointed one of the three patrols of the Kentucky side of the Ohio, to give the alarm to scattered cabins in case of danger. This was during the summer of 1793. Gen. Massie again secured his services, this time as assistant surveyor. He was thus engaged for several years, during which time he assisted in platting Chillicothe. He purchased a large tract of land just north of town, and under his vigorous and practical management, it became one of the finest estates of Ohio, which reputation it sustains at the present time. He amassed wealth rapidly, his investments always being judicious. In 1805, he was elected to the State Legislature. He was a Colonel of an Ohio regiment, and accompanied Gen. Hull to Detroit in 1813. At Hull's surrender he was a prisoner, but released on parole, returned to Ohio in a state of indignation over his commander's stupidity. Soon thereafter he was sent to Congress on the Democratic ticket. Soon thereafter he was released from parole by exchange, and, greatly rejoiced, he resigned his seat, entered the army as a Brigadier General under Gen. Harrison, and the following year succeeded him as commander of the Northwestern forces. At the termination of the war, he was immediately returned to the State Legislature. He occupied State offices until 1822, when he was again sent to Congress. Serving one term, he declined re-election. In 1830, he was elected Governor of Ohio. When his term expired, he decided to enjoy life as a citizen on his farm, "Fruit Hill," and lived there in contentment until 1840, when he died.

Robert Lucas was another Virginian, having been born in 1781, in Jefferson County of that State. While a boy, his father liberated his slaves, moving to Chillicothe as one of the early settlers. He procured a proficient tutor for his children. Robert became an expert in mathematics and surveying. Before he reached his majority, he was employed as surveyor, earning liberal compensation. At the age of twenty-three, he was appointed Surveyor of Scioto County. At twenty-five, he was Justice of the Peace for Union Township, Scioto County. He married Miss Elizabeth Brown in 1810, who died two years thereafter, leaving a young daughter. In 1816, he married Miss Sumner. The same year he was elected a member of the Ohio Legislature. For nineteen consecutive years he served in the House or Senate. In 1820 and 1828, he was chosen one of the Presidential electors of Ohio. In 1832, he was Chairman of the National Convention at Baltimore, which nominated Gen. Jackson as President of the United States. In 1832, he became Governor of Ohio, and was re-elected in 1834. He declined a third nomination, and was appointed by President Van Buren Territorial Governor of Iowa and Superintendent of Indian Affairs. On the 16th of August, 1838, he reached Burlington, the seat of government. He remained in Iowa until his death, in 1853.

Joseph Vance, the tenth Governor of Ohio, was born in Washington County, Penn., March 21, 1781. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, and his father emigrated to the new Territory when Joseph was two years of age. He located on the southern bank of the Ohio, building a solid block house. This formed a stronghold for his neighbors in case of danger. In 1801, this pioneer decided to remove north of the Ohio River, and eventually settled in Urbana. Joseph had the primitive advantages of the common schools, and became proficient in handling those useful implements - the plow, ax and rifle. The first money he earned he invested in a yoke of oxen. He obtained several barrels of salt, and set out on a speculative tour through the settlements. He traveled through a wilderness, over swamps, and surmounted serious difficulties. At night he built a huge fire to terrify the wolves and panthers, and laid down to sleep beside his oxen, frequently being obliged to stand guard to protect them from these ferocious creatures. Occasionally he found a stream so swollen that necessarily he waited hours and even days in the tangled forest, before he could cross. He often suffered from hunger, yet he sturdily persevered and sold his salt, though a lad of only fifteen years. When he attained his majority, he married Miss Mary Lemen, of Urbana. At twenty-three, he was elected Captain of a rifle company, and frequently led his men to the front to fight the Indians prior to the war of 1812. During that year, he and his brother piloted Hull's army through the dense forests to Fort Meigs. In 1817, with Samuel McCullough and Henry Van Meter, he made a contract to supply the Northwestern army with provisions. They drove their cattle and hogs many miles, dead weight being transported on sleds and in wagons. He engaged in mercantile business at Urbana and Fort Meigs - now Perrysburg.

While thus employed, he was elected to the Legislature, and there remained four years. He then purchased a large tract of land on Blanchard's Fork, and laid out the town of Findlay. He was sent to Congress in 1821, and was a member of that body for fifteen years. In 1836, he was chosen Governor of Ohio. Again he was sent to Congress in 1842. While attending the Constitutional Convention in 1850, he was stricken with paralysis, and suffered extremely until 1852, when he died at his home in Urbana.

Wilson Shannon was a native of Belmont County, Ohio. He was born during 1803. At the age of fifteen, he was sent to the university at Athens, where he remained a year, and then changed to the Transylvania University, at Lexington, Ky. He continued his studies two years, then returning home and entering upon reading law. He completed his course at St. Clairsville, Belmont County, and was admitted to practice. He was engaged in the courts of the county for eight years. In 1832, the Democrats nominated him to Congress, but he was not elected. He received the position of Prosecuting Attorney in 1834, in which position his abilities were so marked and brilliant that he was elected Governor by a majority of 3,600. He was re-nominated in 1840, but Tom Corwin won the ticket. Two years thereafter, he was again nominated and elected. In 1843, he was appointed Minister to Mexico, by President Tyler, and resigned the office of Governor. When Texas was admitted as a State, Mexico renounced all diplomatic relations with the United States. Mr. Shannon returned home, and resumed the practice of law. He was sent to Congress in 1852. President Pierce conferred upon him the position of Territorial Governor of Kansas, which duty he did not perform satisfactorily, and was superseded after fourteen months of service. He settled in Lecompton, Kan., and there practiced law until his death, which occurred in 1877.

Thomas Corwin, the twelfth Governor of Ohio, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., July 29, 1794. His father settled at Lebanon in 1798. The country was crude, and advantages meager. When Thomas was seventeen years of age, the war of 1812 was inaugurated, and this young man was engaged to drive a wagon through the wilderness, loaded with provisions, to Gen. Harrison's headquarters. In 1816, he began the study of law, and achieved knowledge so rapidly that in 1817 he passed examination and was admitted to practice. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney of his county, in 1818, which position he held until 1830. He was elected to the Legislature of Ohio in 1822. Again, in 1829, he was a member of the same body. He was sent to Congress in 1830, and continued to be re-elected for the space of ten years. He became Governor of Ohio in 1840. In 1845, he was elected to the United States Senate, where he remained until called to the cabinet of Mr. Fillmore, as Secretary of the Treasury. He was again sent to Congress in 1858, and re-elected in 1860. He was appointed Minister to Mexico, by President Lincoln. After his return, he practiced law in Washington, D. C, where he died in 1866.

Mordecai Bartley was born in 1783, in Fayette County, Penn. There he remained, on his father's farm, until he was twenty-one years of age. He married Miss Wells in 1804, and removed to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he purchased a farm, near Cross Creek. At the opening of the war of 1812, he enlisted in a company, and was elected its Captain. He entered the field under Harrison. At the close of the war, he removed to Richland County, and opened a clearing and set up a cabin, a short distance from Mansfield. He remained on his farm twenty years, then removing to Mansfield, entered the mercantile business. In 1817, he was elected to the State Senate. He was sent to Congress in 1823, and served four terms. In 1844, he became Governor of Ohio, on the Whig ticket. He declined a re-nomination, preferring to retire to his home in Mansfield, where he died in 1870.

William Bebb, the fourteenth Governor, was from Hamilton County, Ohio. He was born in 1804. His early instructions were limited, but thorough. He opened a school himself, when he was twenty years of age, at North Bend, residing in the house of Gen. Harrison. He remained thus employed a year, during which time he married Shuck. He very soon began the study of law, continuing his school. He was successful in his undertakings, and many pupils were sent him from the best families in Cincinnati. In 1831, he was admitted to practice, and opened an office in Hamilton, Butler County, remaining thus engaged for fourteen years. In 1845, he was elected Governor of Ohio. In 1847, he purchased 5,000 acres of land in the Rock River country, 111., and removed there three years later. On the inauguration of President Lincoln, he was appointed Pension Examiner, at Washington, and remained in that position until 1866, when he returned to his Illinois farm. He died at Rockford, 111., in 1873.

Seabury Ford, the fifteenth Governor of Ohio, was born in the year 1802, at Cheshire, Conn. His parents settled in Burton Township. He attended the common schools, prepared for college at an academy in Burton, and entered Yale College, in 1821, graduating in 1825. He then began the study of law, in the law office of Samuel W. Phelps, of Painesville, completing his course with Judge Hitchcock. He began practice in 1827, in Burton. He married Miss Harriet E. Cook, of Burton, in 1828. He was elected by the Whigs to the Legislature, in 1835, and served six sessions, during one of which he was Speaker of the House. He entered the State Senate in 1841, and there remained until 1844, when he was again elected Representative. In 1846, he was appointed to the Senate, and in 1848, he became Governor of Ohio. On the first Sunday after his retirement, he was stricken with paralysis, from which he never recovered. He died at his home in Burton in 1855.

Reuben Wood, the sixteenth Governor, was a Vermonter. Born in 1792, in Middleton, Rutland County, he was a sturdy son of the Green Mountain State. He was a thorough scholar, and obtained a classical education in Upper Canada. In 1812, he was drafted by the Canadian authorities to serve against the Americans, but being determined not to oppose his own land, he escaped one stormy night, accompanied by Bill Johnson, who was afterward an American spy. In a birchbark canoe they attempted to cross Lake Ontario. A heavy storm of wind and rain set in. The night was intensely dark, and they were in great danger. They fortunately found refuge on a small island, where they were storm-bound three days, suffering from hunger and exposure. They reached Sacket's Harbor at last, in a deplorable condition. Here they were arrested as spies by the patrol boats of the American fleet. They were prisoners four days, when an uncle of Mr. Wood's, residing not far distant, came to their rescue, vouched for their loyalty, and they were released. Mr. Wood then went to Woodville, N. Y., where he raised a company, of which he was elected Captain. They marched to the northern frontier. The battles of Plattsburg and Lake Champlain were fought, the enemy defeated, and the company returned to Woodville and was disbanded.

Young Wood then entered the law office of Gen. Jonas Clark, at Middlebury, Vt. He was married in 1816, and two years later, settled in Cleveland, Ohio. When he first established himself in the village, he possessed his wife, infant daughter and a silver quarter of a dollar. He was elected to the State Senate in 1825, and filled the office three consecutive terms. He was appointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He was promoted to the Bench of the Supreme Court, serving there fourteen years, the latter portion of the term as Chief Justice. He was termed the "Cayuga Chief," from his tall form and courtly bearing. He was elected Governor in 1850, by a majority of 11,000. The new constitution, which went into effect in March, 1851, vacated the office of Governor, and he was re-elected by a majority of 26,000. The Democrats holding a national convention in Baltimore in 1852, party division caused fifty unavailing votes. The Virginia delegation offered the entire vote to Gov. Wood, if Ohio would bring him forward. The opposition of one man prevented this. The offer was accepted by New Hampshire, and Frank Pierce became President. Mr. Wood was appointed Consul to Valparaiso, South America, and resigned his office of Governor. He resigned his consulship and returned to his fine farm near Cleveland, called "Evergreen Place." He expected to address a Union meeting on the 5th of October, 1864, but on the 1st he died, mourned by all who knew him.

William Medill, the seventeenth Governor, was born in New Castle County, Del., in 1801. He was a graduate of Delaware College in 1825. He began the study of law under Judge Black, of New Castle, and was admitted to the bar in 1832. He removed to Lancaster, Ohio, in 1830. He was elected Representative from Fairfield County in 1835. He was elected to Congress in 1838, and was re-elected in 1840. He was appointed Assistant Postmaster General by President Polk. During the same year, he was appointed Commissioner of Indian Affairs. In 1851, he was elected Lieutenant Governor, and, in 1853, he became Governor. He occupied the position of First Comptroller of the United States Treasury in 1857, under President Buchanan, retaining the office until 1861, when he retired from public life. His death occurred in 1865.