Hamilton City (part 4 of 12)

In the year 1822 Edwin Forrest, who had been an amateur performer in theatricals in Philadelphia, and who was very young, accepted an engagement with the manager of a company which was to play in Pittsburg and Cincinnati. It was his first trip as a professional, f ; from it, for the company and he reaped little money ; - ee broke up at Cincinnati, and the mem a se ms shift for themselves the best way they could. i owes rest conceived the idea that Hamilton, twenty-three miles distant, would afford him shelter for a few days, and, having hired an old horse and a tumble-down wagon, he set out from that city with Mrs. and Miss Riddle, well-known performers, seated in the rude conveyance, while he walked on foot. When he arrived in this place he found that there was a Thespian Society existing here, and with it he arranged for a first appearance. The theater was a barn situated where the Catholic Church now is, on Dayton Street, the upper part being fitted up for a theater. William Murray, who died lately, was the doorkeeper, and took the money. The members of the company were Charles K. Smith, John M. Millikin, William B. Van Hook, Stephen Millikin, Lorenzo Latham, and others. Before the Riddles came here all the female parts were represented by boys, following the usage of the Shakespearean drama.

The opening night came, and with it the best people of the town, who were found at early candle-light, crowding the little candle-lit barn. At least 300 people were present, and Forrest received a regular ovation. The receipts on the opening night were, perhaps, fifty dollars, his portion of this sum being highly satisfactory to the ''star," who little dreamed that in later years one thousand dollars a night would be his terms.

During his stay in Hamilton the theater was crowded nightly, and such plays as '' Raising the Wind" and 'Miss in her Teens" constituted the programmes.

It need not be said that all theater-loving people were pleased. A local critic contributed his views of the performance to the Miami Intelligencer :

'"'On Thursday evening last, the 30th of J uly, in the character of ' Richard,' Mr. Forrest certainly acquitted himself with the greatest degree of credit, as the applause manifested by a crowded house, from the moment he appeared on the stage until the close of the selected scenes from that tragedy, and the frequent and unanimous bursts of admiration throughout, evinced that his unrivaled performance had made a deep impression on the minds of the auditory. In the preceding afterpiece, as well as the comedy, on Saturday evening, he did well. His imitations of the most celebrated actors of the pres-. ent century were inimitable. In fine, for the general manner of his performance, he merits the greatest praise, though it is thought he excels in personating the tragedian.

"The celebrated tragedy of ' Douglass,' in which Mr. Forrest performs the principal and most difficult part, is announced for next Tuesday evening. Those who may have had the pleasure of seeing him in the character of 'Richard,' will know how to appreciate the present opportunity of witnessing the display of Mr. Forrest's talents. It being the last night, it is presumed the liberality of the citizens will induce them to bestow an ample share of substantial applause on this deserving actor, to remunerate him and his companions for their trouble and expense.

'<The other gentlemen, undoubtedly, deserve much praise. Mrs. and Miss Riddle's performances require no comment - their merits are well known - they appear desirous to please on all occasions."

Theater Last Night Of Performance

YoungiNorval jy 202%. fe Gli ye oR a Mr. Forrest. DPCM eIROAILOMIIA, oh (eirtteret coun Nes cen ce ap Sip top. fe Mrs. RIppLe. Goldsmith's '' Harlequin Epilogue."'

Fancy Dance, by Miss Riddle. The evening's entertainment to conclude with the burlesque farce of "Sylvester Daggerwood ;" or, '' The Mad Dunstable Actor."' Sylvester Appolonius Dionysius Daggerwood, . Mr. Forrest.

Mr. Forrest ever afterwards retained kindly recollections of this place, although he was unable to pay all his indebtedness. He owed Mr. Cooper, with whom he boarded, a small sum, and gave his due bill for the amount. It was afterwards paid, and the paper was found among those preserved by him until his death. In Alger's '' Life of Forrest," a fac-simile of this due bill can be seen.

From Hamilton, according to Mr. Murray, the party went to Dayton, Franklin, Lebanon, and one or two other towns near by, but found business so dull that at Lebanon Forrest pawned his stage dresses for money to forward the ladies of the company to Newport, and the rest walked to the Kentucky village. On their way they found a stream to cross, and being penniless, the men swam to the other side. Too proud to beg, they stole corn and roasted it. Forrest afterwards said that the '""corn was as hard as Pharaoh's heart." On reaching Newport, the company played '' Douglass," and ' Miss in her 'Teens," to a seven-dollar house. The little band kept together for several months thereafter, with but poor success, and at last Forrest, who had been refused an engagement by Sol. Smith (whose brothers and sisters lived in Hamilton at the time), then organizing a dramatic company, joined a circus as leaper and vaulter, in which he had always been proficient. In the circus-ring Smith found the boy actor (for when Forrest played in the Thespian Hall, as related above, he was but eighteen years old), and coaxed him back into his legitimate profession. His onward and upward career since those days is a matter of history, and out of place in these recollections of incidents in the early days of our city.

Grand Exhibition Of Living Animals

The citizens of Hamilton, Rossville, and their vicinities, are respectfully informed that a grand collection of living animals, viz.: A full grown African Lion, African Leopard, Brazilian Cougar, Shetland Pony, with its rider, Ichneumon, and several other animals, will be exhibited at the Hamilton Hotel, on Thursday and Friday, the 10th and 11th inst. Admittance 25 cents; children under 12 years, half price. Good music on the ancient Jewish Cymbal and other instruments.

The theatrical company still seemed to exist in 1828. A bill of theirs said that the '' Hamilton Thespian Association " would perform in the room above the Hamilton Coffee House, November 15, '' Coleman's much admired comedy, 'Love Laughs at Locksmiths,' and the laughable afterpiece of 'Dick, the Apprentice.'"

The city fathers were disposed the next year to discourage any dramatic performances; they passed an ordinance to prohibit stage playing within the towns of Hamilton and Rossville. It read:

'* Be it ordained by the trustees and citizens of Hamilton and Rossville, that if any person who is not a resident of the towns of Hamilton and Rossville, shall publicly act or be concerned in publicly acting or exhibiting any stage, play, or scene, or any play or scene usually acted in theaters, such person shall forfeit and pay therefor a sum not exceeding ten dollars, nor less than five dollars, to be collected in the same manner as fines for offenses against 'an ordinance to prevent certain misdemeanors within the towns of Hamilton and Rossville.' Provided that the president of the board of trustees of the corporation may grant a license to any person to act, or exhibit any stage, play or plays, upon his paying to the treasurer of the corporation a sum not less than two dollars, nor more than five dollars, for each time of acting or exhibiting the same, to be fixed at the discretion of the president. JAMES O'Conner, President.

United Presbyterian Church

Amongst the respectable early settlers in the vicinity of Hamilton were many who belonged to the Associate Reformed Church. For many years after their settlement in the country they had no opportunity of hearing preaching, except occasionally, and that but rarely, when a clergyman of their denomination might be traveling through the country. Amongst those who visited the country about that period were the Rey. Adam Rankin, of Kentucky; the Rev. R. H. Bishop, then of Lexington, Kentucky, afterwards president of the Miami University, who then belonged to that denomination; the Rey. David Risk, and some others who occasionally visited the country and preached to the members of that Church.

In the year 1814 the Rev. Alexander Porter, with a number of the members of his Church, emigrated from South Carolina, and settled in the south-west corner of Preble County, Ohio, where they formed the congregation and built the church of Hopewell. After this period Mr. Porter occasionally visited and preached at Hamilton, sometimes in the building then occupied as-a courthouse, and sometimes, when the weather was pleasant, in a grove of woods near the intersection of Second and Dayton Streets.

In the year 1815, or a short time previous, a Church of the Associate Reformed denomination was regularly organized at Hamilton, and in the year 1817 the Rev. David Macdill was settled over the congregation, then consisting of about twenty-seven members, and regularly ordained as their pastor, in which capacity he continued to officiate until 1848. Until the year 1839 he preached two-thirds of his time at Hamilton, the other one-third of his time to the congregation of Concord, on Seven- Mile Creek.

The number of members belonging to the Church at Hamilton, in 1844, was about eighty-four. They paid their pastor a salary of from four hundred and fifty dollars, or ranging between that sum and five hundred dollars, per year, not being every year exactly the same, which was raised by subscription from the members.

In the year 1828, when the Associate Reformed congregation, in connection with the Presbyterian congregation, sold their house and lot at the west end of the Hamilton Basin, as previously related, the Associate Reformed congregation purchased inlot No. 81, near the bank of the Miami River;-on the corner of Basin and Water Streets, in Hamilton, for the sum of one hundred dollars, on which they erected a brick church in the same year, though the building was not ready for occupancy until the Spring of 1829. The house was erected by Samuel Gray, then of Rossville, and was forty-eight feet long by forty-four feet wide, and sixteen feet high from the foundation to the cornice. On the west end of the church next the river was a cupola, executed in a neat style, corresponding with the dimensions of the building, in which was hung a fine-toned bell.

The interior of the church was finished in a plain but neat manner. The pulpit was on the west end of the building, which had two doors, and one each side of

There were also two doors on the east end of the building, corresponding with the doors on the west, with two aisles, or passages, running the whole length of the building, from the western to the eastern doors. The interior was divided into fifty-six pews, in which five hundred persons may be comfortably seated. The building was erected with strict regard to economy, costing only one thousand and fifty dollars, exclusive of the pews and some further expense in finishing the interior of the building.

The building presented a very good appearance, especially from the west side of the river. The principal objection was that it was not high enough for elegance.

In course of time a new building was required, and It cost six thousand six hundred dollars, and an additional lot cost four hundred dollars. The committee put under contract several other improvements, such as paving the gutters and sidewalks, and a large iron gate, with posts and steps of Dayton stone, at a cost of four hundred and eleven dollars, making the entire cost of the building, lots and improvements, seven thousand four hundred and eleven dollars.

The following have been the elders of the Associate Reformed Church and the United Presbyterian since its beginning, so far as can now be told:

The members at the organization, or soon after, were William Caldwell, Mary Caldwell, James Brown, Robert Gray and wife, Nathan Caldwell, John Caldwell, Grizelle Caldwell, John Latia and wife, Samuel Gray and wife, William Taylor and wife, Robert Little and wife, Robert Tweedy and wife, John McCracken and wife, John Beckett and wife, Joseph McMakenand wife, James Scott and wife, Robert Scott and wife, Wm. Robertson and wife, John Nelson and wife, James Bell and wife, James Lester and wife, John Smiley and wife, John Hall and wife, Robert Hall, Hannah Hall, Mrs. Millikin, Mrs. Andrew, Mrs. Ewing, Nancy Sutherland, James Ramsey and wife, Robert Lytle and wife, Margaret Blair, Ann Douglass, Sarah Blackburn, Rachel Lintner, John Bain and wife, Hannah McBride, Nancy King, Elizabeth Lane, Matthew Winton, Mary Gray, Alexander Young and wife.

On the retiring of Dr. MacDill, he was succeeded by the Rev. William Davidson, who remained here until February, 1874, when he resigned his charge, dying July 21, 1875. The Church had been most fortunate in these two pastors, who had preached the Word here for fifty-seven years in succession, and it had grown 'strong and useful. During his term as a pastor, the Church, then the Associate Reformed, became known as the United Presbyterian. The Associate Reformed Church, with half a dozen other smaller sects, was an offshoot of Scotch Presbyterianism, and the United Presbyterian Church was the union of these various forms of North British Calvinism under one fold. This happened on the 26th of May, 1858.

The Rey. Alexander W. Clokey was the next pastor. He was a son of Doctor Joseph Clokey, moderator of the General Assembly of 1860. He was born in 1842, in Jefferson County, Ohio, and was graduated at Wittenberg College in 1864, studying theology at Xenia. He was stated supply at Indianapolis in 1867 and 1868, and pastor at Aledo, Illinois, from 1869 to 1872. He came here in 1874 and stayed till 1876.

His successor was the Rev. John W. Bain, an able and eloquent divine. He was born near South Hanover, Indiana, in 1853, and entered Hanover College in 1850. After a time he went South, traveled and taught two years, and spent one year at Davidson College, North Carolina. He returned North, and graduated at Westminster College, Pennsylvania, in 1858. From that place he went to Xenia, Ohio, where he studied theology. His first charge was in Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania. He gave his services for some time to the Christian Commission, then engaged in raising money for the soldiers, and in the Winter of 1863 and 1864 spent a while with the commission in the field on the Rapidan. He was then three years at a mission station in Chicago, and came to Hamilton in 1877. In this new field he was well thought of. His discourses were well reasoned and well expressed, and he had the faculty of language. The Church throve under his charge. He left here in March, 1882, to become the pastor of the Alexander Presbyterian

Henry 8. Earhart

He was succeeded by the Rey. Elihu C. Simpson, who was born August 6, 1849, at- Morning Sun, Preble County, and lately has been pastor of a Church in Richmond, Indiana. HENRY 8. EARHART.

Henry S. Earhart, ''the oldest inhabitant," and a man whose kindly nature will be remembered long after he shall have passed away, is one of the four residents of the county, now living, who were born in the Northwest Territory. This happened three miles east of Franklin, Warren County, on Clear Creek, on the 17th of February, 1800. He was the son of Martin Earhart and Catherine Site, who were among the first settlers that came to Ohio. His grandfather Earhart was all through the Revolutionary War. Henry S. Earhart first came to Hamilton on a visit, about 1815, but did not reside in the county until the year 1822, when, in conjunction with his uncle, John L. C. Schenck, of Franklin, the leading merchant of this section at that time, he established a store at Jacksonburg. After remaining there a few years, he came to this city, and has been here steadily ever since. On his first arrival, he was in partnership with George W. Tapscott for a number of years, finally, however, discontinuing business. Possessed from youth with a love of the mathematics, he next took up civil engineering, and projected the hydraulic works and the Cincinnati, Hamilton, and Dayton Railroad. He was married on the 10th of March, 1823, in Franklin, to Elizabeth Tapscott, daughter of James Tapscott and Mary Hendrickson. They came from New Jersey in 1814 or 1815, and are now both dead, as is Mrs. Earhart. She was born in Allentown, Monmouth County, New Jersey, September 15, 1796. Mr. and Mrs. Earhart had five children, of whom the two oldest are dead. John S. was killed in the army, and Martin W. by accident. James T. lives in Kentucky, George T. in Hamilton, where he is the general ticket agent for the railroad, and Sarah 8. is also at home. John was a captain in the army, and George was also a volunteer. He rose from orderly sergeant to lieutenant, and attributes the loss of his health to the exposure he endured. Henry 8. Earhart has now been for many years one of the leading men of the town. He was a councilman for six years, at about the beginning of the city organization, and has been civil engineer to the city and identified with all its improvements.

Among the early teachers was Mr. B. F. Raleigh. He was a native of New York State, but came West before 1830, and located in Hamilton. He married Miss Maria Holmes, and resided here until 1853, then removing to Highland County. He died in Wilmington, Ohio, in 1866. Many are still living in Hamilton who remember him as their preceptor. He left a wife and four worthy and intelligent sons to mourn his loss.

Mr. Raleigh was a man of culture and had the control of our best educational interests in Hamilton for a period of years, and was also county surveyor from 1842 to 1849. His remains were brought to the old home, and interred in Greenwood Cemetery, November 6, 1866.

~ Captain William Robison, once county commissioner, was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, where he was married, and soon after removed to Rockbridge County, Virginia, where James, their oldest child, was born, in 1795. In 1805 Mr. Robison, with his family, came to this county, bought a farm, and settled on it, near Collinsville. At the beginning of the war in 1812 he raised a company of riflemen, who called themselves the Bald Hornets, and went out with Colonel John Mills. At the siege of Fort Meigs Captain Robison, for his heroism and faithful discharge of his duty, was promoted to the office of brigade inspector. He was county commissioner in 1809 and afterwards. He was commonly known in this neighborhood as Major Robison, but it is not now known from what he derived this title. He was a big, jovial man, everywhere well liked. He was the father of ten children, four boys and six girls, nine of whom grew up to be men and women, and three of whom are now living. He died when about fifty-five years of age, and was buried at the frame church in Collinsville. MRS. MARGERY McMECHAN.

Mrs. Margery (Hudson) MeMechan, for many years a resident of Hamilton, was born May 22, 1780, near Banbridge, County Down, Ireland. Her parents, John and Ellen (Park) Hudson, were members of the society of Friends, a belief she also imbibed and adhered to until her marriage, in Dublin, April 17, 1800, with a minister of the Presbyterian Church, the Rev. James MecMechan, of Newry, a gentleman of culture and standing. Such a step being in direct opposition to Quaker regulations, severed her connection with the sect.

Besides ministerial duties, accident had placed Mr. MeMechan for a few weeks at the head of a large educational institution, during the temporary absence of the principal. This vocation accorded so well with his taste that he resolved to adopt it, and after his return to Newry he established such a school and conducted it successfully, achieving distinction as an educator. Through the persuasions of a brother, who had come to the new world, Mr. MeMechan was induced to emigrate with his family in 1817, landing in Baltimore October 6th of that year. Coming West as soon as practicable in those days of difficult and hazardous traveling, they arrived in Hamilton after a wearisome journey of six weeks, frequently consuming an entire day in gaining three miles. The discomforts of early Western life to one entirely unaccustomed to it, and the marked difference of climate, proved unfavorable to the husband and father, who survived the change but two years. Left a 'stranger in a strange land," the sole guide of a young family in the '' straight and narrow way," Mrs. MeMechan devoted herself to her great charge with a fidelity and energy that were characteristic. The children were Eleanor A., afterwards married to Charles K. Smith; William; Jane, who became the wife of Jesse Corwin, and James, who lived with their mother at Hamilton, and John, a merchant of Eastport, Mississippi. Sara, the youngest, died during the passage to America.

Agreeable in conversation, with a retentive memory, Mrs. MeMechan's reminiscences of her early life were many and interesting. When the rebellion of 1798 occurred in Ireland, she was eighteen years of age, and a participant in many of its perils. The relation of one ordeal to which herself and friends were subjected will bear repetition. A young sister being in failing health, a change of air and scene was advised. Mrs. Hudson, taking her daughters, Margery and the invalid, left her home and went to that of a relative, in another part of Ireland, Mr. Ephraim Boake, of Boakefield, near Ballitore, a wealthy Quaker, who lived up to the principles of the sect to which he belonged, and took no part in the tumult that was agitating Ireland. He permitted he king's troops, during marches, to quarter on his es- tate of Boakefield, and_ this, with his difference ia religious views, was a ground sufficient to render him most obnoxious to the insurgents. Shortly after the ladies arrived at what they hoped would prove a haven of rest, the house was surrounded by an armed force of masked men, who peremptorily demanded admittance, which was refused as decidedly. They succeeded, however, in effecting an opening and immediately commenced firing into the hall and stairway. Not less than sixty shots went tearing through this beautiful home, the inmates barely escaping with their lives. The subject of this sketch was forced to make her exit down the fated stairway, which she did almost miraculously only a few moments before it was entirely demolished.

On another oceasion, when the strife was carried into her own home, the sister already mentioned, a zealous - young Protestant, was an object of dislike and vengeance, one of the gang singling her out for a murderous assault. Mrs. McMechan's mother was a woman of great nerve and self-possession, and seeing her daughter's peril, seized the nearest available weapon and dealt the invader a blow which rendered him helpless and gave freedom to his intended victim, a circumstance of which she was not slow to take advantage. She ran up the stairs and into the nearest apartment, followed quickly by another rebel, who, finding the window open and the room apparently unoccupied, abandoned the idea of killing Miss Hudson, thinking she had already lost her life by a suicidal leap. Driven almost to madness, by an extremity so appalling, the young girl had speedily found a hiding-place on the framework at the top of a bed, such as were in use in those days, a feat she could never have accomplished with her mind in its tranquil state, and was resting securely on this novel elevation When her assailant entered. This lady, after her marriage, lived in America, and was the mother of the late Dr. John MeMechan, who practiced medicine for many years in Butler County. More than sixty years after these events, Mrs. McMechan was doomed to witness the horrors of another rebellion, being over eighty years old when the civil war in her adopted country took place.

Shortly after the family located in Hamilton Mrs. MeMechan became a member of the Associate Reformed Church, of which the Rev. David MacDill was pastor, ~ and was throughout her life a consistent Christian, enduring with fortitude and patience the feebleness incident to age, and waiting uncomplainingly and with entire submission for the divine summons. Her life ended peacefully, in Hamilton, the sixth day of January, 1869, in the eighty-ninth year of her age.

William Cooper, in the public prints, gives notice that, having lately taken the tavern stand on High Street, oppee the court-house, formerly occupied by George F. Glassford, he begged leave to notify his friends that he had opened a house of entertainment, and solicits a share of public patronage. This was in 1822.

In 1824 Hiram Wright respectfully informed his friends, and the public in general, that he had lately opened a public house on the corner of Dayton and Main Streets, in Hamilton, where he was ready to accommodate those who gave him a call. Liquors would be sold 50 per cent lower than heretofore in this place, if cash were paid down, otherwise the customary price. ''Shoemaking carried on as usual. Butchering to commence on the third day of August next, where- beef can be had of the best quality and in the neatest manner, on Tuesday and Saturday mornings."

Somewhat later, George Vandegriff took the establishment formerly occupied by William Cooper, ''in the brick row opposite the court-house, where he is now keeping a house of entertainment for the accommodation of traveling gentlemen and ladies, and solicits a share of public patronage." The bill of prices is as follows:

'"N. B. Gentlemen and ladies can be accommodated with private rooms. He has repaired the house in good style, and his accommodations are as good as any in the county."

Barbarism Green Briggs

Having taken a permanent residence in this place, tenders his professional services to the gentlemen of Hamilton, Rossville, and their respective vicinities. He may be found at any time at his office, where all business intrusted to his care will be diligently and faithfully attended to. He does not wish to make any great profession of his knowledge, or to speak in his own praise, neither does he wish to " anticipate the pleasure' which gentlemen must necessarily and inevitably feel while undergoing the operation of his dexterous performance, but will merely state that he has heretofore never failed to give universal and unbounded satisfaction to his friends.

The peculiar situation in which he has fortunately located himself is strikingly singular. On one side of him is a law office, on the other a tavern, the court-house in his front, Stable Street in his rear, and a printing office immediately above him. Possessing so many superior advantages, in point of locality, political principles, and acquirements over his predecessor (Benj. Tolliver), who came before the public under arbitrary colors, Green Briggs flatters himself that his services will be duly appreciated, and that he will meet with the support and approbation of an enlightened community.

Notwithstanding the head prefixed to this notice may appear somewhat shocking, still there is no harm whatever intended. He merely wishes to convey the idea that he will

In 1826 a calamity occurred that sent a thrill throughout the community. A house in this town, occupied by Mr. James Boal, was struck by lightning, and the electric fluid caused the death of no less than four persons, thus bereaving Mr. Boal of an affectionate wife and two lovely children, one about five and the other about three years of age, and a widowed mother, Mrs. Perrine, of a daughter in the bloom of life. Four other persons were in the room at the time, three of Mrs. Boal's children, and a daughter of Mrs. McCarron, who providentially escaped with but slight injury.

Fashionable gentlemen now may be interested in knowing what kinds of clothes were worn in those days. Mr. Basey's house had been broken into, and he had been robbed. He was a well-known saloon-keeper of the He thus advertises his loss:

'' About nine o'clock last evening from the residence of the subscriber in Hamilton, the following articles of clothing: A drab double-milled Newmarket coat lined with silk; a blue close-bodied coat with a few small slits in the tail of it; two silk velvet vests, one a black and the other a crimson color. Two pair of blue pantaloons, of the same quality as the close-bodied coat; one pair ribbed cassimere; one pair fine blue cazinett; one pair sky-blue ribbed cazinett."

'The American museum of wax figures," exhibited here in 1825 at Colonel Vandegriff's hotel. The museum consisted of nineteen figures, General Jackson, Commodore Porter, John Q. Adams, General Marat, and Charlotte Corday, Lorenzo Dow, Catharine, the empress of Russia, Harriet Newell and her infant, the American beauty, and two beautiful children, the fair sleeping Desdemona, and an infant child, Paul Cuffee, Turner the Hermit, two Lilliputians, and an African boy.

During the freshet in April, 1825, twenty-five boats descended the Miami River, laden with pork, flour, and whisky destined for New Orleans. One or two accidents occurred. One boat struck the pier of the Hamilton bridge, and sunk a few miles below. Another was wrecked a short distance above town, and a Mr. Johnson, of Rossville, was drowned in assisting the owner to save the cargo.

The forty-eighth anniversary of our national independence was celebrated in-1824 by the citizens of Hamilton and Rossville. At half past 8 o'clock, A. M., a procession was formed in front of Blair's Hotel and proceeded to the Presbyterian Church, where (after other exercises by some of Mr. Watkins's pupils) Taylor Webster pronounced a highly interesting and appropriate oration. At 11 A. M., the citizens assembled at the court-house. The Declaration of Independence was read by James McBride, and the oration delivered by Mr. John L. Watkins; after which those citizens who wished to partake of the entertainment prepared by Mr. L. P. Sayre, in Rossville, were directed to form a procession at the east door of the court-house, which was accordingly done, and, preceded by a band of musicians, playing suitable martial airs, they moved to the place of destination. Great cordiality prevailed throughout, and nothing occurred to mar the festivity of the day, which was ended in a very happy way.

The anniversary of Washington's birthday was celebrated in a very becoming manner by the citizens of Hamilton and Rossville, on Wednesday, February 22, 1826. At2 o'clock P. M. the farewell address of Washington was read by Mr. Charles K. Smith before a large and highly respectable audience of both sexes, assembled at the court-house, after which Mr. Jesse Corwin pronounced an oration, the whole being much enlivened by the performance of several appropriate airs by a band of music.

The Hamilton Free and Easy Club met in February, 1825, at early candle-light, to discuss at Mr. Blair's Assembly Room, the following question: 'Were the Allied Powers justifiable in confining Napoleon Bonaparte on the Island of St. Helena?"

In 1825 the Cincinnati and Dayton mail stage ran once a week between Cincinnati and Dayton. It left Cincinnati every Monday at 4 A. M., and arrived at Hamilton the same day by 6 P. M. It left Hamilton every Tuesday at 4 A. M., and arrived at Dayton the same day at 6 P. M. From Dayton it left every Friday at 4 A. M., reaching Hamilton the same day by 6 P. M. It departed from Hamilton every Saturday at 4 A. M. and arrived at Cincinnati the same day by 6 P. M.

The stage offices were kept at Cincinnati by Hezekiah Fox; at Hamilton by Thomas Blair, and at Dayton by Timothy Squires. The owners were Henderson & Squires.

As an instance of rapid traveling, the newspaper says that the President's message, in 1829, was delivered at the city of Washington on the 8th inst., and 'we, at this distance, publish it on the 11th - only three days after!! This is truly ' going the whole - - ' and stands unparalleled in our backwoods annals of transportation."

In 1827, it was stated on the authority of Platt Evans, of Cincinnati, that 'goods were transported from New York by the canal at the following prices per hundred weight :

From the same city, by way of Philadelphia and Pittsburg, Mr. Bard, also of Cincinnati, said it cost him five dollars per hundred weight, and required several days longer. It was, therefore, much cheaper, and equally safe, to take goods purchased in Philadelphia, for the western market, by the way of New York.

Three Cents Reward

Walked away (too lazy to run) from the house of the subscriber, in Butler County, on the 11th inst., an indented apprentice to the coopering business, ycleped Whe bans 16 years of age, about 5 feet high. He took with him a new drab tight-bodied coat, an old wool chapeau, &c. All peraban "are~eaationed against harboring or employing him. The above reward (but no extra charges or thanks) will be given to the person who will " do up" the said walk-a-way in a bandbox, to prevent his taking cold, and deliver him safely to Jonas Wrnr.

Among the deaths recorded at an early date, we have Matthew Winton, in the seventy-eighth year of his age, in 1830; Moses Conner, in 1829; Sarah Wright, in the eightieth year of her age, in 1828; George Chesterson, an aged citizen, in 1825, and John Blackhall, in 1824.

The mayor's docket of 1834, when James McBride filled that position, has been preserved. It is full of interesting reading. The first case we notice bears date of October 28, 1834, and was the State vs. Ruber Meeker, on the charge of running a horse through the streets of Hamilton. The charge was made by Samuel Bayless, and the witnesses were John S. Gordon, John M. Millikin, George P. Bell, and John Woods. The docket shows a clear case against the defendant, and a fine of five dollars was annexed against him.

On the same day, and on the same charge, and proved by the same witnesses, John Meeker paid a similar fine ; but John Meeker must have been indulging in something stronger than spring water, for the next case on the docket is that in which on a charge of assault and battery on Matthias Dungan he pleaded guilty, and was again fined five dollars and costs.

There are a number of cases against sundry parties for "keeping a grocery and retailing spirits without a license." Henry Amsden, John Jenkins, Benjamin Talbert, James Elliott, James Ward, Charley Snyder, Billy Lohmann, and others, were so arraigned, and when they could not produce, and generally they did not, the permit of the Common Pleas Court to sell liquor, they submitted to a fine of thirty dollars and costs.

The 21st of February, 1836, was a good day for the marshal of Hamilton. The weather had been unusually cold, and on that bright Sunday morning the basin was frozen over as smooth as glass, and as solid as a rock. Mr. Bayless had his hands full of warrants for the arrest of William B. Cameron, Ira M. Collyer, John Blackall, Alex. Richardson, William Kast, a boy of color; Willlam Harrison, James Moore, Benjamin Van Hook, anda half dozen others "engaged in the sport or amusement of skating on the Hamilton Basin on the Sabbath day." They were called upon to p from one to two dollars.

But on Sunday, February 28, 1836, Michael Delorac, instigated, doubtless, by the devil and an inordinate ereed of gain, sold a grindstone for the sum of one dollar and fifty cents. He was arrested ''for being found on the first day of the week, commonly called Sunday, sporting and at common labor, in violation of the statutes," ete., and fined one dollar and costs.

On the same day John B. Weller, John Woods, and William Bebb were arrested on a similar warrant for Sabbath breaking. The facts in these cases are as follows :

"The said defendant (Weller), on Sunday, the 28th of February last, in company with others, left Hamilton on horseback for Eaton, in Preble County, with the avowed intention of attending the Court of Common Pleas in . that county, which commeuced its session on the ensuing Monday.

''The defendant, John B. Weller, moved the court to be discharged, upon the grounds that the facts, as proved, do not bring the case within the section of law under which he is arraigned, to wit, the first section of an act entitled, 'An act for the prevention of immoral practices,' because the charge, as proved, is no violation of the laws of Ohio, and not recognized as an_ offense. Which motion was overruled by the mayor, who refused to discharge the defendant on the grounds above stated, whereupon the said defendant tendered his bill of exceptions, which was signed by the mayor, and the mayor assessed a fine of one dollar for the offense and costs of suit."

Daniel Skinner, who had the temerity to engage in the sport or amusement of sleigh-riding on the Sunday of February 28, 1836, was summarily arrested, and, on the testimony of W. H. Bartlett, Jesse Corwin, John Eichelberger, Israel Gregg, and John G. Ritter, vindicated his reputation and succeeded in obtaining a verdict of not guilty.

The anniversary of our national independence was appropriately celebrated by the citizens in 1830. An impressive address to the throne of grace was offered up by the Rey. Mr. J. Bradley, of Middletown. The Declaration of Independence was read by W. Murray, Jr., and an eloquent oration pronounced by James Reily. The procession was again formed and marched to Rossville, where an elegant dinner was prepared by Mr. Ingersoll, for which the company appeared to have excellent appetites.

The political contest between General Jackson, Henry Clay, and John Q. Adams for the Presidency produced great excitement in the county of Butler, dividing the people into parties, which opposed and assailed each other with all the violence of party rancor. On the success of General Jackson, in the Fall of 1828, great rejoicing had, and barbecue made in Rossville on the 4th of March, 1829, being the day on which General Jackson was inaugurated. <A fatted.ox was furnished by Jacob Wehr, which was roasted whole, on the common on the river bank, in the lower part of Rossville, which, with bread furnished from the bakery, formed the bill of fare. Two or three hundred persons were present, who, with their knives, each cut off such part of the ox as suited their taste. This, with bread and an abundance of whisky, obtained from the neighboring groceries, constituted the repast. The day was somewhat rainy and the ground muddy, and the liberal potations of whisky used at the feast rendered the appearance of the assemblage in the evening like any thing else than a temperance meeting.

In July, 1830, Henry Clay, of Kentucky, paid a visit to Hamilton, in accordance with an invitation received from the citizens of the place, communicated through a committee who had been appointed to wait on him for that purpose. He arrived at Hamilton on Thursday, the 29th of July, and on the next day partook of a public dinner provided on the occasion. The dinner was prepared by Thomas Blair and served up in elegant style under the shade of the locust trees in the public square, on the east side of the court-house, about two o'clock, at which two hundred and eleven persons sat down, being all that the table would accommodate. John Bigger, of Warren County, officiated as president of the day. After the dinner was over toasts were given and drank with great glee. After the toast complimentary to Mr. Clay had been given and drank, he addressed the assembled multitude from the east door of the courthouse in a speech of great eloquence and effect, which occupied about two hours in the delivery. There were about one thousand persons present to hear him.

The house and yard were brilliantly illuminated and crowded to overflowing, and all the beauty and elegance of the town and neighborhood were present to welcome and take by the hand their celebrated guest. On Saturday Mr. Clay bade farewell to Hamilton, and proceeded to Cincinnati, on his way to Ashland.

Hamilton Basin

Middletown was constructed, passing on the east side of the town of Hamilton at the distance of nearly a mile from the Miami River, and about half a mile from inlots of the town. On the first day of July, 1827, the water was let into the Miami Canal by the feeder, two miles above Middletown. The first boat on it was built at Middletown by Robert L. Campbell, and called the Samuel Forrer. On the tourth day of July, the water having reached Middletown, the canal-boat made several trips from Middletown to the canal feeder. The canal filled slowly, so that it took more than a month before the water reached Hamilton. In August the canal-boat Samuel Forrer came down to Hamilton, and remained some time, making trips with ladies and gentlemen for pleasure to Middletown and to the neighborhood of the big pond below Hamilton. )

In December, 1827, the citizens of Hamilton and Rossville had a public meeting at the court-house in Hamilton, at which they passed resolutions setting forth their grievances in consequence of the location and construction of the Miami Canal, and appointed Robert B. Millikin, John Reily, and Thomas Blair their agents to memorialize the board of canal commissioners on the subject of a lateral canal and basin, and perform such other matters as might be deemed necessary. A survey and plan with an estimate of the expense of constructing a side cut or lateral canal from the main canal to the town of Hamilton was made by Jesse L. Williams, an engineer on the Miami Canal, and now living at a good old age in Fort Wayne, which was forwarded to the board of canal com missioners, together with a memorial by the agents on behalf of the citizens, praying that the board would, on behalf of the State of Ohio, make a location of a lateral canal and basin at Hamilton, and grant the citizens the privilege of its construction, and give them such pecuniary aid as they might deem proper. Jesse Corwin was appointed by the fore the board of canal commissioners, and represent the case as well to the board as to the Legislature. Dr. Daniel Millikin was afterwards associated with him to second him in his efforts.

On the presentation of this memorial, the board of canal commissioners, at a meeting held at Columbus, on the fifteenth day of January, 1828, passed the following resolution :

"* Resolved, That in the event of the General Assembly granting to the board of canal commissioners the authority to lay out and construct side cuts, or lateral canals, as suggested in the last report of the board, the acting commissioner be authorized to lay out and establish a side cut from the Miami Canal to the town of Hamilton, and upon the construction of it by the inhabitants of said town, in the manner he shall prescribe, to pay towards the cost of the same to the persons properly authorized to receive it, a sum not exceeding two thousand dollars." day of February, 1828, passed a law authorizing the canal commissioners '' to construct, or permit to be constructed, a navigable communication between the Miami Canal and the town of Hamilton, in the county of Butler, and if they should deem it inexpedient. to construct such ecommunication at the expense of the State,

On the passage of this law subscription papers were immediately put into circulation, and a sum deemed sufficient to complete the work was soon subscribed. When this was accomplished, on the application of the citizens, Micajah T. Williams, acting canal commissioner on the Miami line, on the thirty-first day of March, 1828, entered into a contract with Andrew McCleary, of Rossville, to construct the basin at seven and threefourths cents per cubie yard for the embankment.

The length of the Hamilton side cut, or basin, from the main canal was fifty-three chains and sixty-two links. The natural surface of the ground on which the basin was constructed being some four or five feet lower than the bottom of the main canal, it was laid out of such a width as to admit of the earth and gravel being taken' ae the center to construct the banks. The basin was one hundred and twenty feet wide at the bottom, and one hundred and forty-eight feet wide at the surface of the water, having an average depth of about eighteen feet. On each side was a towing path eight feet wide, which, with the slope of the banks, made the whole width occupied by the basin from the outside base of one bank to the outside base of the other bank about two hundred and six feet. The surface of the water in the basin being about five feet above the general level of the town, it presented a beautiful appearance.

Mr. McCleary, the contractor, commenced the work immediately on his closing the contract, and prosecuted it with vigor, so that the whole was completed by the 13th of December, 1828, and the water let into the basin a few days afterwards. The bottom of the basin being a very loose gravel and the banks also gravel, it required a considerable length of time to fill it and some care to prevent the banks from giving way. The water leaked through the banks and at the bottom, rising up in High Street and the low ground on the north, so as to overflow to the depth of three or four feet in the street in the front of Mrs. Caldwell's residence, doing considerable damage to property in that part of the town, until a drain was dug down Basin Street to convey the water to the river. The leakage continued for several months. Mr. McCleary paid at that time for a man and two horses and a scraper only seventy-five cents per day; for a stout, able-bodied man, thirty cents per day, and, notwithstanding the cheap labor, he lost over one thousand and five hundred dollars.

Vor 21 cae, safety "gate, bridges, and other work, 575 52 y 'vaval " 46 ry } } j ) Begone, mag safety "gate, digging ditch rare n wa er to the river, and other expenses necessarily incident to the construction pf ihe-works 250 gas sy eat 695 50

An office for the collection of tolls was established at the east end of the Hamilton basin, on the main line of the canal, in March, 1828, and Pierson Sayre appointed collector, with a salary of two hundred dollars per year. He then lived in East Hamilton, and continued in office until the 1st of April, 1830, when he resigned, and William Blair was appointed in his room, with a salary of three hundred dollars per year.

In March, 1832, the office was removed to the west end of the basin. On the first day of March, 1832, William Blair resigned the office and Robert Harper was appointed in his stead, who served until the first day of March, 1836, when he resigned, and John Crane was appointed, who continued in office to 1844. On the 27th of January, 1844, the Legislature passed a law declaring that the collectors of canal tolls should be entitled to receive such compensation as shall be allowed by the board of public works, not exceeding two-thirds of the amount now allowed. The salary of the collector of Hamilton was reduced to two hundred dollars per year.

The basin did a very useful work for many years, and it was a mistake to have done away with it so soon. Undoubtedly the canal, of which it was a branch, will some day, not far in the future, also be disused and filled up. But that time has not yet arrived, nor in our judgment had it arrived for the basin in 1877. There were many complaints of disease said to have originated from its exhalations, and it did comparatively little business. The business men, as a rule, opposed its removal, but the question was submitted to the people of the city, and they voted against retaining it.

An act was passed by the General Assembly, April 27, 1872, for cutting it off, which provided that the measure should be approved by two-thirds of the voters of the city; that the city council should procure the written consent of the lessees of the public works to the cutting off, and obtain a release from them of all claims for damages from the State; the city of Hamilton to be liable for all damages to property occasioned by the filling up. To ascertain what these damages might be, council was required to give thirty days' notice of its intention to cut off, and within thirty days afterwards persons claiming damages were required to present to council a written application clearly setting forth the ground on which damages were claimed, and the amount.

On the application of council, the judge of the Court of Common Pleas was to appoint three commissioners, who should have authority to examine witnesses under oath, to audit the claims for damages, and within one month after their appointment, make a report to council of the amount of damages, if any, awarded.

For Cutting Off. Yes. No

The lessees of the public works withholding their written consent to the proposed cutting off, Mr. Neal, at the next session of the Legislature, introduced a supplemental bill to remedy this defect.

About 9 o'clock Tuesday night, June 19, 1877, a force of a hundred men appeared at the neck of the basin with wheelbarrows, picks, shovels, etc., and proceeded to fill up the basin at that point. The men were divided into squads and thoroughly organized, as if they had prepared themselves for the work some time before. At the meeting of council, the night before, the matter of cutting -off the basin was laid over indefinitely. This was done in order to mislead those who were opposed to it. If any time for the filling had been fixed, the opposition would have been ready with injunctions to stop the work, and might probably have delayed it for months. As soon as filling up the neck was commenced, a report that the work was in progress spread like wild-fire throughout the city, and it was not many minutes before a crowd of two thousand people was collected on the basin banks. The men worked well, and a little after 12 o'clock the job was completed. _

It is said that some of the men opposed to the cutting off made an effort to procure an injunction, but the judges of both the Common Pleas and Probate Courts were out of town.

The citizens generally were pleased, and in a short time the excavation was filled up. The expectations of those who favored its removal have not been realized; fevers still exist in Hamilton, and the land is entirely waste.

Taylor Webster

Taylor Webster was born in Pennsylvania, and when a child immigrated, with his father and mother, to Butler County, Ohio, in 1806. He received a limited education in the schools of that early day, and for a time pursued his studies at the Miami University, when that institution was in its infancy.

Mr. Webster was identified with the press of Butler County for a long time. From about the year 1828 until the year 1836, he edited and published the Western Telegraph, which was the organ of the old Jackson Democracy. Subsequently the Telegraph was carried on by John B. Weller. During the first part of this period the Hamulton Intelligencer, the opposition paper, was edited by John Woods, and subsequently it was edited, printed, and published by Lewis D. Campbell. These four Hamilton editors all represented the district in Congress - Mr. Woods four years, Mr. Webster six years, Mr. Weller six years, and Mr. Campbell, the only survivor, eleven years.

In 1829 Mr. Webster was elected clerk of the House of Representatives of the Ohio Legislature. In 1830 he was the representative of Butler in the Ohio Legislature, and was elected speaker. In 1832, 1834, and 1836 ne was elected representative to Congress from the district composed of the counties of Butler, Preble and Darke. In 1838 he was succeeded by John B. Weller. Subsequently he was the successor of John Reily, deceased, as

During the administration of Jackson and Van Buren, when he was actively in the field of Ohio politics, he was not such a leader as were William Allen, John Brough, or John B. Weller. He was not an orator, but in a less ostentatious way he performed more telling service than either of them. Their great powers were displayed in haranguing the multitude and exciting their friends to action without, perhaps, making very many converts from the opposition. Mr. Webster's great strength lay in his indefatigable industry, and his principal strength was in what was called the button-hole and fence-corner system of electioneering. He had no superior in the Miami Valley in organizing political forces in detail during a campaign, and bringing them into action when a decisive battle was to be fought. He was naturally of a mild and unassuming disposition - calm, discreet, and considerate in action. He was always temperate, industrious, and persevering, and he discharged with honesty and fidelity the functions of the various official positions with which he was intrusted. He died on the 27th of April, 1876, at the residence of his son, in New Orleans.

Cyrus Falconer

Cyrus Falconer, physician and surgeon, was born January 21, 1810, in Washington County, Penn. His parents, Isaac and Nancy (Wilkins) Falconer, were natives of the same place. In 1812 the family removed to Ohio, passing down the Monongahela to Pittsburg, and thence on flat-boats down the Ohio to Cincinnati. Rossville (now West Hamilton) being their point of destination, they started for that place, crossing the Big Miami by ferry-boat where the iron bridge now spans it. The doctor's father rented a hotel opposite to where the Straub House now stands. The building was erected as early as 1806, and still remains a land-mark. Mr. Falconer conducted this hotel and the ferry till 1816, when he erected the frame building now occupied by W. C. Miller as a drug-store. It was known as the "Falconer House," and was conducted by Mr. Falconer until 1838. Besides his hotel business, he for several years carried on the cabinetmaker's trade, which he had learned while young, in company with Mr. Thomas Enyeart. He was among the first to build flat-boats on the Miami, and for many ss carried on an extensive trade down the Ohio and Mississippi. He made several trips to New Orleans, the last one being in 1827, with a load of furniture of his own manufacture. Mr. Falconer built one of the first saw-mills in Hamilton (Rossville), which he carried on for a short time. He also was engaged in farming, to some extent.. He was drafted, in 1814, for the second hostilities the conflict was over. He served for several years afterwards as captain of a military company. He died in 1840, aged sixty, while his widow survived him fourteen years, dying at the age of sixty-four. But one brother of Dr. Falconer's, John H. Falconer, ever grew to manhood. He was a tailor and hotel-keeper in Rossville for several years, and afterwards a farmer in IIlinois, where he died in 1866. His only sister was Mrs. Louise M. Deshler, widow of the late John G. Deshler, of Columbus, who was a very prominent and wealthy banker. Dr. Falconer received his primary education in the schools of Hamilton. At the age of fourteen he began studying Latin and the higher branches in a select school conducted by John L. Watkins. In 1826 he entered Miami University (then in its infancy), and was in the class with General Robert C. Schenck. He remained at this institution until the Fall of 1827. To add a little experience and knowledge of the world to his book learning, he accompanied his father on his last trip to New Orleans on a flat-boat down the Ohio and the Mississippi. It was on this romantic trip that he became instilled with abolition principles. He witnessed slavery in its worst form; and the cruelties and degradation seen by him made a lasting impression upon his mind. Upon his return in the following Spring he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. R. B. Millikin, father of Mr. Thomas Millikin, at present the oldest practicing lawyer of Hamilton. During 18380 and 1831, he took a course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati. In 1832 he was licensed to practice medicine by the Second Senatorial District Medical Society, and immediately opened an office in Hamilton. In the Fall of 1834 he entered into partnership with Dr. L. Rigdon, brother of Mr. Sidney Rigdon, made famous by his association with Joseph Smith, of Mormon notoriety. The Winter of 1837 was passed by the doctor in traveling through Texas on horseback, shortly after the capture of Santa Anna by Sam Houston, prospecting for a new location. A tour was also made through Mllinois and Iowa, when he returned to Hamilton, and in the Autumn of 1838 he entered the Cincinnati Medical College, from which he graduated in 1839. He now resumed his practice in Hamilton, opening an office on the grounds where his residence now stands. In 1846 he took as assistant Dr. L. J. Smith, and in 1850 received him as partner. In 1859 this relation was dissolved, and it was not until 1878 that another and last partnership was formed, when Dr. Lee Corbin became associated with him in practice for one year.

It is just half a century since Dr. Falconer entered upon the duties of his profession, which gives him the distinction of being the oldest practicing physician in the county, while but few in the State can lay claim to a professional career of equal length. No physician in Butler County is more widely or more favorably known than Dr, Faleoner, not only by his acknowledged skill as a physician and surgeon, but also as a man of prominence outside of his chosen profession. His early education was liberal, and from studious habits and a naturally inquiring disposition his mind is replete with a store of knowledge that constitutes him one of Hamilton's most cultured citizens. He is a ready writer, which from time to time has enabled him to furnish scientific and medical journals with able articles. His first contribution was a report on cholera in Butler County, published in 1834 in Dr. Drake's Western Medical Journal. Another article which attracted considerable notice was furnished the same journal some years afterwards, describing a Caesarean operation performed by him.

Doctor Falconer has been a prominent member of the Ohio State Medical Association ever since 1845, shortly after its inception, and is one of a few of its oldest members now living. He has been its vice-president repeatedly, and in 1881 was nominated for president, but was defeated by a small vote. He has also been a member of the American Medical Association since 1859, and was a delegate to the first international medical congress, which was held in Philadelphia in 1876. The medical profession in Butler and surrounding counties owe much to Doctor Falconer for his efforts in their behalf. He was the active founder of the Butler County Medical Society, established in 1837, and served as its president for many years. He has also been president of the District Medical Society, composed of the physicians of Butler and Preble Counties, Ohio, and Union, Rush, Wayne, and Fayette Counties, Indiana. Doctor Falconer for many years has had a very large practice, and every thing intended for the advancement of medical science in the surrounding country has had his hearty support and the benefits of his long and successful experience. Upon the first draft of soldiers in 1861 he For the past three years Doctor Falconer has been carrying on a farm in Hanover Township in connection with his other duties. During R. B. Hayes's first term as goyernor of the State, Doctor Falconer was, by his appointment, trustee of the State Agricultural College, and was also appointed by Governor Noyes.

Ever since the inception of the Republican party Doetor Falconer has been an enthusiastic supporter of its principles, although his first vote was cast for a Democratic candidate, General Jackson, in 1832. Between that date, however, and the birth of the Republican party his affiliations were with the Whigs. He figured conspicuously in politics in those days and was sent as delegate to the Whig National Convention, at Harrisburg, in 1839, which nominated General Harrison for President, and took an active part in the campaign following.

The doctor has been one of the leading members of the Presbyterian Church of Hamilton for a great many years, having been associated with that Church since 1845, and for the past thirty-two years one of its elders.

He was early identified with the educational interests of Hamilton, and was one of the organizers of the union school system in this place in 1851. He was one of three of the first board of school examiners, in which capacity he served for nine years.

Doctor Falconer married his first wife, Miss Mary, daughter of the Hon. John Woods, October 8, 1839, who died September 18, 1870. Eight children were born of this union. The oldest, John W., born September 30, 1840, was killed at Appomattox Court-house, April raised by General Lee asking a cessation of hostilities from General Grant. He was captain of a company of United States colored troops, and was leading the skirmish line which checked the last effort of the rebels to escape, when he received a mortal wound. The second son, Jerome, born March, 1844, was also shot at Stone River, in August, 1863. He died at his home, in Hamilton, seven months afterwards. .William B. was born May 14, 1847. Louise, wife of General Eugene Powell, of Delaware, Ohio, was born February 15, 1852. Helen, wife of Captain O'Brien, of the Seventeenth Regiment in the regular army, serving at Fort Yates, Dakota, was born December 9, 1853. Cyrus, Jr., was born March 5, 1856. Scott, born May 12, 1858, died, aged two years, and Mary was born May 22, 1863.

The date of his second marriage was February 1, 1872, to Miss Margaret McKee, of Columbus, who died September 15, 1878. He married his present wife, Miss Ella Crawford, of Hamilton, May 20,1880. Of the last union one child, a son, was born, February 16, 1882.

Doctor Falconer, although of advanced age, is firm and elastic in step, vigorous in movement, and displays the same activity and quickness he did thirty years ago. His face is very marked in its outline, and his head is crowned with an abundant growth of white hair.

He has been concerned in nearly every public measure which affects the interests of Hamilton, and has been distinguished in his action by originality of views. He is but little affected by the ideas of others, and pursues his course regardless of popular clamor. Often he has been the most unpopular man in town, but time has generally shown the correctness of his opinions. He never shrinks from maintaining what he believes to be true; neither does he mince words in branding a falsehood.

For the last fifty years he has taken a decided stand in every thing that can affect mankind in this neigh borhood. He was an ardent Whig and is now an ardent Republican ; he is unremitting in his attendance on the ordinances of religion; he is an active Sunday-school teacher; he has on occasions delivered addresses on patriotic and professional subjects; in committee work he has done a great deal; he has exposed wrong and fraud wherever he has met them, whether intended to defraud the taxpayers of Hamilton or of the country. . He attends every public meeting at which it is desirable that good citizens should turn out, and he has not been backward in putting his hand into his pocket when desired to do so for the good of the community. For many years he has been regarded as among the first three or four citizens

Political Campaign Of 1840

During the year 1840, the contest between William Henry Harrison and Martin Van Buren, for the presidential chair, agitated the whole community from one end of the country to the other. Political conventions, mass meetings, Democratic Van Buren clubs, and Harrison Tippecanoe clubs occupied great part of the time and attention of numbers of the people.

On Monday, the 24th of August, 1840, a large meeting of the Van Buren Democrats took place at Hamilton, at which Colonel Richard M. Johnson, of Kentucky, Senator Allen, of Chillicothe, and Wilson Shannon, then governor of Ohio, were present. The number of persons assembled was about three thousand.

About 10 o'clock Colonel Johnson addressed the crowd from the front door of the court-house, but the situation proving - unfavorable, he was heard but by few. At the close of his speech the company adjourned to the sycamore grove south of the town, where Governor Shannon made a speech, near two hours long; Senator Allen then claimed the attention of the audience for an hour or two longer, which occupied the time until 4 o'clock, when the assembly was dismissed and the auditors went to their respective homes.

On the 5th of October, 1840, a very large mass meeting of both political parties was held at Hamilton, agreetble to arrangements which had previously been made, of which notice had been given by hand-bills, circulated far and wide. The number of persons in attendance were variously estimated by the different parties, some estimating the number of each party as high as fifteen or twenty thousand.

Karly on the morning of the fifth, flags and banners were seen floating in the breeze, from the top of almost every house in the town, as a signal that the house was open for the free accommodation of all strangers who might call. The day was fair as heart could wish, and early in the morning were seen coming in, by every road and avenue, from every part of the country, as well as from the adjoining counties, and some from the State of Indiana, numerous long processions; their banners waving in the wind, with the emblems of their different trades and professions borne aloft, until every house, street,

By a mutual arrangement previously made between the parties, the Democrats occupied Front Street, and the part of the town lying west of that street. The Whigs occupied Second Street and that portion of the town on the east. At 10 o'clock the different parties formed their processions, and proceeded to march around that part of the town allotted to them.

The Democrats formed on Front Street, extending its whole length. The procession was composed of persons on horseback, in carriages, and every other description of vehicle the country could produce, moving down that street, and passing up Water Street, on the bank of the river, with their bands of music, flags, and banners.

The Whigs formed their procession on Second Street, which consisted of a great number of ladies as well as gentlemen, some on horseback, some in carriages, some in wagons, and in almost every species of vehicle that could be imagined. The procession continued to move down Second Street, passing up Third Street, and so round alternately. When the rear of the procession was at the head of Second Street, the front was half-way up Third Street. Notwithstanding the great numbers in the procession, every street and avenue of the town was filled with persons on foot, who did not fall into the procession. Hundreds of flags and banners bearing appropriate and strange devices and mottoes were borne aloft by the different companies forming the procession. Carriages and wagons carrying almost every implement of mechanical trades were in the procession. Here was a blacksmith shop mounted on wheels, with its forge and bellows in full blast, the smith and striker busily engaged in making horseshoes. On another wagon were seated half a dozen shoemakers steadily employed at their work. A pair of shoes were actually made and finished during the procession, and in the evening presented to Robert C. Schenck, one of the orators on the occasion, with an intimation that they were designed to be used in his race at the ensuing election.

On another wagon were seated several ladies, each with an old-fashioned wheel, busily engaged in spinning flax, and immediately following on a similar wagon was a weaver with his loom and quill fillers, converting the yarn into cloth.

Anon, comes a great canoe, mounted on wheels, in which were seated about thirty persons. The canoe was tastefully painted, and on each side were inscribed in large letters appropriate mottoes.

Then comes a vehicle, on which are seated twenty-six little girls, from eight to ten years of age, all dressed in white, each bearing a flag representing one of the United States; their sweet voices ringing out in merry peals, and singing popular songs, appropriate to the occasion.

Half a dozen excellent bands were: in the procession, enlivening the scene by their melodious strains. Many grotesque and strange scenes intermingled in the procession. Log cabins and canoes, on wheels, were frequently seen passing in the crowd. On one wagon was a buckeye tree erect, with a live raccoon on its branches, and a living deer standing at its root. Some boys bore a living raccoon white as the driven snow.

The processions continued moving in succession along the streets, with their music and banners, until. near noon, when they adjourned for dinner. A bountiful repast had been furnished for all. Farmers throughout the country had liberally contributed their best and fattest beasts; sheep, hogs, calves and poultry, hams and bacon, to which was added bread and butter of the best quality, not forgetting a number of barrels of cider furnished by the Whigs. All the warehouses around the basin were cleared out and thrown open, in which tables were set and abundantly supplied, which were appropriated for the Whigs. The Democratic party had their collation in the sycamore grove, in the south part of the town.

Abundance of provisions and to spare were supplied for the whole mass, which, taking both parties together, must have numbered at least eight or ten thousand.

After taking their repast the procession was again formed, and moved to the speaking ground. The Whigs had a stand erected east of the town from which General Metcalf, W. Southgate, and R. Wickliffe, Jr., of Kentucky, Thomas Corwin, of Lebanon, and Bellamy Storer, of Cincinnati, successively addressed the multitudes, and in the evening again there was speaking by Robert C. Schenck, S. F. Cary, and others. The Democrats had their speaking in the sycamore grove in the afternoon, and in the market-house at night. They were addressed by John Brough, auditor of state, afterwards governor. At night the -town was beautifully illuminated, Stands were erected at the intersection of streets, from which orators were haranguing the people. Private parlors and rooms were crowded with ladies and gentlemen, singing songs and enjoying themselves until a late hour. Notwithstanding the vast assemblage, and the proximity of the two political parties, every thing passed off most harmoniously, and without any disorder or altercation. It was observed that not a single person was seen intoxicated on the occasion.

Levi Richmond

General Levi Richmond was born on the twenty-ninth day of January, 1805, in Ross Township in this county, and was, at the time of his death, in the forty-fifth year of his age. He was married on the fourth day of December, 1823, by the Rev. John A. Baughman, to Martha Powers Akers, a most estimable lady, and had by her six children.

The greatest portion of his life was spent in the immediate vicinity of the spot where the light first fell upon him. From April, 1835, until in October, 1841, he resided in the town of Millville, when he removed to Rossville, where he continued to reside up to the time of his death.

He received from his parents what, in the days of his youth, was considered a liberal education. Although but limited in comparison with the instruction now to be obtained, it was yet sufficient for one of such close observation and thirst for information to enable him by a very extensive general reading to qualify him for all the useful and practical pursuits of life.

Coming upon the theater of action when recollection of the glorious achievements of our heroic army of the war of 1812 was fresh in the memories of all true-hearted Americans, and accustomed to hear the war-worn veterans recount their deeds of personal valor, his spirit became fired with enthusiasm, and he longed for the opportunity of offering his services to his country. Devoting a great amount of time to the study of military affairs, and being attached to the eighth company of the second regiment in the third brigade of the first division of the Ohio militia, he was, on the fifteenth day of June, 1830, commissioned a lieutenant in hiscompany. On the tenth day of January, 1832, he was promoted to the rank of captain. Shortly afterwards he was raised to the rank of major of the regiment, and afterwards he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and then colonel of the second regiment, and finally was elected and commissioned a brigadier-general of the first division.

A long period of peace having blessed our flag no opportunity was afforded him to display what all military men acquainted with him agreed that he possessed in a most eminent degree - military skill.

When the war with Mexico broke out, being pretty well advanced in years, and having a large family to claim his support and protection, he was induced to abandon his wish to accompany our army in that country, but his voice was heard urging the young men to rally around the flag.

The great aim of his life appeared to be to render himself a useful member of society. Ardent and liberal in all his sentiments, he was a firm and unwavering friend of the people's rights. Having attached himself to the Democratic party early in life, he never lost sight of the party's interest; and the ardor and enthusiasm which characterized him in political affairs rendered him one of the strongest pillars which supported that political creed.

For seven successive years he served as township clerk of his native township, and was twice elected justice of the peace of St. Clair Township. In the year 1843 he was appointed postmaster of Rossville, which office he held until a Whig administration came into power, when he was removed on political considerations,

The Old Post-Office

The 'old post-office," at the corner of Second and High Streets, was pulled down in April, 1853. It was a strongly framed, one-storied frame building, painted a Spanish brown color. From the prominent position it

The building was framed at Black Bottom, four miles below town, by ''old Captain Sam Johnson," father of "Squire Johnson. It was not weatherboarded, however, and after standing a time, it was removed and put up in its location in Hamilton, on ground leased from Mr, Reily, in 1815. It was first oceupied by Joseph Hough and Dr. Samuel Millikin as a store. They kept drygoods, groceries, drugs, iron, queen's-ware, hardware, and all the articles incident to the wants of a new country. Mr. Hough, on the dissolution of his partnership, which subsisted for several years, continued the business till 1825, when Mr. James B. Thomas took the store. Mr. Thomas occupied it till 1849 - twenty-four years.

Mr. Thomas kept the post-office there from the date of his appointment, July 23, 1832, till his resignation, in 1849. It was the scene of many a lively discussion and many a jovial bout. Here congregated the wit and wisdom of the village, and here originated many a practical joke, which set the community in a roar.

John W. Sohn

John William Sohn, long a resident of this city, is a native of Windsheim, formerly a free city of Germany, but now a part of Bavaria, where he was born on the 23d of May, 1815. Windsheim was one of the numerous cities which formerly composed the Hanseatic league, retaining its independence until the conclusion of the wars of Napoleon, when it was annexed to Bavaria, being confirmed to that state by the treaty of Vienna. It has a beautiful location, being surrounded by vine-clad hills; the town itself is defended by strong stone walls, and its appearance is at once antique and beautiful. Its attractions are still further enhanced by a promenade on the top of the walls, which gives a fine view of the distant hills. Mr. Sohn's parents were Wilhelm Ludwig Sohn and Catherine Dachner. Without being possessed of wealth, they were able to give their children good educations. There was an excellent Latin school and gymnasium in Windsheim, and until the lad was seventeen years of age he steadily attended them, making good progress. His father, whose trade was that of a brewer, lived in the city, and also carried on a vineyard, and with him the son began learning the mystery of the vine - how ito plant, prune, and cultivate it, and finally to express its Juice and change it to wine. At seventeen he became an apprentice to his father as a cooper and brewer, and served two years diligently at his trade, but when nineteen concluded to remove to America, At the time Charles X was dethroned in France, and was succeeded by Louis Phillippe, the revolutionary ideas then inculcated had an extensive currency in Ger cieties were formed in the coll and the doctrines of the ry studied. The events of this period made a strong impression upon Mr. Sohn, and much was then to be heard of America. Many of the German soldiers who fought under the British ensign in the Revolutionary War had settled not far from where he was born, and many old men still lingered who recounted their exploits in America, and told how fertile its land was, and more recent travelers had made known the ease with which a livelihood could here be obtained. From Alsace and Lorraine an emigration had sprung up immediately after the pacification of Europe, in 1815, and those who came over sent letters back to their friends more than confirming the stories they had previously heard. Mr. Sohn determined to cast in his lot with us, and embarked for our shores, at Bremen, in 1834, landing at Baltimore. He came west on foot, with an occasional ride on a canalboat. In Hamilton, which he reached in November, 1834, he finally found employment at chopping wood at twenty-five cents a cord. After a little he went, to work in a brewery, and then in a pork-house, and after nearly a year went to Cincinnati, working as a brewer, remaining there three years. Returning to. Hamilton in June, 1839, he bought a small brewery with the savings of his previous labor. The business gradually extended, and his sales became larger, until in 1846 he embarked also in tanning. This enterprise assumed extensive proportions, and he now has two large tanneries, one in Hamilton and one in Pike County. As a convenience to those who dealt with him, he also opened a leather findings store. His brewery does a large business, and he is also extensively engaged in the manufacture of malt for other brewers. He has the largest vineyard in Butler County, and has had great success in the growing of native wines. To these he adds the packing of pork, 'in which he does the largest business in the county, and is interested with two of his sons-in-law in the manufacture of the Universal Wood-working Machine, which is the invention of the young men, and is of very decided utility in the manufacture of scroll and other kinds of wood-sawing and dressing. He is also a farmer, having a great deal of land that he owns, and has cultivated under his own instruction. He is a director of the First National Bank, and for fifteen years was president of the Hamilton Insurance Company.

In 1840 he was married to Miss Catherine Rosenfeld, a native of Saxony, and daughter of the Rev. Charles Ernst Rosenfeld, pastor of the German Lutheran and Reformed Church of Hamilton. Mr. Rosenfeld was born in 1779, at Koenigsberg, and came to this country in 1836, first settling in Chillicothe. In 1858 he came to Hamilton. His wife, Anna Barbara Schmidt, was born in 1801, at Koenigsberg, and died in Fichelsdorf, in Saxony, in 1834, before he came here. He possessed an excellent education, and loved to impart knowledge. Shortly after arriving in this county he opened up a school for Germans, which was the first ever held here

An excellent musician, he taught both the piano and organ, and gave instruction to the members of a brass band organized soon after his arrival. It was difficult at that time to get music especially arranged for brass instruments. Mr. Rosenfeld took the piano score, arranged the. various parts for each performer, wrote them out with his own hand, and taught each man how to use his own instrument. He understood the method of performing on every instrument of modern date, and on some reached a high degree of excellence. Among his treasures was a violin presented to him by Carl Maria von Weber, the author of '' Der Freyschutz," when they were both young and were intimate companions.

This instrument is now preserved with religious care by his daughter, Mrs. Sohn. Mr. Rosenfeld was also a musical author. He furnished the melodies to many popular airs, and in some cases wrote both the words and the music. He had a prodigious bass voice, and none who ever heard him sing

His acquirements were not limited to He was the first gardener of his day in this neighborhood. All plants and vegetables were understood by him, and he knew the art of coaxing the reluctant earth to yield up its fruits. His example was highly beneficial to his countrymen, and, indeed, to all the dwellers in this neighborhood who kept a garden. His kindness to those weaker and less informed than himself was great. He wrote letters to Germany for his flock, carried on legal correspondence, acted as trustee and guardian, and decided disputes, all without fee or reward. He received no compensation for teaching the brass band, nor would he accept any thing for the favors he bestowed upon those around him. He died in 1855. He had six children, Ernst Ludwig, Philipp Albrecht, Katharina Barbara, Johann Christian, Carolina Barbara, and Catharina, all of whom have died, excepting the two last named.

Mr. and Mrs. Sohn have had nine children, three sons and six daughters, all of whom, save two named hereafter, are living. Caroline, the eldest, is married to Captain William C. Margedant, of the firm of Bentel, Margedant & Co., manufacturers of the Universal Wood-worker mentioned above. The house does a large business. Wilhelmina, the second child, is the wife of Frederick Bentel, of the same firm. Augusta, the third, was the wife of William F. Doepke, a prominent dry goods merchant of Cincinnati, but died in February, 1881. William G. P. Sohn, the fourth child, is the husband of Charlotte Slarb, and is now living in Hamilton. He is a successful tanner. Charles E. is the fifth, and Christian Sohn is the sixth. He has received a collegiate education in Germany, and is now living in California. Adelheid died in 1879. Leonora and Alma are living with their parents in Hamilton.

Mr*Sohn is a Republican, and has been a leader of During the war he vigorously advocated its prosecution. His first vote was cast for Martin Van Buren, and he adhered to the Democratic party till the war. Since then he has been a staunch supporter of the unity of the nation. His first political office was that of member of the city council. He was a member of the school board that introduced the union school system in Hamilton, and supported the measure with all his ability. In the two bodies last mentioned he has frequently been a member. In 1849 he was elected county commissioner, and held the office for three years. In 1872, in common with many other Republicans, he became dissatisfied with the conduct of affairs by General Grant and his friends, and he saw the imperative need there was for a change. The supporters of Horace Greeley nominated Mr. Sohn for the position of member of Congress, and that nomination was indorsed by the Democracy, although he had for many years been opposed to them. Unfortunately, he was defeated. Since his arrival here he has been the leading German citizen of the town. Few public enterprises have been begun in which he has not taken part, and of nearly all those in which the Germans are concerned he has been the originator. He was instrumental in organizing the first benevolent society of his countrymen in Cincinnati, in 1836, which is still in existence. The first German singing society which was organized in Cincinnati was begun by him. It served for many years as the choir of St. John's Church, and helped much to promote the acquaintance of members with each other. He was its first president. For many years he has been president of the United German Society, which has done much to

Mr. Sohn is still busily experimenting in matters tending to promote the prosperity of the human race. For the last five years he has been testing the effects of sowing grain in heaped up ridges, answering the same purpose that hilling corn does. It increases the production, renders cultivation more easy, and checks the injuries both of drought and-flood. In addition to the thing itself, he has discovered the way to do it. A machine invented by him drops the grain and makes the furrow and ridge at the same operation. He truly deserves the credit to be given to him " who makes two t i seed is planted In raised up ridges of mellow earth. Under the ordinary plan the seed is planted near the hard pan, and low down. In wet weather the water accumulates and soaks upon it, and in dry w place soonest dry and most liable to drought. Under the new and improved by Mr. Sohn the plant germinates in soft ry ous and allows the greater portion of the rain to be drained immediately off, while its cellular condition, like that of a sponge, retains a very considerable portion of moisture, even in the dryest season. 'The sun and air strike the soil, and as the greatest portion of plant food is derived from the atmosphere, progress can not fail to be rapid. Experiments tried on farms in this neighborhood prove that increased crops are gained, varying in corn from five to twenty-five bushels per acre, and in proportion in wheat, barley, and other grains.

The Liberty Party

At a meeting of the Liberty men of Butler County, on the 20th of September, 1847, Doctor W. H. Scobey was placed in the chair and John Thomas appointed secretary. It was resolved that they regarded the Missouri Compromise as a wicked sacrifice of principle, and. that they looked on the proposition of Secretary Buchanan to extend that compromise as a base treachery of the principles of liberty, and the man as a fit tool for the aristocracy of the South.

Subserviency to the slave-holding aristocracy of the South ruled, they declared, even in the legislative bodies of the free States, and they desired to vote for men who would stand firm to truth in a time of need.

Pursuant to previous notice, a large meeting of the Germans of the towns of Hamilton and Rossville, together with many English-speaking citizens, was held at the court-house on Friday evening, April 14, 1848, for the purpose of expressing their sympathy for the gallant French who had just cast off the yoke of despotism and proclaimed republicanism in France. The meeting was organized by electing John W. Sohn president; William Beckett, vice-president; John Baughman and Franklin Stokes, secretaries.

A committee of six was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting in regard to the movements then making throughout Europe to establish free governments, consisting of the following gentlemen:

Doctor Fisher addressed the meeting in the German language, and his remarks were received with applause by the German portion of the audience.

Mr.-Hipp, from the German portion of the committee, reported a series of resolutions, which were adopted with enthusiasm, and Mr. Howells reported a set of resolutions which were unanimously adopted. :

A committee of four was appointed to communicate these proceedings to our minister in France, Mr. Rush. The following gentlemen were appointed the committee: Doctor A. Fisher, John W. Sohn, John B. Weller, and W. C. Howells.

The president of the meeting was authorized to appoint a committee to raise funds to aid the movements in progress in Germany towards the establishment of a republican government. *

The Germans of Hamilton and Rossville also held a meeting at the court-house on the 30th of April, 1847, at early candle-light, to adopt measures for the relief of the suffering and destitute Germans and the families of the political prisoners of that country. Dr. Ciolina, a gentleman who had, according to his own account, been for many years a physician to crowned heads in Europe, addressed the meeting.

The proprietors of the omnibus which had in 1848 lately been established between Hamilton and Cincinnati had extended the line on to Eaton. They had put a large and commodious vehicle on the road between this place and Eaton, and took passengers through from that point to Cincinnati without any night travel. No railroads were yet in existence. Terms of fare from Eaton south per omnibus to Camden, 25 cents; Somerville, 374 cents; Hamilton, 75 cents; from Hamilton to Cincinnati, 50 cents, making the fare through to Cincinnati $1.25.

The Junto of Enquiry, at its regular meeting in the school-house in Rossville, on Thursday evening, January 3, 1850, discussed the propriety of abolishing the credit system in all business transactions. Henry Traber was the secretary.

It was some years after the beginning of telegraphing before any attempt was made to connect Hamilton with the outside world. Henry O'Reilly, still living in great old age in the city of New York, was the principal man in the combination that first reached this place. Work was begun in 1849, and the line from this place to Cincinnati was to be completed by the 20th, or at farthest the 25th of December. Messrs. Kent & Co. informed the editors of the Telegraph that the posts would all be laid down in three or four days after November 29th, by which time they would have an effective force at work setting them. The route was by Springfield, Carthage, and Mount Auburn. Operations had begun also on the Cincinnati and St. Louis line, west of Hamilton, in the neighborhood of Darrtown. The line went by Oxford, Connersville, Indianapolis, Terre Haute, etc. The business would pass over the Hamilton line to, Cincinnati, thus greatly enhancing the value of the stock. Two thousand miles of telegraph lines were now in actual Operation in Ohio. Of these 1,400 belonged to what was called the Morse, and 600 to the O'Reilly lines.

card in the papers, in which he said their company had' already in operation from the lakes to Dayton (connecting with the National Road and Wabash and Miami Valley towns) a line now extended through Germantown, Middletown, and Hamilton, to Cincinnati, which would be completed in a few weeks. '' An office has been secured at Middletown by the requisite subscription of stock, and undoubtedly will be at Germantown. At Hamilton an office will also be opened, giving direct communication with every point upon this extensive line, and connecting at all its terminations with O'Reilly lines to any part of the Union. The line now constructing by Messrs. Kent & Co., from Hamilton to Cincinnati, is in violation of Morse's contract with O'Reilly, and will be regarded and treated as such by Mr. O'Reilly. It will be opposed in every legitimate way. The citizens of Hamilton are respectfully invited to consider the matter, and to subscribe to the stock of the O'Reilly 'Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois' line, which will furnish them superior telegraphic advantages, and be a safe investment.

In an issue soon after, the Telegraph said the office of Kent & Co.'s telegraph was to be in the Odd Fellows' building of Rossville. The office of O'Reilly's line would be in Campbell's Row, Hamilton. James Blair had received the appointment of agent, and would have the management of the office of O'Reilly's line.

On the 31st of January, 1850, the Morse telegraph line was in full operation, the laying on of the wire having been completed, a couple of days before. The office was in Campbell's building, and Mr. J. L. Wilkins was ready to send and receive messages.

R. E. Duffield informed his friends and the publie generally, says a paper of 1845, that he had removed to his new shop and wareroom on Pearl Street, adjoining the office of the Hamilton Intelligencer, where he intended to carry on the cabinet-making business in all its different branches. A variety of finished work was constantly on hand and for sale at the most reasonable prices, and work would be made to order at the shortest possible notice. He was prepared to serve on funeral occasions with hearse, ete., at his former prices.

Henry Traber had just opened an entire new stock of dry-goods, hardware, queen's-ware, etc., fresh from the Eastern cities, which he offered very low for cash, on the 29th of April, 1847. All kinds of produce would be taken in exchange for goods. Store one door below Smith's drug store, north side of Main Street, Rossville.