Hamilton City (part 11 of 12)

Public Institutions Water Works

Prior to 1882 the municipal water supaiqpipjun £\uo }ou sba\ uoqiuiBH J° ^d and inadequate, but was also very unsatisfactory. For fire protection the only reliance was fire cisterns, which were located at certain street intersections, and what was known as the Hamilton and Rossville hydraulic, while the private supply of water was obtained from wells and cisterns. The question of a more satisfactory supply had been discussed for several years, and the the nearest promised solution had been that of private corporations, several of which had been anxious to gain the franchise and sole privilege of supplying water for both municipal and private consumption. However, with the growth of the city in population and wealth, there had also grown a sentiment in favor of a municipal ownership of a system of water works which should be at the same time fully adequate for all needs and at the same time keep the cost of the same within reason, which could not, judging by experiences elsewhere, be expected from a private corporation. The public demand for action in the matter became so unanimous that in April, 1882, the city council appointed a special committee, who were to examine into the matter and report as to the necessities of the case. This committee made a report to the effect that the matter was urgent and were reinforced in this statement by two reports submitted by an expert chemist. On October 31st, of that year, the council decided to submit to the voters of the city the question of issuing bonds to the amount of three hundred thousand dollars for water works purposes. It being shortly afterwards discovered that it would be necessary to have the legislature pass an enabling act authorizing the issue of these bonds, the legislature was petitioned and such an act was passed on March 15, 1883. The act in substance authorized the city of Hamilton to issue bonds in the sum of three hundred thousand dollars, to bear interest at a rate not to exceed six per cent, per annum, said bonds to be payable in ten and up to thirty years from their date. In accordance with their prior resolution and the provisions of this act, council, on April 24, 1883, passed an ordinance for the issuance of the necessary bonds, and at the municipal election held on April 2d the following gentlemen were elected as the first board of water works trustees, their terms of office to be for one, two and three years respectively: Herman Reutti, Asa Shuler

View In Greenwood Cemetery

April J. D. Cook, of Toledo, Ohio, was employed as consulting engineer and was at once authorized to advertise for bids for the construction of the water works. Shortly afterward T. E. Crider was employed as engineer in charge of the work and Ira S. Millikin was employed as secretary of the water works board. So expeditiously was the work advanced that on the 30th of the following May bids were opened and on the following day the contract for the entire work was awarded to D. F. Minehan, of Springfield, this state, for the sum of $285,- 951, the contractor giving bond in the sum of one hundred thousand dollars for the faithful performance of his contract. In the furtherance of this project ten acres of ground on Wilson Hill were purchased for reservoir purposes, at a price of five thousand dollars, and Engineer Crider was instructed to survey it for reservoir purposes, steps being also taken at that time for the purchase of the roadway leading thereto. The reservoir is magnificently located, being two hundred and twenty-one feet above High street at the court house and two hundred and forty-eight feet above the Miami river at low water, thus giving a regular pressure on High street of nearly ninetysix pounds, sufficient for all purposes. The reservoir, which has a capacity of about seven million gallons, is two hundred by two hundred and seventy feet in dimensions at the top and one hundred and thirty-two and a half by two hundred and two and a half feet at the bottom. Water was first pumped into the reservoir on the 26th of September, 1884, though water was pumped into the mains in July previous. The present source of supply is from driven wells of a splendid and wholesome quality. It is the boast of Hamilton that she has now as good water facilities and as good water as any city of her size in the state.

From 1856 the Hamilton Gas Light and Coke Company had supplied the city of Hamilton with gas for street lighting and private consumption. The service rendered was, however, so unsatisfactory and the rates charged so exorbitant that the public demand for relief became unanimous and persistent. In 1887 the matter was officially brought before the city council and a committee was appointed to look into the matter and report the most practicable plan for relief. This committee, consisting of S. S. Williamson, Joseph H. Long, George T. Reiss and Edward E. Hull, the last-named gentleman being city solicitor, submitted to the council an ordinance providing for the submittal to the legally qualified voters of the city the question of constructing or purchasing gas works to be operated by the city. This ordinance was passed by the council on February 28, 1888, and in the following April the vote was taken at the municipal election, the project being approved bv a large majority. On September 4, 1888, the council passed another ordinance submitting to a vote of the people the question of issuing bonds to the amount of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars for the construction of gas works. At the election in the following November a vote was taken on the proposition and resulted in its favor by a very decisive majority, namely: For the bond issue, twenty-four hundred and twelve; against the bond issue, fiftynine. In accordance with this expression

The Hamilton Gas Light and Coke Company fought the matter very bitterly and caused much delay and annoyance. They first appealed to Judge VanDerveer, of Hamilton, for a restraining injunction, which was denied them, and they then appealed to Judge Sater, of Greenville, with the same result, but they were finally successful in obtaining an injunction from Judge Doane, of Wilmington. This injunction was granted but a short time prior to the date fixed for the election on the question of granting the city authority to issue bonds, and Judge VanDerveer so modified the injunction as to permit the election to proceed. Finally both parties consented to submit the matter to the circuit court of the state, and this court decided in favor of the city's right to construct, own and operate gas works. The contract then existing between the Hamilton Gas Light and Coke Company and the city of Hamilton expired January 17, 1880, and the city council refused to renew the contract, at the same time, by resolution, instructing the gas company to furnish no more gas. The gas company thereupon petitioned the United States court for an order compelling the city to receive and pay for gas, but the decision on this question also was in favor of the citv. Appeals from this decision were taken to the supreme court of the United States, and shortly after the election authorizing the bond issue the company instituted a number of suits, all of which, however, were finally dismissed at its cost. Finally the gas company filed a petition in quo warranto in the supreme court of the state, making the contention that the bonds had not been legally issued and that the ordinances preliminary to the erection of the gas plant were not supported by the authority of the state. The decision of the supreme court, rendered in November, 1899, was on every point in favor of the city.

Looking to the construction of the gas works, the city council employed James R. Smedburg as consulting engineer, and, in April, 1889, he submitted an estimate fixing the net cost of the works at one hundred and forty thousand dollars. Robert1 Allstatter, Herman Reutti and John Schwartz were elected bv council as the first board of trustees of the gas works, and at their organization they elected Mr. Allstatter president and Willard Smvers secretary. The construction of the works proceeded without serious delay or interruption and on April 9. 1890. fires were first lighted under the retorts, the city being generally lighted on the 28th of the same month.

Electric Light Plant

Early in 1891 a sentiment took definite shape in favor of the erection of an electric light plant in Hamilton for the purpose of lighting the streets and public grounds of the city by electricity, and in response to this sentiment a resolution was introduced in the city council on May 15, 1891, providing for the appointment of a committee to ascertain the cost and feasibility of putting in an electric plant, and also the probable cost of running such a plant in connection with the city gas works. Nothing of a tangible nature was done further in the matter until October 7, 1893, when an ordinance passed the city council, ordaining that the question of issuing fifty thousand dollars of bonds for the purpose of erecting an electric light plant in the city of Hamilton be submitted to a vote. The vote was taken at the November election following and resulted as follows : For the bond issue, 3,547; against the bond issue, 455, thus approving of the project by a very decided majority. On the 226. of the same month a resolution was introduced in council declaring it necessary and expedient and for the public good to erect an electric light plant, which resolution was adopted, and the bonds thus authorized were issued pursuant to an ordinance passed December 5, 1893. A committee, consisting of Messrs. Helvey, Reiss, Miller and Wirtz, was appointed to take charge of the construction of the plant. Subsequently it became necessary to provide further funds for the constructive work, and on the question of issuing fifty thousand dollars additional bonds a special election was held May 1, 1894, at which time the bond issue was defeated. However another resolution was introduced and an ordinance prepared , bringing the question again before the people, and at the special election held June 2, 1894, the vote was as follows: In favor of the issuing of said

On June 19, 1894, a resolution was passed by the council adopting the plans and specifications for an electric light plant as prepared by Charles Cornell, said resolution at the same time rescinding all former plans and specifications. The construction of the plant was pushed forward vigorously and was completed in due time, so that in view of its probable completion, the following resolution was passed by the council on May 7, 1895 :

"Be it Resolved by the City Council of Hamilton, Ohio, that the chair appoint a committee of five members of council to make arrangements to dedicate the plant by an old-time celebration."

Pursuant to this resolution the newly completed electric light plant was appropriately inaugurated with an elaborate celebration on the evening of July 4, 1895.

The Lane Free Library

The Lane Free Library is one of the most beneficent institutions ever founded in Hamilton, and is the gift of Mr. Clark Lane, who furnished the library building and put upon its shelves nearly two thousand volumes of books. The construction of the building was commenced in April, 1866, and the library was formally opened to the public on October 20th of the same year. For a number of months Mr. Lane himself bore the expense of running the library, of which his niece, Miss Emma Lane, was the manager. On November 15, 1867, a proposition was submitted to the city council from Mr. I^me, offering to donate the library to the city of Hamilton, on condition that it should be operated and supported by the city. The proposition was referred to a select committee and finally a special election was ordered to ascertain the sentiment of the citizens. The votes cast at the election were four hundred and forty-six in favor of accepting the library and sixty-six against. In accordance with this sentiment, Mr. Lane, on February 24, 1868, conveyed all the property, including the books and fixtures, to the city, though under certain conditions, namely : First - That the prop- ertv conveyed shall be maintained as a free public library and reading room m as goo order and r'epair as it was at the time of conveyance, natural decay, ordinary wear or destruction by fire or other unforseen casualty only excepted, and that it shall be kept neat, clean and comfortable and in such condition as shall be acceptable to the good and moral people of the city ; second that the rooms shall be free to all classes of persons of proper age and demeanor and shall be kept open not less than two hours every evening, except Sunday evenings, and from two to four o'clock of the afternoon at least every Sunday; third that there shall be kept a liberal file of news, scientific and literary periodicals, including at least two newspapers representing the active and influential political parties. The library was at first only a reference library, but in 1879 the library was dedicated a circulating library and has since so remained. Additions have lieen made to the number of books in the library from time to time and at the present time comprises about eight thousand five hundred volumes.

Since the acceptance of the library by the city of Hamilton it is officially known as the Public Library of the city of Hamilton, and the following have been the librarians : Miss Laura Skinner, February, 1868, to April, 1878; Mrs. Florence Schenck, from April, 1878, to the present time. Assistant librarians. Miss Laura Rodefer, May, 1880, to October, 1892; Miss Clara Laughlin, October, 1892, to June, 1896; Miss Ella Laughlin, June, 1896, to June, 1901 ; Miss Maud Heilman, June, 1901, to January, 1904, and Mrs. Hattie U. James, January. 1904, to the present time.

The movement to establish a public hospital in Hamilton had its first inception a public meeting during the summer of ,B9, at Beckett's Hall. But more than a year before that meeting the necessity for a hospital was considered by certain persons with the Sisters of Mercy, and it was then determined to make the attempt as soon as it was thought that the people would support such an institution. At the public meeting a committee of ten, known as the executive committee, was appointed to take charge of and manage the matter. A sub-committee of three was appointed by the executive committee, in whose hands were place all the details of the project. The first idea was to rent a suitable building in which to make a start. This was abandoned and it was agreed to purchase the property at No. 116 Dayton street, which was done at a cost of nine thousand five hundred dollars. Changes, improvements and furnishings, costing about three thousand dollars more, were made to make the property conform to its required purpose. The control an management of the establishment was entrusted into the hands of the Sisters o Mercy and the name "Mercy Hospital adopted. The work was begun under very great difficulties ; without adequate or sui - able buildings and without any of the mo - era appliances necessary for the success operation of such an institution, the isters were compelled to labor under Sre^

Upon opening the institution, twelve years ago, the Sisters, through the executive committee, made the following declaration to the citizens of Hamilton :

"First, the hospital should be strictly non-political and non-sectarian, open for admission to all regardless of nationality, creed, occupation or condition in life, both as a patient and visitor, limited only by its capacity.

"Second, that ministers of all denominations should have free access at all reasonable hours to visit patients and would be sent for at any time on request of a patient.

"Third, each patient to have the liberty to receive the services of his family physician or any physician of his choice, and physicians of all schools to have free access to the institution."

The hospital was opened October 5, 1892. From that date to October 1, 1904. there were received and treated 2,423 patients, of whom 1,734 entirely recovered, 452 materially improved and 237 died. Of this number 1,646 were males and 777 females; 2,369 were white, 54 were colored. During that period 759 were treated in the surgical department and 1,766 in the medical department. Of the 759 surgical cases, 598 completely recovered before leaving the hospital; 102 went away greatly improved and only 88 cases proved fatal, a record which speaks well for the medical fraternity of Hamilton as well as for the hospital. Among the surgical cases were 12 1 railway accidents. Of the 35 operations for appendicitis all were successful but 11, and they were complicated with other diseases. Of the 1.766 cases treated in the medical department 1,162 entirely recovered; 379 were greatly improved; 149 died. Of the two dread diseases which carry so many to the tomb - typhoid fever and pneumonia - there were 434 cases of the former of which 415 recovered and 19 died; of the 205 cases <3 f the latter, 187 entirely recovered, 6 went home greatly improved and 1 1 died ; of 28 cases of diphtheria, 27 entirely recovered and but one died. Much transient relief was rendered to persons who were enabled to return to their homes in a few hours, of which no record was kept, such as the dressing of cuts, bones set. sudden illness relieved and similar relief.

Some months ago when it was announced that a large and modern hospital, to cost fifty thousand dollars, would be built to take the place of the old institution, there were those who looked at the project with misgiving, but the new Mercy Hospital, a magnificent edifice, stands today a monument to the liberality and charity of the people of Hamilton.

The new hospital is a modern structure, equipped with all the best, up-to-date appliances, both in its surgical and medical departments and it is a source of pride to the citizens of Hamilton that they have a hospital which, for its size, is second to none in the country for the work intended. The public opening of the new Mercy Hospital, on Tuesday afternoon and evening, November 22, 1904. was a memorable occasion. During the afternoon fully a thousand people passed through the clean, white corridors, observing the newly furnished private rooms, completely equipped general wards and operating rooms; convenient kitchens and supply rooms. On every hand were heard expressions of wonder and amaze- ment, called forth by the completeness of the great establishment. Again in the evening great throngs filled the chapel and corridors and listened with interest to the dedicatory addresses of George T. Reiss, Judge John F. Neilan and Hon. Allen Andrews, and to musical renditions by Prof. Lebo's quartette that made the great hospital, for one night at least, the home of melody and music.

Street Nomenclature

There are one hundred and twenty-eight streets in Hamilton, fifty-eight of which are parallel and seventy running at right angles to the river. Many of these streets have fancy and unmeaning names, but a number of them preserve in lasting remembrance at least the names of the men who at different times in our history contributed to the growth and development of the city.

Rossville, now first ward, was originally laid out with four streets parallel to the river, and six at right angles to it. These six, commencing at the north, were North, Boudinot, Main, Ross, Franklin and South. It speaks volumes for the modesty of the early settlers in Rossville - a trait, by the way, their descendants have retained as a precious legacy - that not one of these streets was named after a resident. North, South and Main explain themselves ; Boudinot was named by Captain Alexander Delorac after a young half-breed Indian who accompanied him in his trading trips from here to the Cherokees, and a son. Elias H. Boudinot, was until his death, about twenty years ago, a prominent trader at an

Indian post on the western frontier. Ross street was named, as was Ross township, from a Pennsylvanian who had friends living here, and Franklin was named after Poor Richard himself. Main street was first called Morris street, but for whom or why appears to have been forgotten.

On the east side of the river there were originally four streets parallel to the Miami and eight at right angles to it. These eight, beginning at the north, were : Heaton,

Buckeye, Dayton, Stable, High, Basin, Ludlow and Sycamore. High street was so called for the reason that it ran on a ridge from which the ground sloped north and south; Sycamore recalls the old sycamore grove where our boys encamped before leaving to take part in the Mexican war; Buckeye suggests the tree of that name, and Basin was so called from the canal-basin at its head. Of the other streets, Ludlow was named after Israel Ludlow, who was one of the first settlers, and who gave the ground now used as a public square, and the Fourth Ward Park; Judge Heaton, also one of the first settlers, gave his name to a street, and Dayton was named after Jonathan Dayton, of New Jersey, who was associated with John Cleves Symmes in the original Symmes purchase.

Of the streets since added from time to time to the first ward, only two bear the names of former citizens - Hueston, named for Matthew Hueston, who was one of the first settlers on Four-Mile, and was commissary to the troops at Fort Hamilton, and Millikin, named for Dr. R. B. Millikin, father of the late Thomas Millikin.

the first kiln of brick in Hamilton, and was father-in-law to the late William B. Van Hook, each have streets named after them. Later, Schmidtman, the genial host of the old Schmidtman House, gave his name to a street, and John Woods, Dr. Laomi Rigdon and Montgomery P. Alston, and later still, William Beckett, Job Owens, Clark Lane, John M. Long, John W. Wilson and Israel Williams have had streets called for them. Of late years streets have been named in honor of General Anthony Wayne, Frank Dick, William Booth, James E. Hancock, Daniel McGlynn, Frank Black, L. D. Campbell, D. H. Hensley, James Webster, George Warwick, F. B. Puthoff, Thomas L. Rhea, Henry C. Gray, H. H. Wallace, Jacob Stillwaugh, James Morrison, L. P. Hurm, T. V. Howell. Major F. W. Bender, John B. Cornell, James T. Imlay, Lazard Kahn, O. V. Parrish and Asa Shuler. Martha Rhea, Urban, Jackson, Cleveland and Sherman.

Other streets are named for industries, as Lowell and Mill, while such names as Canal, Reservoir, Oak, Walnut, Vine and Park are either fanciful or take their name from their surroundings of water or of trees.

One of the singular features connected with our street nomenclature is the fact that the man who. more than any other or than all others combined, did more to develop the town and the county; who was a soldier before he was a voter, and who administered the judicial, fiscal, probate, and all other civil affairs of the county for a score of years - is now recalled to the memory of our citizens by the name given to the shortest and most unimportant street in the city. So long as Reily township stands on the map of Butler county the name of John Reily will not be forgotten; but the man who labored so long, patiently, hopefully and successfully for Hamilton deserves a better recognition than he has in the little street connecting High and Court.

Early Business Institutions

When the seat of justice was located at Hamilton, in 1803, the inhabitants were few in number and only a few houses had been built. At two-story frame house stood in the center of High street not far from the present bridge. It was the old house erected by General Wilkinson for the accommodation of the officers of his army. In this house Mrs. McClellan kept a tavern. John Torrence kept a tavern at the corner of Dayton and Water streets, in a house still standing. John Sutherland kept a store on Front street, between Dayton and Market streets. John Wingate commenced a store in a log house on the site of St. Mary's church, but failed in 1806.

When James McBride came to Hamilton in 1807, besides these named above, William Murray kept tavern on Water street, oposite the Torrence tavern. Hough & Blair had succeeded John Wingate in the store business. At that time Indians were frequently seen in the streets, who came to trade peltries with the store keepers. In Rossville there was a tavern and ferry house at the corner of Main and A streets, where the Huber house is now located. Michael Delorac kept a tavern and ferry at the foot of Park avenue, then called Boudenott street. There were very few improvements made until about 1808 to 1810.

Butler county was the Miami Intelligencer, the initial number being issued from the press on June 22. 1814. Colby, Bonnel & Company were the publishers and the press on which this paper was printed was the first printing press in Hamilton.

The first educational society established in Hamilton was known as the Hamilton Literary Society, and was composed of a company of gentlemen who, in 1812, purchased a lot and erected a building for academy purposes. Both a classical and a common school were here conducted and the institution was highly appreciated and well patronized.

In 1816 the Ohio state legislature granted a charter to a company organized for the purpose of constructing a bridge across the Great Miami river at Hamilton. The company had a capital stock of thirty thousand dollars and the stock of the company was soon subscribed, work on the bridge commencing in the summer of 1818. The bridge, which was completed so as to allow the passage of travelers in December, 1819, was a substantial structure, for which the original contract price was seventeen thousand five hundred dollars. Additional work on the arches and walls, however, brought the total cost up to twenty thousand dollars.

A public improvement which had a marked and beneficent influence on the subsequent prosperity of the city and county was the construction of the Miami canal. The main canal passed on the east side of Hamilton, at a distance of about a mile from the river, and was so far completed in November. 1827, as to allow the passage of boats from Cincinnati to Middletown, and in January, 1829, boats passed from Dayton to Cincinnati. In February, 1828, the legislature. in response to a petition from the citizens of Hamilton, gave authority to the canal commissioners to construct a side cut from the main Miami canal to the interior of the town of Hamilton. The commissioners were also authorized to contribute out of the canal fund the sum of two hundred dollars towards the proposed work, the balance of the expense being borne by the citizens. The work was commenced in the spring of 1828 and was completed in the following December, the cost of constructing the canal and basin amounting to $7.- 489.36.

I familtou's growth during the early years, while not rapid nor spectacular, was steady and healthy. Early in the forties the town boasted of two newspaper offices, three flouring mills, three cotton factories, three saw mills, two foundries, two machine shops and sixteen mercantile establishments.

The Miami House, letter known as the Straub House, was located on the comer of Main and A streets, and was built by John Winton. who conducted the place for a number of years, being succeeded in succession by the following gentlemen : John

T. Walker. Peter Schertz, Mike Huffman and Fred Wehmhorn. The building was later purchased by Felix Straub, by whom it was remodeled and the name changed to the Straub House, and under his able management the house long enjoyed an enviable reputation as a popular caravansary.

David Jacoby was engaged in the hardware and iron business in a building which stood where the Cass Hardware Company afterwards did business. Just west of this was the bakery conducted by Henry Shuler, who, in 1848, sold out to his brother George, and the latter was succeeded in the business by Gus Oetterer.

Jacob Traber ran a store in the Millikin building, but later sold out to O. & J. Traber. This building was also occupied by Samuel Millikin and his father for store and postoffice purposes.

The Curtis building has been occupied at different periods by a number of business concerns, among which were the following: Elliott & Glenny, general merchandise; Joseph Curtis, dry goods; N. G. Curtis, dry goods and clothing: R. L. Howard, gun store; Fred Mueller, tailor shop, and O. & J. Traber.

P. G. Smith was the proprietor of a drug store located in the then only four-story building in the town, and in the ownership of the store at different times were the following gentlemen : Kennedy & McElwee, A. G. Clark, Chris. Rothenbush, Weller & Alexander, Weller & Ridenour, Frank Puthoff, Knox Brothers, J. R. Brown, J. R. Chadwick and B. S. James. In 1874 the store was removed to the comer of Main and B streets and afterwards became the property of Dr. William C. Miller.

Just west of the original location of this drug store was the saddlery manufactory of James Rossman and William Taylor, who did a large business, having in the early days among their best customers the Indians from the reservation.

In an adjoining room Adam Abel had a tin store for a short time, after which the room was occupied by J. R. & W. H. Traber as a dry goods and clothing store. They later removed to the Odd Fellows building and this room was occupied by Peter

Becker, dealer in ready-made clothing. The rooms in the second story were occupied by Col. Thomas Moore as a law office and by William Harper as a tailor shop.

At the corner of Main and B streets Andrew McCleary erected a large brick building to be used as a grocery and rectifying establishment, from which establishment an immense amount of whiskey was shipped to Cincinnati. Mr. McCleary was succeeded in order by Louis Sohngen, Henry Waltner, General Richmond, Jonathan Richmond, Peter Smith, John Burchley, John Holly and A. C. Kumler & Company.

At the corner of Main and D streets a tannery was operated by William Murray, and after its abandonment William Mills built a blacksmith shop there.

On the northwest corner of Main and D streets was a frame building in which William Clements carried on shoemaking, and on the opposite comer James Chapman conducted a store, all the land from this point to the Western House being swampy.

Among the other well-known business enterprises conducted in that day, with their location as nearly as can be determined, were the following: John Osborn's pottery, near the corner of Main and E streets; Deleplane's chair factory and Connor's candle factor}', on D street, between Main and Ross; Joshua Deleplane, furniture and undertaking, on Main street, where he was located for forty-four years ; Michael Morner's boarding and coffee house and B. H. Rohmann's jewelry store, on the sopth corner of Main and B streets; J. & J- Rossman, dry goods, carpets and queensware store:

& A. Breitenbach and Beck & Tabler were located in the Beck building; A. G. Clark's drug store, in the Matthias building, this room being later occupied by the tin, stove and coppersmith shop of I. & J. Matthias ; the Falconer House, at the southwest corner of Main and B streets, opened by Isaac Falconer, who was succeeded in order by Anthony Hummel, J. H. Falconer and Capt.

F. E. Humbach ; the lower rooms were later occupied by Wilson H. Doty's restaurant, and still later by Dr. W. H. Miller's drug store and Chris. Kaefer's barber shop; the Butler House, erected in 1833 by C. Rothenbush. and which was subsequently operated in consecutive order by the following gentlemen : Cory & Wilson. Abram Rinearson.

F. J. Thornhill, David T. Reily, Daniel Grammar, Andrew Huber and George Huber: C. R. Kennedy, brush manufacturer, in the Broadt building; Spivey & Garver, gunsmiths, adjoining Deleplane's; Joseph H. Hannaford, dmggist, in the Rumple building; D. W. Sortman, John and William Sortman. Sortman & Yeakle, Humphry & McMeen and B. A. Fitzpatrick were in the Odd Fellows' building; John Sutherland was a general trader on Front street, Hamilton. and did a large business with the Indians; John Wingate's store stood where the St. Mary's church was afterward erected, the store being later carried on by Hough & Blair and Kelsey & Blair; Andrew Mc- Cleary, Isaac T. Saunders, A. & A. Breitenbach, Andrew Dingfelder and Michael F reeman were in the Heiser building; H. L. Duffield's cabinet shop, in a frame shop where later stood the Schorr building; Capt John P. Brack's merchant tailoring establishment was where the John Schubert was afterward erected ; there was a leatherand finding store in John W. Sohn's building on the corner of Water andHigh streets; Henry Lipphard's saloon, on the site of the old Universalist church; Wolf's Hotel was one door west; the Ohio and Indiana House, erected by William Lohmann and Peter Schertz ; P. T. Norden's cabinet factory, at the corner of Front and Court streets; Alexander Smidtman's coffee house and inn at the comer of High and Front streets; Joseph Straub also later carried on the grocery business in the same location and was succeeded by the hotel conducted by Felix Straub and Alex. Richardson; the Mason House, operated successively by Benjamin Basey. William Butler, Martin Mason. William Andre. Capt. George Schramm and John Theiss; S. D. Garrison. Hamilton s first merchant tailor, located on High street: Temple & Crawford's carpet store, in the frame building where the Reily block now stands: Proctor & Gamble's soap factory, on Canal street; Andrew Oyler, furniture and undertaking, on Court street, he a ter ward being associated with Ernest Morman. and they being later succeeded by Sevbol & Bonner : the Globe Inn (City Hotel) was run bv Capt. Israel Gregg, Cleve Straub, Charles Snyder. Elias Simpson and W. LGundrum ; the old frame building at t e comer of Third and High streets was occupied by H. S. Earhart and George Tapscott. and afterward by James M. Johnson and James Martin (the site is now occupied by the bank building in which George Kre s has a clothing store)': H. & W. C. Free ling's dry goods and grocery store, Simon

Fischer's dry goods store, P. P. LaTourette's drug store, John Crawford's carpet store and the Hamilton Bank occupied the store rooms in Beckett's Hall ; the Boston bakery, started by C. E. Reed, of Boston, but afterward purchased by Bader & Schwartz : Jacob Miller, dealer in ready-made clothing, on High street, opposite the court house; Owens, Ebert & Dyer, stove and tin store, at the corner of High & Reily streets; James Basey, restaurant, saloon and billiard room, in the Miami building, the third story of which building was used for theatrical and amusement purposes; James B. Thomas's general store, at the southeast comer of High and Second streets; in this building the postoffice was kept by Mr. Thomas for nearly thirty years ; Henry Beardsley, manufacturer and seller of hats, was in a frame building on the site of the store afterward occupied by William Winkler; James Jackson & Company, tailors and dealers in dry goods, in the Jackson building, the business being succeeded to by William O. Shank; one door west of this place was John Stillwaugh's bakery; Thomas Envart carried on a tin store in this locality ; Howell & Leigh's dry goods store, at the southeast corner of Third and High streets; Wilson & Bigham, pork packers ; George W. McAdams, J. W. Davis and McAdams & Hargitt kept store at different periods in the Thomas Fitton room; on the north and south sides of the basin, when its terminus was at Third street, were located the following pork packing houses: J. & J. Fisher, Beatty & Tapscott, J. M. & S. Johnson, John S. Gordon and George P. Bell; Jacobs & Brown, drugs and stationery, were located in the George Rupp room ; in the old Jacobs building, on the site of Howald Hotel, was a tavern conducted successively by Henry Achey, Martin Mason, Charles Snyder and F. W. Wehrhan; the Hamilton House, erected in 1812, was managed successively by Mr. Kennedy, Thomas Blair, Hubbel & Sweeney, Samuel Cory, James Basey, Charles Fuller, Herman Reutti, D. T. Reily and William Bruck: John Reily, who was clerk of the courts, was the agent for the proprietors of the town of Rossville ; John Sutherland, Joseph Hough and Thomas Blair conducted stores, William Murray, John Torrence, John Wingate and Isaac Stanley conducted hotels, and William McClellan a public house. Other well-known citizens on the east side of the river were George Snider, Anderson Spencer, Oliver Stephens, Capt. Azarias Thorn, Daniel Hill. Paul Bonnell, William Riddle, Isaac Wiles, Gardner Vaughn, George Harlan, Mrs. Davis, Barnabas McCarron, Mr. Hagan and Hugh Wilson.

In Rossville there were Michael Delorac, John Ashton, Robert Taylor, John Hall, Isaac Moss, James Ross, Archibald Talbert, Moses Conner, Leonard Garver, Samuel Spivey and Samuel Ayers.

The residents of Hamilton in 1810, according to census, were 210, and those in Rossville. 84. In 1820 the towns taken together had 660 residents. In 1830 the population of Hamilton had grown to 1,072 and Rossville had 629 inhabitants.

The Hydraulic Company

About the year 1840 a number of the prominent citizens of Hamilton conceived the idea of constructing a water race from a bend in the Miami river, about four miles above Hamilton, and so conducting the water to the town. In accordance with this idea

John W. Erwin, an expert engineer, was employed to survey the route and make a plan and estimate of the probable expense of the work. Upon the completion of this preliminary work, the state legislature was petitioned for the incorporation of a company, and on the 25th o^March, 1841, the legislature passed an act incorporating a company by the name of "The Hamilton and Rossville Hydraulic Company," the provisions of the act giving them authority to construct a dam across the Miami river and to construct a canal or race from this point to Hamilton. Pursuant to the provisions of the act. a meeting of the promoters of the company was held, at which the following gentlemen were chosen as directors : John Woods, William Bebb, Laomi Rigdon, Jacob Hittle, Jacob Matthias, Andrew McClearv and L. D. Campbell. The board of directors organized by electing William Bebb. president ; L. D. Campbell, secretary, and Henry S. Earhart, treasurer.

Sealed proposals were received for the work and ranged in price from five to thirteen cents per cubic yard for the excavation and embankment. The work was handled by the contractors with dispatch and was completed in due time. Subsequently another race was constructed on the west side of the river, which has also been of great utility. The company passed the first water through the lower level from Fourth street to the Miami liver on the 27th of January, x^45- "The first water-power leased was to Erwin, Hunter & Erwin, who erected a flouring-mill at the east end of the Miami bridge, and the first work done by waterpower was done in Tobias Brothers' machine shop.

this canal is formed in the bed of what is commonly called Old river. The reservoir is about a mile long and was formed by an embankment across the river above where the canal enters it and another embankment below the canal, the surface area of the reservoir being about seventy acres. This hydraulic canal affords water-power superior to any other artificial power in the middle west and has been of inestimable benefit to the city of Hamilton.

The Manufactories

The early history of manufacturing in Hamilton is closely identified with the building of the hydraulic system, which is described elsewhere in this volume. The city has been peculiarly fortunate in the possession of unexcelled facilities for the promotion of manufacturing and industrial enterprises, which have more than anything else contributed to her growth and prosperity. Referring to the hydraulic, the establishments which, in 1852, were located upon the hydraulic are here given, in the order of their position, beginning at the upper level : Miller, Campbell & Company's sawmill, Owens, Lane & Dyer Machine Company, the cotton factory built by William Bebb and L. D. Campbell, the Miami Paper Mill, established by William Beckett and F. D. Rigdon in 1849, Hamilton Paper Mill, erected by McGuire, Klein & Erwin, Bernett's sawmill, Shuler & Benninghofen's woolen mill, Hydraulic Sash Factory, Hamilton Hydraulic Mills of John W. Erwin and William Hunter, Aaron Potter's marble works, Hamilton Plane Factory of Charles F. Eisel, Peter Black's power plant, the Long & Allstatter Company, Deinzer, Ste-

The Rossville Hydraulic Company was incorporated February 27, 1846, the organization of the company being effected in March, 1848. The water was taken out about one and a half miles above town, just below the mouth of Four-mile creek, and, passing through the low lands below and under Two-mile creek by tunnel, the water was spilled on a line between North street and Rhea's line. The industries located on the Rossville hydraulic were as follows: Joseph P. Wilson's sawmill. The William A. Elliott flouring-mill, West Hamilton Mills, West Side Tanneries and the Kennedy Brush Factory.

The city of Hamilton has within its limits many manufacturing concerns which would be a credit to any of the largest cities in the Union. Our citizens appreciate this fact and recognize that their material prosperity rests chiefly in these great modern industries. The principal concerns are the following :

The Niles Tool Works were removed to Hamilton from Cincinnati in 1871, the citizens of Hamilton having contributed the ground and part of the material for the building as an inducement for them to remove to this place. The company was incorporated in 1892 as the Niles Tool Works Company, and was re-organized the same year, the capital stock of the company being at the same time increased to two million dollars. This company possesses a number of valuable patents, enabling them to manufacture a better grade of machines than can be manufactured any where in the world. They have branches in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Columbus, Georgia, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Chicago and St. Louis, while its foreign branches are at Montreal, Canada. Berlin, Germany, and London. England. The excellence of their produce is shown in the fact that the English and Scotch are among their best customers and that they have built a large number of heavy machine tools for the United States government, the government authorities pronouncing the Niles products the best ever delivered to the government.

The Sohn & Rentschler Company had its inception in June, 1875, when Henry Sohn and Adam Rentschler began the manufacture of castings in a small way in buildings near the North Hamilton railroad station. Both gentlemen were experts in their line and believed there was a demand for small castings perfectly true to pattern, and that their judgment was well founded has been abundantly verified by results. Special attention was given to the matters of shrinkage and strains in small castings, and in order to cater to a market for small castings that required drilling, they abandoned the old plan of mixture and used pure iron. The success of this company has been phenomenal. At the outset they had but little to depend on in the way of capital and prestige, but the superiority of their products soon became their best advertisement and the outcome has more thart met their most sanguine expectations.

One of the best known manufactories of Hamilton is the Bentel & Margedant Company, who have won a world-wide reputation as makers of wood-working machinery, the excellence of their product having, enabled them to take first premiums over all competitors wherever their machinery has been placed on exhibition. This com- pany commenced the manufacture of their goods in 1864, but shortly afterwards the works were destroyed by fire. The works were, however, rebuilt on a larger scale than before and with better conveniences, and from that time on they have commanded a constantly expanding trade, until now they lead the world in their line. They employ nearly two hundred men and their product amounts to between three and four hundred thousand dollars annually.

The H. P. Deuscher Company is another Hamilton concern which has pushed its products into every state in the Union. The business was started in 1879 by the late H. P. Deuscher, who began business in a small way in the old Variety Iron Works. He met with many discouragements and failure was predicted for the enterprise, but Mr. Deuscher possessed the qualities which insure success and his indefatigable efforts were abundantly rewarded. In j888 the business was turned into a corporation, under the name of the H. P. Deuscher Company, with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars. The first implement manufactured was the Barbour Corn Drills, in connection with which castings were made for the "Fashion" School Desk and for the Norris Brothers Implement Works. Subsequently the McColm Soil Pulverizer was taken up and then followed the "Victor" Chum, the "Favorite" Churn, the "Hamilton" Corn Planter, Check-Row Corn Planter, Horse Hay Rakes, Disk Harrows, Folding Harrows, Lever Harrows, etc., and it was not long until there was a large and constantly increasing demand for these implements. In i893-4 the company began the manufacture of heating and ventilating appliances. The system is that of hot air. and

The Hooven, Owens & Rentschler Company was incorporated in 1880, with a capital stock of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and was organized for the purpose of manufacturing high-class stationary engines of the Corliss style. The company has put upon the market a fine class of engines and has earned a splendid reputation for the quality of its work. Within the last two years this company has erected a number of new buildings and has added greatly to its productive capacity. It is now one of the largest plants of the character in the world.

The Cincinnati Brewing Company had a modest beginning, but is today one of the leading concerns of its class in this part of the state. Prior to 1874 the VanDerveer & Reutti Brewery had an existence, but was that year purchased by Peter Schwab, who in 1879 changed its name to the Cincinnati Brewing Company. When Mr. Schwab assumed control of the plant its business was at a low ebb and on a poorly paying basis, but by Mr. Schwab's energetic efforts and shrewdness and sagacity the business was soon placed on a better foundation and has grown to magnificent proportions.

The Champion Coated Paper Mill, of Hamilton, occupies a unique position in that while it is the youngest concern of its kind in the United States, it is at the same time the largest and has an output greater than all the others combined. The plant began operations in June, 1895, and during its brief career has grown from an infant to its present position as one of the giant industries of Hamilton. In December. 1901. it was totally destroyed by fire, at a loss of nearly one million dollars, only partially covered by insurance. The plant was speedily rebuilt and upon a more magnificent scale. The originator and guiding spirit in this enterprise has been Peter G. Thomson, who has been ably assisted by his two sons, Peter G., Jr., and Alexander. This concern manufactures its own paper, and handles daily fifteen cars of material and finished product, the daily finished product being one hundred and twenty-five thousand pounds of coated paper, besides a full line of card-board and highly glazed paper for box covers.

The F. & L. Kahn Brothers, stove founders, are among the leading concerns in their line in this part of the Union and an industry in which the citizens of Hamilton take a just pride. The nucleus of the present mammoth establishment was the foundry of Martin, Henderson & Company, which was founded in 1842 at Hanging Rock, Ohio. In 1884 the plant was removed to Hamilton and its subsequent growth has been of a most satisfactory character. Felix, Lazard and Samuel Kahn are at the head of this enterprise and have exhibited in its management eminent ability. They have turned out a high-grade product and have pushed its sale through several of the middle western states and the firm name of F. & L. Kahn Brothers reflects credit on the city.

Another of the leading enterprises of Hamilton is the Columbia Carriage Company, which commenced its business career in 1891, being one of the first plants of the character in this city. The original members of this firm were Rolla A. Davis, J. E. Wright, R. L. Hedges and T. C. Curley, all experienced in the business and capable of giving their personal attention to the several departments of the work, with the result that the output has been of a standard of excellence unexcelled anywhere. The works are located in what was formerly known as the old Hamilton distilling works, strong and substantial buildings, which were remodeled to suit the needs of the new enterprise. and from the beginning the business has been conducted on an active and energetic basis.

Among the other leading industrial and manufacturing concerns of Hamilton are the following: The Long & Allstatter Company. organized in 1874, located at Fourth and High streets, incorporated at two million dollars : the Black & Clawson Company, manufacturers of paper-mill machinery; the Autographic Register Company, at Lindenwald ; the Mosler Safe and Lock Company, of East Hamilton ; Hamilton Machine Tool Company; McNeal & Urban Safe Works; the Herring, Hall, Marvin Company; Mason Brewing Company; J. F. Bender & Bros. Company; the Fred J. Myers Manufacturing Company ; the Bess Machine Company ; the Advance Manufacturing Company, located at the corner of B and North streets, capital stock, fifty thousand dollars: Carr Milling Company, south side of High street, between Fourth and Fifth streets, capital stock, fifty thousand dollars, incorporated in 1897; Empire Machine Company, comer of Walnut street and Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad, capital stock, twelve thousand dollars, incorporated in 1893; Ft- Hamilton Milling Company, South Water street, capital stock, twelve thousand dollars, incorporated in 1893; Hamilton Brick Company, north side of Middletown pike, east of Fair Grounds, capital stock, fifty thousand dollars, incor- porated in 1895 ; Hamilton Constructioh and Tool Company, corner of Seventh street and the P., P.. C. & St. L. R. R.. capital thirty thousand dollars, incorporated in 1892; Hamilton Moulding Company, Main street; Jersev Packing* Company, South Se\ euth street, capital twenty-five thousand dollars, incorporated in 1895 > Pioneer Knitting Mills, east side of Miami canal, north of ' Heaton street bridge, capital stock, ten thousand dollars, incorporated in 1900; Sanitary Manufacturing Company, North Water street, capital stock, twenty-five thousand dollars, incorporated in 1900; Semler Milling Company, on North B street, capital stock, one hundred thousand dollars, incorporated in 1897; Stengel Manufacturing Company, corner Seventh street and P., P., C. & St. L. R. R., incorporated in 1901 ; F. P. Stewart Granite Company, northwest corner High and Water streets, incorporated in 1892; Vulcan Foundry Company, southwest corner of Fifth and Dayton streets; Charles F. Eisel, contractor and builder and manufacturer of sash, doors and blinds, corner Dayton and Water streets; Miami Valley Brass Works, North Fourth street; Miami Valley Knitting Mills, northcast corner of Ninth and Hanover streets; Hamilton branch of the Cincinnati Abattoir Company, northwest corner of Fifth and Sycamore streets ; Buckeye State Roller Mills, the Carr Milling Company, proprietors, southwest corner of Fourth and High streets; East Avenue Planing Mill, on East avenue; the Louis Duemer Pattern Works, on Central avenue ; P. Bums & Company, plow manufacturers, North Water street; Standard Broom Works, Timothy Symmes & Son, proprietors, Central avenue and Chestnut street ; Shantz Mattress Manufactory, corner of Seventh and Walnut streets; American Frog and Switch Companv. corner Main street and Belt Railroad; Hamilton Plow Works, northeast corner of Water and Market streets ; American Foundry and Machine Company, southwest corner of Fairview and Zimmerman avenues, Lindenwald, and the Hamilton Metal Pattern Works, North B street.

Tiie Banks Of Hamilton

The banking history of Hamilton is interesting, and the record shows the marks of several "campaigns that failed." There has been but little of the spectacular in connection with financial operations here, and though several of the earlier banking institutions have ceased to exist, those now in operation are strong and reliable financial institutions and reflect credit upon the city and county, our bankers having uniformly been men of keen discrimination and conservative judgment. In times of prosperity these institutions have been the backbone of almost every enterprise for the advancement of the community, while in times of adversity the community has looked to them for the assistance to tide over the emergency. The following is a brief record of the banking institutions that have done business in Hamilton.

The Bank of Hamilton was incorporated by act of the Ohio legislature in 1817, and the first board of directors were John Reily, James McBride, Jesse Corwin, William Blair, John Woods, Andrew McCleary and James Rossman. The banking house was located in the Hittel property, opposite the court house, on High street. It had a paidup capital of thirty-five thousand dollars, and its first officers were John Reily, presi dent, and William Blair, cashier. In 1818 this bank suspended specie payments, and because of several bad loans the institution was severely crippled and was at length forced to wind up its affairs. For a number of years a board of directors was chosen annually in order to retain the charter, and in 1835 new blood was injected into the personnel of the stockholders, additional stock was subscribed and the bank was again opened for business, being located in the room later occupied by Charles Diefenback, the jeweler. The bank met with a series of financial reverses, however, and the doors were finally closed in February, 1842. The claim was made that notes had been illegally issued and one director was tried, but acquitted.

Several years after the close of the Bank of Hamilton the Shaffer & Curtis Bank opened for business and was for many years a strong and reliable financial institution. A number of changes took place in its management and in 1885 the concern wound up its affairs.

In 1857 a private bank was opened by Dr. John P. P. Peck, which was located at the corner of Third and Court streets, and of which John B. Cornell was cashier. Subsequently the bank was removed to High street. In 1861 Dr. Peck, who was a war Democrat, and the publisher of the Telegraph, declined to publish the Maginnis resolutions, which action caused a run on his bank to such an extent as to force him to suspend.

The first bank organized here under the national banking act was the First National Bank, the date of its organization being July 21. 1863. It had at that time a paidup capital of fifty thousand dollars, but this was subsequently increased to one hundred thousand and again within recent months to two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Its first officers were Mica j ah Hughes, president; James Beatty, vice-president; John P. P. Peck, cashier, and John B. Cornell, assistant cashier. Six months later John B. Cornell became cashier and retained the position for the long period of over thirty years^ This bank was among the first in the United States to avail itself of the privileges granted by the National banking act and its advent into the financial circles of the city came at a time when such an institution was most sorely needed. During the subsequent years it has stood as a pillar of strength and, under the wise and conservative management which has characterized it, it has proven one of the most important factors in the growth and industrial development of the city and county. Throughout its history its directorate has been composed of men of solid and responsible character, while the executive officers have been noted for their judicious executive abilities. The present officers are S. D. Fitton, president : R. C. McKinney, vice-president: E. G. Ruder, cashier, and John M. Beeler, assistant cashier.

The Second National Bank was organized January 19, 1865, an<I was ^rst located in the Hamilton House building, being removed at a later date to Beckett's block, and still later occupying the handsome and commodious building erected for it in 1875. This bank has had a prosperous career, marked by no special epochs, but constantly gaining in strength and intrenching itself in the confidence of the public. The management of the institution has been Character- ized by that conservative, and yet liberal, policy which makes for the best interests of both banker and depositors and which tends to promote the community's best interests. The officers are Charles E. Heiser, president; George P. Sohngen, vice-president, and John E. Heiser, cashier.

On March 10, 1888. the Miami Valley National Bank was organized and from the very outset has been counted among the strong monetary institutions in this part of Ohio. It is a United States depository and has a capital of two hundred thousand dollars. It has been so fortunate as to have a popular corps of officials - men who at the same time had held the firm confidence of the people of the community, with the result that its deposits have always been large and the money in the control of the bank has been so handled as to conserve the best interests of the public. The officers are F. W. Whitaker, president; O. M. Bake, vicepresident; Charles E. Mason, cashier, and H. W. Shollenbarger, assistant cashier.

The Dime Savings Bank Company was chartered April 8, 1897. It first began business on the West Side, in the Gordon block at the corner of Main and A streets, on July Tst in the same year of its organization. On March 14, 1904. the Dime Savings Bank Company removed from West Hamilton into the west room of the Reilv block. On May 23d of that year its capital stock was increased from fifty thousand dollars to one hundred thousand dollars, with a surplus of thirty thousand dollars.

A successful career in any honorable business is regarded as evidence of substantial merit. Judged by this rule, the Dime Savings Bank, of Hamilton, is conspicuous among institutions of this kind. Such a record implies that the managers of the bank must have possessed the qualities needful for their positions in so eminent a degree as to command ready recognition. In times of financial uncertainty its depositors have rested secure in the safety of their savings, while business men have received such aid as was consistent with sound financiering and with equitable protection of the interests of all classes of customers. The officers are George P. Sohngen, president; Clarence Murphy, vice-president, and A. J. Welliver, cashier.

The Newspapers Of Hamilton

These copies, together with the bound volumes in the office of the county auditor are precious legacies and relics of the past and make practically a complete file of newspapers from Wednesday, June 23, 1814. up to date. No more comprehensive nor accurate history of a community can be found than the record as made from issue to issue in the local press. After a careful and comprehensive search through the files of the Hamilton newspapers in the state library and the county auditor's office, we are enabled to give the following brief and. we believe, authentic history of the Hamilton

The first printing outfit was brought o Hamilton in June. 1814. by James McBride, who purchased the press and type at Deer Creek, near Cincinnati, from a Frenchman named Menessier. The first issue of the Miami Intelligencer made its appearance on June 22, 1814, the publishers being Colby, Bonnel & Company. In politics this pioneer paper was Democratic-Republican, and the following is a copy of its prospectus :

ADDRESS - From the sheets of the Miami Intelligencer the reader may inform himself of the principles and policies of the editors. However, lest the omission of giving some small outlines of our political opinions might be attributed

Some very interesting and valuable his tory is gleaned from the early issues of this paper It is recorded that the Fourth of July 1814. was appropriately observed m Hamilton, by a parade the followed by exercises in theold sy grove at Wayne's Spring. On the fhe same month General William Henry Harrison passed through Hamilton o way from Greenville. He informed the c zens that a treaty had been cording to the provisions of which t ans were to disperse immediately, that squaws and children of the tribes that were included in the treaty were to rema Greenville, and that the expedition fit out to go against Mackinaw was >nadequat for the successful accomplishment o

On the same day, July 27th, appears the advertisement of Mrs. Sarah B. Colby, milliner, which says, "Produce will be taken in part payment, such as wool, butter, cheese, flour, sugar, etc." The following advertisement is from the Intelligencer of November 24, 1814:

The Delorac or Upper Ferry. - Being far advanced in age and unable to traverse the streets and bye-roads of Hamilton in search of passengers and freight, but wishing to make an honest and honorable livelihood by my profession, I take this method to inform my friends particularly, and the public in general, that my ferry is in complete repair, the flats new, etc. Good entertainment for man and horse. Rates of ferriage at the upper ferry: Four-horse team, loaded, twentyfive cents; four-horse team, empty, twelve and a half cents; two-horse team, twelve and a half cents; man and horse, six cents.

Johns' Lower Ferry Across the Miami River. - On looking over the twenty-first number of the Miami Intelligencer, I find an advertisement signed by ^dichael Delorac, giving notice that he has become old and infirm, therefore not able to procure custom, as usual, by hunting the byeroads and streets, to procure a living on the spoils of others. This appears to be the only claim Charity has on your patronage - can a man be an object of charity, who has by intrigue or frequenting the streets, and turning the traveler to his ferry, by telling him he should "eat, drink and be merry," without costing him a cent provided he cross at his ferry, be an object of charity? I would suppose not. Beware of a wolf in sheep's clothing; his object is to concentrate all the custom to his ferry, by reducing the price of ferriage so low as to render us no longer able to continue (as he supposes), and thereby get both ferries into his possession - then take care and pay well. This appears to be of a piece with all his former conduct.

Our customers and the public will take notice that we have got all the necessary crafts, and as good ferry flats as Mr. Charity, and will ferry at

Upon receipt of the news of Andrew Jackson's victory at New Orleans, the Intelligencer immediately issued an "extra," which was simply a handbill and printed only on one side.

Soon after the publication of the Intelligencer commenced William C. Keen and Andrew Stewart arrived in Hamilton with a printing equipment and, on September 10, 1814, issued a prospectus for the publication of a newspaper. In July, 1815, however, they purchased an interest in the Miami Intelligencer and united in its publication. under the firm name of Keen, Colby & Company until February, 1816. About that time D. W. Smith purchased the interest of Keen and Stewart, and in March, 1816, the name of the paper was changed to that of the Philanthropist, under which title it was continued by Smith, Colby & Company until August, 1816. D. W. Smith selling, his interest in the paper, it was then continued by Zebulon, Colby & Company until April, 1817. when the plant was sold to William and James B. Cameron, who commenced the publication of the Miami Herald September 12, 1817, and continued it until October 5, 1819, when an interest in the establishment was purchased by William Murray. The name of the paper was then changed to that of the Hamilton Gazette and Miami Register, being so published under the firm name of Cameron & Murray until January 11, 1821.

The Volunteer

ray's Weeklv Volunteer, which was continued until December, 1823, when it was discontinued. It is noteworthy that at that early date, while news items were scarce, advertising was liberal. Among the business notices, some of the more interesting are as follows: Samuel McCullough, of

Oxford, announces his willingness to "board sixteen students of Miami University; will provide a comfortable room, a large entry for the dining room in warm weather, and a cook to attend, on the reasonable condition of one dollar per week. Whiskey will be taken at cash price." John C. Dunlavy, M. D., announces his return to Hamilton and that he will attend to the practice of medicine and surgery, and that he can be found at his lodgings, at Major Murray's inn. Ira R. Lewis announces that he has commenced the practice of law and is located over the Hamilton Bank. Daniel Brooks advertises for a flatboat. fourteen by nineteen feet, the seams to be pitched on the bottom. J. R. Gilmore & Company, of Cincinnati, publish a list of ninety-seven banks whose bills are quoted all the way from par to eighty-nine per cent, discount. In this list the Hamilton bank was quoted at thirty-three and one-third per cent, discount. Another interesting item was the "Public Notice of James Heaton, a Trustee to settle and adjust the business of Thomas C. Kelsey, an insolvent debtor." The schedule of Kelsey's assets and liabilities showed assets amounting to $3.74, while his debts amounted to $11,427. It is related of Kelsey that at one time he started a bank, and sent his agents with the new bank bills out among the Indians with instructions to buy everything at any price, and get the paper into circulation as soon as possible. He never redeemed a dollar of the paper thus put into circulation and must have realized handsomely on the venture. A band of Indians brought in six hundred dollars of this wild-cat currency for redemption and great excitement was created when they discovered that the whole lot was not worth the paper it was printed on. The Indians threatened to wreak vengeance on the author of their trouble and required careful watching to prevent them carrying out their

The publication of the Hamilton Intelligencer and Advertiser was commenced m November, 1821, by James B. Cameron. The name of the paper was changed, in January, 1825, to the Hamilton Advertiser, and in November, 1826, it was again changed to the Hamilton, Ohio. Advertiser. This publication was continued until November. 1827, when Mr. Cameron, with Taylor Webster as editor, began the publication of the Western Telegraph, a pronounced Jackson paper. The Hamilton Intelligencer resumed publication on Augus 28, 1828, with Dr. John C. Dunlavy in the editorial chair, and the paper supported John Quincy Adams for the presidency. John Woods succeeded to the editorial chair in March, 1829, and the following is an excerpt from bis salutatory :

Having claimed and exercised during the late political contest the right of deciding for myself, and of acting on the conviction of my own judg ment, without regard to the poor popular! y is bought at the sacrifice of principle an respect, I need now give no other Pledge that I will still pursue a fearless and lndep® course. I trust, however, that I shall not mindful that others have an equal right o era, I will at least preserve it from low scurrility and degrading personal contests. When it wantonly attacks private character and becomes the vehicle of low and malignant slander, I will no longer ask those whom I assail or abuse, or the public thus insulted, to support me with their patronage and countenance.

22, 1829, Edward Schaeffer was announced as publisher, and John Woods editor. On August 17, 1830, John Woods became editor and publisher. October 13, 1830. Richard H. L. Neale was announced as being jointly interested in the enterprise, John Woods continuing in the editorial chair. The latter became sole proprietor and in the early part of 1832 L. D. Campbell became associate editor.

Mr. Woods retired from the concern at the close of the presidential campaign. November 10, 1832. and on November 17th following L. D. Campbell purchased the paper, assuming both the editorial and business management. From his opening address the following paragraph is reproduced :

It Is confidently hoped that, as the presidential canvass is over, party spirit will soon subside, and the public mind, which has so long been kept in an unpleasant agitation, again become settled. Let the result of the contest, which is now closing, be what it may, our exertions will be actively employed in restoring peace and tranquility. We are ready and willing to submit to the solemn decision of a free people.

Six years later Mr. Campbell withdrew from the enterprise and the following extract from his "Editors Adieu" will prove specially interesting in view of the foregoing: and upon placing myself in a position which will enable me to be an observer of what is going on in the great editorial arena. It will be fun to see the lunges that will be made - to see the Register and Statesman "woo" each other - to see E. D. Mansfield, the veteran of the Cincinnati Gazette, deal out his well-aimed blows at both friend and foe - to see George D. Prentice floor his hosts - and to see the "small fry" about the country dexterously wielding their weapons.

I now deliberately walk out of the editorial field, and put up the bars, entertaining a hope that those friends who have stood by and patronized me, may live a thousand years - that all honest Van Buren men will soon perceive and flee from the error of their way - and that the Intelligencer may be more profitable to its publishers and more efficient to its object than it has been under my control.

Many subsequent changes occurred in the ownership of the paper, as may be noted from the following: May 20, 1834, Gibbon & Gardner became the owners of the Intelligencer, L. D. Campbell continuing as editor. About two years later, however, on May 10, 1826. Isaac M. Walters became the publisher of the paper, Mr. Campbell continuing in the editorial chair until November, 1838. On February 27, 1840. Mr. Walters sold the paper to William C. Howells, a man of unusual ability, who remained at the head of the paper until November 28, 1848, when he sold the plant to Charles & Boardman. On May 24, 1849, J- W. Mc- Beth purchased Mr. Charles' interest, the new firm being styled McBeth & Boardman. On May 10, 1851, Mr. Boardman sold his interest to D. W. Halsey, who became sole owner on February 15, 1855, conducting the business until his death, two years later. In 1858 Minor Millikin and D. W. McClung purchased the Intelligencer from Dr. William Huber, executor of the estate of D. W. Halsey. Mr. McClung retired from the enterprise in October of the same year and on

June 30, 1859. Jacob Morris and William Bunston became owners of the paper, conducting it until May 20, 1861, when Israel Williams and Fred Egry purchased it and consolidated it with the Intelligencer.

At this period the Telegraph was the organ of the regular Democrats and took the side of the anti-war faction. On August 3, 1861, at a convention of the Democrats of the county M. N. Maginnis led a movement denouncing the war and the President of the United States for the part he was taking. Dr. John P. P. Peek, who was editor of the Telegraph at that time, refused to print the resolutions of the convention bearing on this topic.

The purchasers of the Telegraph, Messrs. Williams and Egery. were both ardent war Republicans and their control of the paper had a distressing effect on the Democrats, especially the anti-war element. The Democratic leaders found -themselves with no organ in which to express their views and felt somewhat handicapped in local political matters. As an answer to this want, Roliert Christy, S. Z. Gard, Job E. Owens, Daniel Longfellow and Dr. John McElwee each contributed two hundred dollars in cash and drove over to Oxford and purchased the equipment of the then defunct Oxford Union, which thev loaded into wagons and brought to Hamilton. On the 26th of the following month the first number of the True Telegraph was issued by Dr. John McElwee and A. C. Marts, and the local Democracy once more had a party organ. In November of that year Dr. Mc- Elwee resigned as editor and was succeeded by Archie Mayo. The firm of Marts & Mayo published the paper until April 23, 1863, when it was bought by Stephen Crane and E. E. Palmer. On July 24, 1864, the True Telegraph Company purchased the paper and Dr. McElwee again occupied the editorial chair. On February 23, 1865, the True Telegraph was purchased by Cockerill Brothers, John A. Cockerill assuming editorial charge. They conducted the enterprise until July 2. 1868, when Jacob A. Long purchased the plant and installed Colonel H. H. Robinson in the editorial chair. On January 13, 1870, Nickel & De La Court became owners of the True Telegraph and at the same time changed its name to the Butler County Democrat. Nickel disposed of his interest in the paper on the nth of May. 1871. and on December 21, 1873. De La Court sold out to Thomas H. Hodder. who was in turn succeeded by R. N. Andrews & Company in April, 1875. at which time J. \V. Short became editor. Within a month's time Mr. Short died and was succeeded by James P. Caldwell, who served until December 2. 1875. when Harry C. Hume superseded him. In June, 1876, Daniel C. Callen obtained control of the paper, but in November of the same year he became financially embarrassed and the paper was placed in the hands of N. E. Warwick, as receiver, who edited and managed the paper until February 21. 1877. Shortly afterward the establishment was sold to Byron K. Brant, who, on December 17, 1885, sold out to John K. Aydelotte and T. E. Crider, under whose management, however. the enterprise made little financial progress, and shortly afterwards Mr. Crider sold his interest to F. W. Whitaker, George St. Clair and other local Democrats.

lotte & Company, with J. K. Aydelotte as editor and F. W. Whitaker as business manager. The new paper did not at once meet with the most flattering financial success and it at length became necessary to take in new capital, the outcome being the incorporation of the Butler County Democrat Company. Mr. Aydelotte continued as editor of the paper until his tragic death, January 21, 1891. He was succeeded as managing editor by Homer Gard, who had previously been on the reportorial staff of the paper. In September, 1894, the Democrat was purchased bv a syndicate, of which Paul J. Sorg was at the head, and S. L. Rose was installed ,as managing editor. In September, 1895, Mr. Rose retired to return to his educational work in the Hamilton city schools, and was succeeded by Thomas M. Boyd as general manager, with Sloane Gordon as editor. On June 1, 1896, Charles Alf. Williams and T. T. Williams secured the control of the paper, Charles becoming editor and Tom business manager. On June 1, 1897, Homer Gard was called back to the management of the paper. At this time the stock of the Butler County Democrat Company was owned by F. W. Whitaker and Fletcher S. Heath and in June of this year Mr. Whitaker sold his interests to Mr. Heath, who, on September 21st, sold the entire property to Homer Gard, the board of directors elected at that time being as follows: Homer Gard, president; Clayton A. Leiter, vice-president; L. R. Hensley, secretary; George E. Holdefer. treasurer, and Samuel Z. Gard.

The initial issue of the Western Telegraph and Hamilton, Ohio, Advertiser made its appearance November 2, 1827, under the management of James B. Cameron and

Taylor Webster. About two years later the name of Taylor Webster appears as the sole publisher. In March, 1831, the name of the paper was changed to Hamilton Telegraph and Butler County Advertiser, and a year later the name was again changed to the Western Telegraph and Butler County Advertiser. This paper for nearly eight years subsequently was dated at Rossville. On October 28, 1836, the paper suspended publication, but on November 18th following the publication was resumed by Franklin Stokes, John B. Weller appearing as editor. On November 7. 1839, the paper was again suspended, but on the 30th of the same month it was again issued, its location being again changed to Hamilton. February 18, 1847, the name of the paper was changed to the Butler County Telegraph, and in November of the same year Ryan & Witherby were announced as publishers, with O. S. Witherby and N. M. Gaylord as editors. M. C. Rvan assumed sole editorial charge of the paper on October 18, 1849, and on November 15th following was succeeded by Ferd Van Derveer. who in turn was superseded on January 4* 1851, by Charles L. Weller. The following, as published in a local paper, gives the subsequent changes in the management of the Telegraph : "William H. Kinder, November 1 1, 1852, purchased the paper and continued as editor and proprietor until June 13, 1854. when the plant was purchased by Charles I. Barker and James McCormick. On November 5, 1855, A. A, Phillips bought Barker's interest in the paper, selling the same in April, 1856, to Daniel R. Empson, when the firm became Empson & McCormick. On September 3, 1857, James K. Webster purchased the paper and conducted it until

June 6, 1861, at which date John McElwee and John P. P. Peck became editors and proprietors. Mr. McElwee retired from the paper August 20, 1861, for the reason that his partner refused to publish the famous 3d of August resolutions adopted by the Democratic party in mass convention at Hamilton. On October 24, 1861, Israel Williams and Fred Egrv purchased the paper, and Valentine Chase, who was driven out of the South for his views on the war, was installed editor, with H. P. Peck associate editor, both continuing until November 27, 1862, when they were succeeded by W. S. Bush. On March 12, 1863. John C. Lewis purchased a half interest in the Telegraph, when he became its editor. Captain Lewis retired from the paper November 12, 1865. On the above date James T. Langstroth, of Oxford, became editor of the paper, in which capacity he continued until October 31, 1867. at which date Frank H. Scobey purchased a half interest and assumed editorial control. He sold his interest in the paper October 20, 1868, to Fred Egry, but retained editorial charge until December 17, 1879, when the paper was sold to C. M. Campbell, who sold the plant to a stock company July 1, 1888. "

The Daily News, which was published in connection with the Telegram, was founded on December 22, 1879, and though from the first failure was predicted as the outcome of the venture, it has proven a most pronounced success. C. M. Campbell first undertook the publication of the paper, and the first city editor of the sheet was Frank H. Scobey. On July 1, 1888, a stock company purchased the plant and T. J, Mc- Murray. of Lynn, Massachusetts, was called to the editorial chair, his connection with the paper being a brief one. His successor was J. M. Downey, who retired in January, 1896, and Thomas Moore, Jr., was made managing editor, being succeeded on June 15th by Homer Gard. In June, 1897, Mr. Gard resigned to become president and managing editor of the Democrat.

In January, 1829, Rev. David Maedill, of the Associate Reformed church, commenced in Hamilton the publication of a religious periodical called the Christian Intelligencer. This magazine, which was continued here for fourteen years, was published monthly, contained forty-eight pages, and was ably edited. The periodical is still issued in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, as the United Presbyterian.

During the famous political campaign of 1840 a paper entitled the Harrison Democrat was issued, but after the twenty-fifth number was discontinued.

The Free Soil Banner, of which nine numbers were issued, was founded August 21, 1848. and was published and edited by the following committee : John W. Erwin, Alfred Thomas, M. C. McMaken. John W. Wilson, John R. Lewis and Henry S. Earhart. H. C. Bird, of Rossville, and John C. Elliott, of Hamilton, were the publishers, and John C. Skinner was the treasurer.

The Rose Bud, which was issued in the interest of the Furman Academy and was edited by the students of that institution, was published by Nathaniel Furman from June 9, 1849, to June 13, 1851.

J. M. Christy, a practical printer, commenced the publication of the Butler County Investigator in Rossville, September 20, 1849, but was forced to suspend publication on the 4th of the following month.

The Miami Democrat was published in Rossville by William H. Laymon, from from January 7, 1850, to October 9, 1851. and was edited by L. J. Strong, of Mississippi, an able writer.

The first daily paper published in Hamilton or Rossville was the Daily Press, of Rossville, the initial number being issued April 22, 1851, under the management of James G. Green and A. L. Sewell. The life of the enterprise was a short one, however, ceasing by the end of the following month.

The Herald of Education was issued from the press of J. M. Christy, of Rossville, in 1853-4, and was edited by J. P. Ellinwood, superintendent of the Rosswood public schools.

On May 10, 1859, Fred E. Humbach and John P. Bruck established the Schildwache, of which John P. Dietz, of Dayton, was made the editor. In November, 1862, Peter Milders purchased Mr. Bruck's interest and August Goering was placed in the editorial chair. The paper was subsequently sold to J. H. Long who changed its name to the Butler County Democrat. In January, 1863, a new Democratic paper was founded by a number of Germans, who organized a stock company, whose officers were as follows: C. Morgenthaler, president; Adolph Schmidt, secretary ; January Getz, treasurer, and L. B. De La Court, editor and business manager. On July 4, 1864, the first number of the National Zeitung was issued and continued a few years, when it passed into the possession of L. B. De La Court. In 1893 the plant, was purchased by Fred J. Hilker, who changed its name to Volks- Stimme and National Zeitung. The paper is now owned and published by a stock company. and W. C. A. De La Court is editor and business manager.

The Tri- Weekly Advertiser was established by J. H. Long, the first number being issued on March 14, 1867. The name of the paper was some time later changed to the Independent, having been purchased by Dr. J. R. Brown, Samuel L'Hommedieu and William Beardsley. The paper was ably edited by H. H. Robinson and its publication was continued until May, 1874, at which time the publication of the Hamilton Examiner was commenced from the office of J. H. Long. Its first editor was Thomas A. Corcoran, who was followed by Judge John F. Neilan. On September 14, 1874, the paper was consolidated with the Guidon. The Guidon was begun August 26, 1874, by Dr. John McElwee, who, in November of the same year, sold a half interest in the paper to J. J. McMaken. On May 6, 1875, the Guidon was sold to R. N. Andrews & Company and consolidated with the Democrat.

In 1876 Stephen D. Cone conceived the idea that a Sunday paper in Hamilton would acquire a large and profitable circulation, and for this purpose associated himself with P. H. Gallagher, business manager of the Democrat, the initial number of the Sunday Morning News being issued on July 17, 1876. It was determined to make the paper of such merit as would command the support of the public and with this end in view, engagements were made for special

News met with a gratifying reception on the part of the public, but about five mont is later was forced to suspend on account o a receiver being appointed for the emo as a publisher in June. 1878, when he began the publication of the Orcus. He continued its editor and publisher until November 12th of the same year, when he sold it to I-ou J. Beauchamp and Robert Carr, who three months later sold it to B. R. Finch and N. E. Warwick, by whom its publication was continued to February 12. 1880, when it suspended.

The Hamilton Daily Herald had its inception in a weekly paper which was established in 1883. with Col. H. H. Robinson as editor, he being subsequently superseded by Ben Harding. In December, 1884, the Herald became a daily publication. In February-, 1885. Peter Schwab. S. D. Cone and Jervis Hargitt invested some capital in the enterprise, which gave it new impetus and for about three months it took a prominent hand in local political matters. When the cash was all gone. George Gohen. of Cincinnati, was induced to take hold of the enterprise, investing his personal capital in the plant. He made a live paper of it. but it was a losing financial proposition and the end came in September. 1885. On that day Editor Gohen wrote an editorial, placed it on the hook and told the other boys about the place to get out the paper that day. He went to Cincinnati and never came back. The editorial was his last. The closing sen tence read "I am not onlv Gohen. but I

The Republican Publishing Company was incorporated on the 4th of May 1892, for the purpose of publishing a daily and weekly newspaper. The first issue o e Daily Republican was put before the public on Tuly 19, 1892. at which time \\. - born was business manager and W. L- iobev, editor. Mr. Osborn resigned in March. 1893. and was succeeded by A. F. Sloane, of Oxford, who retired on December 1 , 1803 At that time the position of business manager was abolished and that of nW editor was created, to which position W.

The Hamilton Evening Sun is youngest newspaper in Hamilton or >n Butler countv. but by no means is it a weak) g- This paper, which is a seven-column e.g page daily, was established m 1902- Sun Publishing Company was mcorpora in February of that year and the firs p P was issued on June 19*. From the start the Sun manifested a spirit of progress « vigor that soon gave it a prominent pos.t.o in the local field. At the very beginmngt company purchased two linotype machine the first ones ever used in Butler county. _

. modern, up-to-date perfecting press, prints colors, was also purchased and stalled in the building which the Sun ' at Nos. 322 and 324 High street. Sloane Gordon, who was one of the mco'P0 rf of the company and a member o e of directors, was elected as presiden 0 which he still occupies. The other directors of the company are William F. Mason, Dr. O. P. McHenry, C. Z. Mikesell and R. L. Kinsey. Mr. Kinsey has charge of the composition department of the paper. The Sun has acquired a wide-spread reputation because of the modern methods which it has pursued. For instance, it has established the hitherto unknown custom in Hamilton of issuing extra editions whenever any news of extraordinary importance happens. During the famous Knapp murder excitement of February, 1903, the Sun frequently issued as many as five extra editions in one day. The Sun was the first daily newspaper in Butler county to employ union labor. Since its establishment another of the local papers has embraced unionism. The Sun Publishing Company issues the Hamilton Weekly Sun, which appears on Thursdays and which has a very' general circulation throughout the county. The Daily Sun at this writing ( 1904) has a circulation of fifty-two hundred and the Weekly Sun of about three thousand.

Hamilton Public Schools

Attention was given to the important subject of education at an early date in the history of Hamilton, the first school being established as early as 1809 on Front street by a Mr. Richie. The following year a school was opened on Court street, opposite the United Presbyterian church, by Rev. M. G. Wallace, the school being continued until 1814. At this school the higher branches of learning were taught, in addition to the rudiments of education. In 1815 Benjamin H. Pardee came to Hamilton and taught a school on Second, near Heaton street, and the same year Alexander Proudfit organized a sch(x>l on the north side of Heaton, between Second and Third streets. About the same time a Mr. Elder taught in Rossville. In 1818 the Hamilton Literary Society erected the old Masonic building, at the corner of Third and Dayton streets, and Rev. Thomas McMechan and Henry Baker were granted the use of the lower story for school purposes. The first female teacher in Hamilton wras Miss Ellen A. McMechan, who, in 1819, taught at the corner of Third and Buckeye streets. In 1821 Rev. Francis Monfort taught school in a frame building at the comer of Third and High streets, and from 1825 to 1830 Benjamin F. Raleigh was engaged in educational work here. The Hamilton and Rossville Academy, which w'as opened in 1835, had Miss Maria Drummond as its first teacher, its last teacher being the wellknown Nathan Furman.

On February 21, 1849, the legislature passed an act "providing that cities and towns may be formed into one district, to be governed by a board of six directors and three examiners." In April, 1851, the schools of Hamilton passed under the control of this law, a special election being held on the question. The members of the board and examiners w?ere elected on May 1st, on June 2 1 st the first school levy was made, it being one and a half mills on the dollar, and in 1852 the work of grading and classifying the school w'as begun. In the latter year F. N. Slack w'as appointed principal of the third w'ard school and J. Jenkins principal of the second w'ard building.

In 1854 Hamilton and Rossville were consolidated, and by the articles of annexation it was stipulated that a high school building should be erected, at an early date, in the first ward, and that the high school should perpetually remain on t e side In accordance with this arrangemen , Thomas L. Rhea offered to donate a two-acre site for the building on Prospect Hill. 1 ms proposition was not accepted, nor has the building above referred to as specified in the contract between the two villages ever been erected.

The present school system of Hamilton is recognized as one of the best in the state 0f Ohio - the leader in educational lines. Superintendent Joyce is a recent graduate of Miami University and, although a young man, he has infused new life and vigor into the schools. His scholarly attainments, his genial social nature and his practical methods have won for him a fond place in the estimation of patrons of the public schools.

A faithful and conscientious corps of teachers, ready and willing to carry out the plans of the able superintendent, has charge of the school youth of the city of Hamilton.

The various public-spirited men who are serving as members of the board of education have always been broad-minded and liberal in their attitude toward educational matters. The present board of education is composed of the following able and proficient men : Dr. Dan Millikin, president; John R. Keller, clerk; Fred Bender, A. W. Margedant, William C. Ritchie, Dr. George C. Skinner and James S. Frailey.

Hamilton Churches The First Presbyterian Church

Among the early ministers were Revs. Tames Kemper, M. G. Wallace and John Thompson, of the Presbyterian church. These preached in private houses, in the Svcamore grove and in the old mess room of Fort Hamilton. In 1805, Rev. Matthe G Wallace, who resided on a farm eig miles south of Hamilton, began to preach on alternate Sabbaths. In 1810 he took up his residence in this city and a Presbyterian church was formally organized with himsel was built in the years of 1817 and 1818 jointly by the Presbyterian and the Associate Reform Presbyterian congregations, purchased lot No. 103 of the original own plat situate the east side of Third street between High and Court streets, property was sold, and the Prater** acting for themselves, purchased from John Reilv lot No. 22, on south Front stree , 1829. In January, 1837. this structure was sold to the German and English Uni e theran and Reformed church, and tie bvterians purchased lot No. 253. er 1838 they erected a third place of worsh P In'1854, under the pastorate of Rev. Sturdevant. the congregation, being p for room, took the first steps toward the erection of a fourth house of wors ip. building was finished in 1855, and is used and occupied by the congregation.

The original subscription for the erection of the first church in Hamilton in 1817 is still in existence. Hamilton at that time had only eight hundred inhabitants, and nearly every head of a family who was able to contribute anything had some share in the erection of that church. Through the care and foresight of James McBride, the original subscription list was preserved. It was cared for by him until his death in 1859, forty years after the completion of the church. It then passed into the hands of the late Dr. Cyrus Falconer, who preserved it for a third of a century longer, and it is now in possession of a member of his family. Those who subscribed to the fund for building the first church in Hamilton were : William Murry, $100; John Reily, $100; James Boal, $40; James McBride, $50; John Sutherland, $320; Thomas Blair, $50; James P. Ramsay, $50; John Hall, $10; Isaac Falconer, $10; William Taylor, $10;

In 1869 a parsonage was purchased on Ross street at a cost of seven thousand dollars, which is still owned by the congregation. It was remodeled in 1902.