Hanover Township (part 22 of 29)

- "After the receipt of our goods at Hamilton, our difficulties were by no means all overcome. In order to sell them we were compelled not only to do the ordinary duties of merchants and to incur its ordinary responsibilities and risks, but had to become the produce merchants of the country. We were compelled to take the farmers' produce, and send or take it to New Orleans, the-only market we could reach. It was necessary for the merchant to buy pork and to pack it, to buy wheat, have barrels made, and contract for the manufacture of wheat into flour, and then to build flat-bottomed boats, and with great expense and risk of property commit the whole to the dangers of the navigation of the Miami, Ohio, and Mississippi rivers. The difficulties of the trip were not overcome when we had safely arrived in New Orleans. In returning home we had either to travel eleven hundred miles by land, five hundred of which was through the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Cherokee nations of Indians, or else go by sea either to Philadelphia or Baltimore, and thence home by land. I have descended the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans, before steamboat navigation could be relied on to bring one to Louisville, fourteen times. Thirteen trips were made on flat-boats and one on a barge. I traveled home by land eight times, and we were usually about thirty days in making the trip. The first two trips I made by land; there were neither ferries nor bridges over any water-course from the Bayou Pierre, at Port Gibson, in the Mississippi Territory, to George Colbert's ferry over the Tennessee River. When we came in our route to a water-course which would swim our horses, we would throw our saddle-bags and provisions over our shoulders, and swim our horses over. We were compelled to camp without tents, regardless of rain or any other unfavorable weather, and to pack provisions sufficient to last us through the Indian nations. Notwithstanding the difficulties and dangers of these trips, our spirits never flagged. The excitement incident to the trips sustained us, and we were always ready to enjoy a hearty laugh whenever the occasion provoked it.

"The first time I descended the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, I left Cincinnati in December, 1808, with five flat-boats, all loaded with produce. At that time there were but few settlers on the Ohio River below the present city of Louisville. The cabins were few and far between, and there were only two small villages between Louisville and the mouth of the Ohio. One was Henderson, known then by the name of Red Banks; the other was Shawneetown. The latter was a village of a few cabins, and was used as a landing-place for the saltworks on the Saline River, back of the village. The banks of the Mississippi, from the mouth of the Ohio to Natchez, were still more sparsely settled. New Madrid, a very small village, was the first settlement below the mouth of the Ohio. There were a few cabins at Little Prairie, a cabin opposite to where Memphis now is, and on the lower end of the bluff on which that city is built there was a,stockade fort, called Fort Pickering, garrisoned by a company of rangers. Cabins were to be seen at the mouth of White River, at Point Chico, and at Walnut Hills, two miles above where the city of Vicksburg now is. From this place to Natchez there were cabins at distances from ten to twenty miles apart. The whole country bordering on the Mississippi, from the mouth of the Ohio to Natchez, might be regarded as an almost unbroken wilderness. The Indians-seldom visited the banks, except at a few points where the river approached the high lands.

"The bands of robbers who had infested the lower part of the Ohio and the Mississippi rivers had not been entirely dispersed, and were yet much dreaded by the merchant navigators of those rivers, so that the men on the boats were well armed, and during the night, when lying at the shore in the wilderness country, a sentinel was kept on deck to prevent surprise."

Mr. Hough descended these rivers shortly after the earthquake which so violently convulsed a great portion of the Mississippi Valley, in the Winter of 1811-12. Many boatmen who had lost, or in their fright abandoned, their boats, were returning home in despair, giving frightful accounts of the dangers they had encountered. Mr. Hough, however, persevered in his trip. On entering the Mississippi and approaching New Madrid, the effects of the earthquake became apparent. On the west side of the river, for a long distance, the cottonwood and willows that lined the shore were bent or prostrated up-stream, showing that the current had rushed violently in that direction, contrary to its natural course. The town of New Madrid suffered severely. At Little Prairie, about thirty miles below New Madrid, where had been a small settlement, a large portion of the bank had sunk into the river, including the burying-ground. Not a house was left standing, and the inhabitants had all fled. The surface of the ground was fractured in many places, leaving deep and wide chasms. In other places circular holes, or depressions, resembling sink-holes, remained, from which had issued water and sand, the sand forming an elevation round the margin of the holes. Where these had occurred under large trees they were often riven and split up for ten or twenty feet, and so remained standing. Other trees in the forest were shivered and broken off as by the effects of a great tornado. Large masses of the banks, sometimes. many acres in extent, had sunk so as to leave only the tops of the high trees above the surface of the water. Occasionally shocks were still felt, preceded by a rumbling sound like distant thunder, agitating and convulsing the shores and waters of the river, and jarring the boats as though they had grounded on the bottom. An island below Little Prairie had totally disappeared. In some places the bottom of the river had been elevated, and numerous boats were wrecked on the snags and old trees brought near the surface. So numerous were they in some places that they presented the appearance of an overflowed field covered with old deadened timber. On several occasions the boats had to be tied up while Mr. Hough went forward with a skiff to explore for a passage. The earthquake was also felt in Butler County.

'"'T was at New Orleans, in the Spring of 1816, when Captain Henry Shreve, of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, was at the wharf of that city with the steamboat Washington, » new boat of one hundred and fifty tons burden. She was preparing for her trip to Louisville. The price asked for a cabin passage was one hundred and fifty dollars, and for freight five dollars per hundred pounds. I regarded the charge most exorbitant, and, in preference, bought a horse, and went home by land. Captain Shreve made his trip at that time in twenty-five days, and on his arrival at Louisville the citizens gave him a public dinner for having made the trip in so short a time. In a few remarks he made on the occasion, he told them he believed that the time would come when the trip would be made in fifteen days. He was regarded as being insane on the subject; the event was regarded as impossible.

"Those engaged in steamboat navigation of the great rivers at the present day know but little, if any thing, of the difficulties that were encountered by Captain Shreve and other pioneers in steamboat navigation. Wood could not be obtained as now; no wood-yards had been established. The officers were often compelled to take their crews into the woods, and cut and haul a sufficient quantity to last the usual time of running. The wood thus obtained was necessarily green, and but little suited for making steam. The officers had every thing to learn in relation to their business. Engineers had no science, and but little experience in operating an engine. Pilots were generally flat-boatmen, who knew the channels of the river imperfectly and nothing about the management of a steamboat. In fact, Captain Shreve labored under so many difficulties that it was not to be wondered at that he should have occupied twenty-five days in making the trip.

'My first trip on a steamboat from New Orleans was made in the Spring of 1819, with Captain Israel Gregg (the person to whom I bound myself as an apprentice), on board the steamboat General Clark. We were nineteen days in making the trip, and perfectly satisfied with the result."

In March, 1815, Mr. Hough made a partnership with Samuel Millikin, and afterwards with Lewis West, and continued in the Orleans trade until 1825, when he removed to Vicksburg, where he conducted a store until 1828. His landed property in Hamilton was not disposed of, and he used to come up to this place in the Spring of the year, returning in the Fall. He owned a valuable farm in the southern part of the county, where, for many years, he raised choice fruit. In 1853 he was attacked with typhoid fever in Vicksburg, which ended his life on the 23d of April, being then seventy years old. His remains were brought to Hamilton by his sonin-law, Major John M. Millikin, and were interred in Greenwood Cemetery, on the 3d of May, 1853.

Mr. Hough had but one child, Mary Greenlee Hough, now the wife of Major Millikin. She was the daughter of Jane Hunter, whose father was Joseph Hunter, a well-known farmer in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Hough were married on the 27th of December, 1810, the wife dying in 1840. She was an excellent Christian woman, and was highly respected and loved.

The character of Mr. Hough was eminently practical. He saw instantly what was to be done, and the way to do it. He was not deterred by obstacles, and he was so methodical and punctual that the failure of any enterprise, if it depended upon these qualities, was impossible. He was kind-hearted and generous in his intercourse with the poor, and he did not turn aside from those who were unfortunate, when ill-luck was not the consequence of negligence or bad faith. He was affectionate and kind in his family, and his loss was deeply felt by those who knew him best. P

Fergus Anderson

Fergus Anderson died early in April, 1880, at his residence in Venice, from general debility, aged eightythree years. His death had been expected for some time, as -he had gradually become very weak. The life of Fergus Anderson stands out prominently in Butler County history. His period of greatest activity in political affairs extended from 1828 to 1840. These times are beyond the recollection of men now approaching middle life, but are not forgotten by hundreds of our older citizens, who are more identified with the past than the present.

- Fergus Anderson came of good stock. His father was Isaac Anderson, mentioned elsewhere in this book. Fergus was the second oldest son, and was born in Cincinnati June 14, 1797. He was married to Miss Mary Dick, daughter of Samuel Dick, an old associate pioneer of Isaac Anderson, June 28, 1821. Fergus was brought up to the business of farming, and after he was married settled on a farm on Indian Creek, near the residence of his father. In 1828 he was sent to the Legislature. He served two years, and was then elected to the senate, where he stayed the same length of time. In 1835 he was chosen a justice of the peace in Ross Township, in which office he served until he was elected associate judge of Butler County by the Legislature. This office he retained seven years. For many years he was also president of the board of trustees of Miami University, and a member of the county agricultural board. In all these varied capacities he served the public faithfully and well.

In middle life Mr. Anderson was a wealthy man, but he gave much money to his married sons, and two of them dying, many thousands of dollars went out of the home estate, and he finally found himself in embarrassed circumstances - principally through these means.

In disposition his principal characteristics were his kindness of heart and gentleness. Enemies he had none, while his friends, especially among the older generation now living, could be numbered by hundreds.

James Mcbride

James McBride, the historian, was of Scotch descent. His grandfathers, on both the paternal and maternal side, were born in North Britain, not long after the incorporation of Scotland with England, and emigrated to Pennsylvania about the time of the French and Indian war. His father was also James McBride. While still a young man he went to Kentucky, then the scene of perpetual Indian warfare, and fell a victim to the attacks of the red men. There was a trace leading from the mouth of the Licking to the site of the present city of Lexington, and while on this path he was cut off by the Indians in 1789, on the Dry Ridge. His wife, whose maiden name was McRoberts, had been left at home, while he was out on the frontier, and there she lived until her death, which occurred in September, 1808. Her residence was on the farm, near Conococheague Creek, where she had been born. She had but one child, the subject of this sketch.

James McBride, the son, was born November Peg) W bot 0B on the farm above mentioned, a' short distance from Greencastle, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. He received no set education, but improved what opportunities he had for reading, and, on coming to this county, in the eighteenth year of his age, was discovered to possess a very large amount of useful knowledge. He had been well instructed in penmanship, and his neat and painstaking chirography can be traced in the public records of the county almost from the time of his coming until his death. His first employment, it is believed, was as clerk for John Reily, but he soon found other openings. Every one had the utmost confidence in him, and he was constantly in request. His patrimony was not large, but it enabled him sometimes to try new plans for bettering his fortune. Just before the war with Great Britain, in the early part of this century, he engaged with Joseph Hough in a venture to New Orleans. Flour was bought and shipped to that port with a large profit, and thenceforth Mr. McBride was easy in his circumstances. He never attained riches.

In 1813 he was elected sheriff, and was again chosen in 1815. This office was then considered as being the chief one in the county, and it shows the confidence his fellowcitizens must have had in him, as he was but twenty-five when elected. While holding this office he was married to Hannah, daughter of Judge Robert Lytle, who dwelt a few miles from town, and with her he lived forty-five years, having three sons and two daughters.

. Mr. McBride had scarcely removed to this county when he began his researches in the early history of this region. He foresaw its progress, and knew that where there was then only a wooded plain would soon be villages and cities. The pioneers were still alive who could recount the tale of the defeat of St. Clair, the trivmphal march of Wayne, the building of the first houses, and the birtlf of the first children. Some of the older ones had been in the Revolutionary struggle, and yet older ones remembered the last long and tedious war we waged with France, ending with glorious victories in 1763. These stories were not wasted upon an inattentive ear. He listened to the narrations, and put down upon paper the material portions relating to the early settlement of the Miami country. He verified the relations by comparison with others, and then wrote out a rough draft for publication. This again was changed and altered until, in some cases, three drafts of the same narrative were extant at once. It is impossible to say how much he wrote, but there are probably now in existence, in his handwriting, not less than three thousand pages of manuscript bearing upon valuable of these is the work issued in 1869 by Robert Clarke & Co., of Cincinnati, under the title of '' Pioneer Biography of Butler County." This is in two handsome octavo volumes, and contains sketches of nearly thirty pioneers, besides incidental allusions to more than a hundred others. By the indulgence of Mrs. Stembel, his daughter, and of Mr. Robert Clarke, we have used much of the matter in these pages, without indicating from what source it has been taken. It is safe to say that with these, and what we have been able since to glean, there will be no county in the State better informed of its beginning than Butler. not mythical.

Besides these, Mr. McBride wrote a history of Hamilton, and one of Oxford, together with a sketch of the Miami University. These have never previously been printed; but their substance will appear in these pages. No one can read what he has done without being struck with the thoroughness and solidity with which he did his work. He read many volumes to make his annotations, and each page of his writing must represent a day of labor. There are blanks left here and there to be filled up, and in some cases where chapter headings were placed the text had not been written. He hoped to be able to do this, but time was lacking. To the triennial catalogue of the Miami University there are copious additions, and there is included in his papers on the Miami University a list of the graduates, with their subsequent history. This must have taken a great deal of correspondence. He wrote an account:of the Hamilton bridge, which was published by the stockholders; he furnished the means, and wrote the book, describing Symmes's theory of concentric spheres; and he occasionally contributed points of Ohio history both to Cist's Miscellany and the Hamilton papers. Howe's History of Ohio was largely indebted to him.

But while he was writing what had happened, he was also attentive to gathering up those books and odds and ends of knowledge that would make the preparation of historical works easier to the future annalist. His library was in many branches of knowledge, embracing probably five thousand volumes; at a day when neither incomes nor libraries were so large as at present. He retained files of the Hamilton papers from the beginning, as well as of Niles' Register and the National Intelligencer. A few of these went to the State library, but the remainder are destroyed. He kept every pamphlet that reached him ; and it is not too much to say that, in this respect, the loss that was suffered by his death and their destruction is incalculable to the student of Western history. Beginning his researches in 1806, and continuing them for more than a half century, it is certain that the historical societies of the future, in Chicago, Cincinnati, and Cleveland, would be willing to pay their weight in silver for what is now lost. It should be remembered that, seventysix years ago, Cincinnati, Pittsburg, and Louisville were inconsiderable villages, and St. Louis a hamlet. Mr. McBride's collection was probably the richest in the ineunabula of the West, if we may borrow a term generally restricted to the fifteenth century, of any made or gathered in the United States. He had the same advantages that Jefferson had when he collected his library of works relating to America, with the exception that our pioneer retained only those which were locally valuable.

Mr. McBride was never happier than when in his library. He had a sincere love for truth, and wished himself to know what it was, even when he had no desire to write or otherwise express it. fountains of knowledge.

them, and was equally assiduous in extracting their contents. He was always ready to lend his aid to other investigators, and to place them upon sound ground. He' had a strong intellect and a love for letters, and he never seemed to grow tired of these investigations. The result was that, in the end, he had accumulated a vast stock of knowledge, and this without pretense or exciting remark. As will be seen by our chapter on the mound-builders, kindly furnished by J. P. MacLean, the whole region hereabouts is dotted with the remains of a race who built earthworks and threw up barrows, and of whom no other relics now remain. Mr. McBride was the first observer in this county who gave these tumuli more than cursory attention. He opened some of them, and others he surveyed and described. The one on sections 4, 5, 8, and 9, St. Clair Township, was described im the transactions of the Ohio Historical and Philosophical Society by him. He spent much time in this pursuit, and, by patience and the use of money, finally succeeded in getting together the finest collection of prehistoric relics ever in this neighborhood. Many of these curiosities were the gifts of his neighbors, who knew his tastes. This cabinet is now in the possession of George W. Vaux, of Philadelphia.

Forty years ago Squier and Davis were in this vicinity, making surveys, drawings, and collections for a volume soon to be issued by the Smithsonian Institute, in Washington, and enlisted his aid and that of Mr. John W. Erwin in their behalf. Yet, although the '* Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley" owe largely to the assistance of these two gentlemen, who furnished near a hundred pages, they received no public acknowledgment, and the community at large believes these drawings, plans of survey, and notes were from the pen of the two editors.

We are apt to forget, in these days of easy locomotion and advanced education, what great benefits were reaped from our early colleges. They deserved all the encomiums lavished upon them by the early historians, although their staff of professors was small, their range of studies limited, and their teachers knew little but the classics. They kept the lamp of knowledge aflame throughout the country, and here and there trained up men who carried the advance of knowledge still further. In this task Miami University had a great share, and, of its board of governors, none took a greater or more intelligent interest than Mr. McBride. From the origin of the institution he was connected with it, and at the time of his death he was the president of its board of trustees. Without himself having attained a collegiate education, he appreciated its advantages. He was sedulous in attendance at the meetings of the trustees; he was treasurer for a long time; he aided on the building committees and elsewhere, and he invariably gave the faculty a full support. That institution acquired an early and great fame, and to no one scarcely can more credit be given than to Mr. McBride.

We should not omit to mention the map drawn by 'him in 1836. This was published by himself and James B. Cameron, and engraved by Doolittle and Munson. It is a large copper-plate, five feet by four, and of the utmost accuracy. Every little stream is laid down upon it, and every farm, road, church, and school-house, and the meanderings of the Miami can by this be compared with its bed in the present day. No more truthful county map, we have authority for saying, was ever published in Ohio. Some of his manuscript maps are also in ex- ' istence in the public offices. They are both handsome and accurate, and of marvelous perfection in the lettering.

After ceasing to be sheriff he was in repose several years, until he was urged by his fellow-citizens to become mayor of Hamilton. He showed in this office the same punctual diligence he displayed elsewhere, as is attested by his docket, still preserved, in which he recorded the cases brought before him. While in this position he aided in a codification of the municipal ordinances. After the election of John Woods as auditor of state he went thither to assist him, rendering most valuable co-operation, and in 1846 was chosen clerk of the courts of Butler County, a position he held until 1852.

He was a taciturn and modest man, never frequenting public gatherings, and rarely conversing at any length except with those intimately connected with him. He was averse to display. . He was very quiet and unobtrusive, and of sterling integrity. He could not push himself forward. He was charitable almost to a fault, and never let a person leave his door unaided. His probity was of the highest. He never sought to escape the consequences of an action in which he had been unfortunate, through misjudgment or misplaced confidence, but dealt as he would be done by. He was active in every thing that helped to benefit or improve his county or State, and took an interest in every thing that promised these results. He was a stockholder in the bridge, the hydraulic, and the railroad, because he thought they would benefit the town, and not because he thought they would put money in his pocket.

When he had attained the patriarchal age of threescore and ten his wife died. This was on the 23d of September, 1859. He seemed instantly to lose all interest in life, and prepared himself to depart. Ten days after he died, on the 3d of October, aged seventy years and eleven months, and leaving two sons and two daughters. Homer, his oldest son, had died long before, and those who survived were Horace, James, Laura, and Marietta. The last married William Sanders, and on her death left two daughters. Laura 'married Roger N. Stembel, a graduate of Miami University, who entered afterwards the navy, and was badly wounded at Island No. 10 on the Mississippi, where he was the captain of a gun-boat. He is now a commodore. Both of Mr. McBride's sons are dead.

John Cleves Symmes

John Cleves-Symmes, the junior, commonly known 4s captain, to distinguish him from his uncle, Judge John Cleves Symmes, the leading patentee of the Miami lands, was born in Sussex County, New Jersey, on the 5th of November, 1780. He was the son of Timothy Symmes, a Revolutionary soldier, who was afterwards a judge in New Jersey, and who came out to this region soon after his brother. He was twice married, - once to Abigail Tuthill, and once to Mary Harker. By the first marriage he had three children, and by the second six. John Cleves Symmes, the subject of this sketch, was the eldest of the latter. He received a good elementary education, and early developed a great taste for reading. This was indulged as far as possible, and he also carefully studied mathematics and the natural sciences.

On attaining the age of twenty-two, or on the 2d of April, 1802, he entered the American army as ensign, the lowest rank of commissioned officer. On the Ist of May, 1804, he was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant; on July 29, 1807, to that of first lieutenant; and on the 20th of January, 1812, he received a commission as captain. He continued to serve in that capacity during the war, and until the disbanding of the army in 1816.

Soon after he entered the army he was ordered to the South-west, and was stationed successively at Fort Coupée, Louisiana; Fort Adams, fifty miles below Natchez, on the Mississippi, and at New Orleans.

While at Fort Adams he fought a duel with one of his comrades, as given in a letter to his brother Celadon, dated Fort Adams, June 28, 1807:

'T sit down to emit from the point of my pen such ideas as may chance to rise in my mind while I imagine myself narrating to you the pleasures and pains I have experienced since I last wrote. The proportion of the latter has far exceeded that of the former, although _ the. six months I spent at Fort Coupée glided away like a pleasing dream, where happiness appeared within my reach ; and just as I was possessing it, I was aroused and hurried away to Orleans, where a viperlike enemy had been before me and made several others, who were actuated by hope of promotion and love of mischief.

''This subtle, designing enemy was my late surgeon mate, Dr. John Fowles, who insinuated that I had acted dishonorably in giving him a furlough with prospect of pay, and that I had insisted on his giving me his pay while absent, on account of having to take care of the sick for him; on hearing which I immediately declared his allegation false, and that he should give me a certificate satisfactory or meet me in the field of honor.

'"« After I had stated the truth that he had built his story out of, declaring I had done nothing but what I was willing the world should know or that I could blame myself for, and pointed out the precedent I was guided by, I obtained with ease a furlough to go to Point Coupée to adjust some unsettled business I pretended to have there. I went and humbled his (mean) soul as much as mine (but too generous then), and dictated a certificate, which he copied and signed. I then returned in the hope they at first had entertained of obtaining promotion by my resigning in a fright, or getting killed by the doctor, continued their nefarious cabals under the rose. But I smelt a rat, felt provoked, and strutted with more confidence than was usual to me at other times. On one of these lowering days I began a letter which I never finished. I here give you a paragraph of it: 'I lately read a French proverb indicating that a man without enemies was no great thing. I then wished for some. I now have my wish, and believe I shall profit thereby. They. are a necessary stimulus, calculated to promote energy and perseverance. If I do not take pains to nourish them, I shall not to do them away, unless some one should be so bold as to emerge from under the rose, and refuse to apologize and return.'

'* A week or two after my return from Point Coupée, I was told by an old acquaintance, under cover of friendship, that my juniors in rank did not admit my character to be fairly cleared up, and had persuaded several to think with them. I made light of it to him, but advised with a field officer, who-happened not to be characterized by decision. His response was evasive. I, therefore, of my own accord, made an official application to the general for a court of inquiry, to examine whether or not my conduct had been correct.

'The general, being much hurried with business at that time, neglected to order the court for several days, during which time I, in the course of duty, had occasion to see the standing order relative to police, which I had not yet seen. I, therefore, went, as I ought, to Lieutenant Marshall, who was adjutant, and, in his office, asked him to see the orderly book. He answered that it was more proper that I should examine the books of the company to which I was attached, and that I should not see them there. I then observed that I did not suppose but that he was a man of his word, and reminded him that he had formerly given a like answer and refusal on the same occasion, with a promise that, in case the sergeant had not recorded the orders (as I suggested), I might see them in his office; upon which he blustered toward me, and demanded what I meant; while I returned him that I meant as I said. He then declared that, since he had promised them, I might see them, and handed me the book, observing, at the same time, that I was not generally considered as a gentleman. At this time our passions were both raised. I quelled mine, and spoke deliberately to this effect, that I should not consult his opinion relative to what other people thought of me, but wished to know if he did not himself say I was not a gentleman. He answered yes, and that he did not consider me one. I continued that I had long observed the ill offices that he was inclined to do me, and that he us go out and take a shot.' (By this time, besides two officers sitting in the room, five or six had collected in front of the door, which stood open.) He declined, alleging that he did not consider me on a gentlemanly footing with him, alluding to what Dr. Fowles had said of me. I urged that, until I was arrested or officially charged with some misdemeanor, I stood on the same footing of every other officer, and that I was not subject to be insulted with impunity. About this time he began to come down, and endeavored to make out that he had not disputed my gentility, but still refused a second invitation I gave him, alleging the same reason, but said that he would fight me after the court of inquiry (I expected) should acquit me. I consented to the proposition, provided it could not take place sooner, and then proceeded to read the orders I wanted to see, and he sat down to his breakfast. That day I mounted guard, and the next, when relieved, took a sleep after dinner, and went early to parade (I then quartered in town) without consulting any person. I had determined what to do, which was to fall in with Mr. Marshall when he had his sword on, and wring his nose. I did not get an opportunity until after parade was dismissed, when, walking to the barracks, I overtook him and requested to speak to him. He turned toward me; I accomplished my intention, and bringing my hand on the hilt of my sword, and taking one step backward, I involuntarily said, 'Draw and defend yourself. He did not draw, but stepped toward me - to grapple, as I expected; for he is a large man. I then held my sword horizontally before me, and told him not to advance, but draw and defend himself. He then, after an exclamation of surprise, made for his quarters, beckoning and calling me to follow, which I did to the front of his door, where I passed fore and aft, then went to a group of officers near, and related what I had done, observing that I expected that he would not now hesitate to take the field. Presently he came toward us, calling on me. I advanced to him. He then said that he would meet me, and proposed that our seconds should convene on the gallery as soon as possible. I consented, and glided to my quarters (if possible) like a man intoxicated with pleasurable passion. One of my messmates said I had been drinking wine. Lieutenant Clymer, a messmate, who had at that moment returned, after an absence of two weeks, immediately became my second ; met Mr. Marshall, and they agreed that we should meet on the commons at daylight next morning. Mr. Clymer prepared me excellent pistols and a surgeon to attend. We met at the appointed time, and, at the distance of ten paces, standing sideways, fired at the word. The one appointed to give it first asked, 'Are you ready? We at the same instant answered, 'Yes.' He then said, 'Fire? and we raised our arms together deliberately, from a hanging position. My intention was to aim at his hip; his (1 learn) at my breast. Consequently, I got the first fire, which drew his shot somewhat at random, though it must have passed within a line of the lower part of my belly, as it pierced through my pantaloons, shirt-tail, and the bone of my careless hanging wrist, close to the joint. He received my ball in his thigh, but where it glanced to the doctors can not find. It is said he is now walking about. I wanted to know if he desired another shot, and being informed in the negative, left my second and surgeon attending to him, and, with my handkerchief wrapped around my wound, went home and ate a hearty breakfast, not expecting to be confined or much afflicted with what appeared to the doctor, as well as myself, little more than a scratch. But many a long day and night I suffered for the error of not losing blood and dieting, as I ought to have done; 't was near two months before it healed, and two weeks of that time it was dangerously inflamed, and disjointed of itself, which is the cause of its looking or being somewhat awry and not working freely in the joint like the other. The pain produced fever, and that debility, which exposed me to a multitude of infirmities. The most obstinate and afflicting was a dysentery, which began with a dropsy, and continued with violence for six or seven weeks. I have now got. shut of it; but my feet and legs continue to bloat to a troublesome degree. The court of inquiry I - applied for was ordered, agreeable to my request, and as soon as my wound began to mend I wrote an official notice to the recorder that I was ready to come before the court, if they would appoint a place to sit and give me notice ; and I repeatedly stated verbally the same to Captain Lockwood, who was president thereof, who alleged that he was under marching orders, and it was intimated to me by numbers that the proceedings would be a needless piece of precaution in me, as every one was convinced of my integrity and gentility. I, therefore, made no further application to be heard, especially as the members of the court were immediately scattered to different posts."

Captain Symmes never fully recovered the use of his wrist; it was always stiff and a little awry. The wound which Lieutenant Marshall received disabled him so that he carried the effects of it through life. He was afterward befriended by Captain Symmes, who always spoke of this duel with regret.

At the time of the commencement of the war with Great Britain, in 1812, the first regiment of United States infantry, of which he was senior captain, was stationed at the mouth of the Missouri River, in the Territory of Missouri. Here they remained until 1814, when they were ordered to join the army of General Brown, on the northern frontier. After a long and fatiguing journey by land and water, they reached Canada on the 25th of J uly, the very day on which the battle of Bridgewater, or Lundy's Lane, was fought.

ment, which was commanded by Lieutenant-colonel Robert C. Nicholas, had not joined the army at the time of the opening of the battle, but were about two miles in the rear. When the firing commenced, without waiting for or receiving orders from General Brown, the regiment was put in motion by Colonel Nicholas, and marched with all possible expedition to the scene of the conflict. When they arrived at the American camp they found General Ripley, to whom they had been ordered to report, had advanced with his brigade, and, without halting, they continued to press forward.

It was twilight when they reached the field ; they formed themselves within a short distance of the enemy's ° batteries, without meeting with any general officer or aidde-camp to instruct them how they should join in the conflict. Ignorant of the situation of either army, except from the observations made in coming up, and unapprized of the position of General Ripley's brigade, Colonel Nicholas, when he found himself so near a British battery, which had opened fire upon his regiment, ordered the men to retire a short distance. While the attention of the battery was thus directed to the First Regiment, Colonel James Miller, leading his battalion, partly under the cover of the' fence of a church-yard moved swiftly up the hill and attacked the artillerists almost before they were aware of their presence, and after a short but desperate hand-to-hand fight, in which he lost a number of his gallant men, he captured the whole park, consisting of seven brass cannon, ammunition-wagons, etc.

After the capture of this position, Colonel Nicholas was enabled to report to General Ripley, and was ordered to assume a position on the left of Colonel Miller's regiment. This order was promptly obeyed, and the position held till the close of the action.

On a partial recovery from his wounds, General Brown took command at Fort Erie, which was closely invested by the British, who were actively employed in surrounding it with batteries. On the 17th of September he resolved to make a sortie, which was accomplished with spirit and success; the British were completely surprised, and, after a severe conflict of two hours, the three batteries, the whole line of intrenchments, and their block-houses were in the possession of the Americans. In this action Captain Symmes and his command captured one of the batteries. He led his men over the intrenchments, and spiked the first cannon with his own hand.

In 1816 Captain Symmes retired from the army, and took up his residence at St. Louis, where he engaged in furnishing supplies for the troops stationed on the Upper Mississippi, and in trading with the Fox Indians, for which he had a special license from Governor Clark, of Missouri 'Territory.

On Christmas day, 1808, Mr. Symmes married Mrs. Mary Anne Lockwood, widow of Captain Benjamin Lockwood, at Fort Adams. She had at that time a family of five daughters and one son. They were brought up and educated by Captain Symmes as his own family ; they were sincerely attached to him, and grew up to maturity with his own children in perfect harmony. They were all married from his house but two, who remained single. -

Captain Lockwood at the time of his death owned a section of land in Brown County, Ohio, on which Captain Symmes regularly paid the taxes, even to the neglect of his own. One of his own tracts, four thousand acres, in Licking County, which would have been a fortune to his children, was forfeited by this neglect. When these children arrived at maturity, he turned over this land, free and unincumbered, neither charging them for the money expended on it nor the care he had taken of it. '

Captain Symmes's trading experience did not result in a pecuniary benefit to him; so, in 1819, he removed from St. Louis, and settled at Newport, Kentucky, where he resided till 1824, when he removed to his farm, a section of land presented to him by his uncle and namesake, which had been previously improved, near Hamilton, Ohio.

While at St. Louis Captain Symmes promulgated his eccentric ''Theory of Concentric Spheres, Polar Voids, and Open Poles." To these investigations relative to the figure of the earth he had devoted many years, and had wrought himself up to a firm and conscientious belief that he -had made the great discovery of the age, viz. : "That the earth as well as all the celestial orbicular bodies existing in the universe, visible and invisible, which partake in any degree of a planetary nature, from the greatest to the smallest, from the sun down to the most minute blazing meteor or falling star, are all constituted, in a greater or less degree, of a collection of spheres, more or less solid, concentric with each other, and more or less open at the poles; each sphere being separated from its adjoining compeers by space replete with aerial fluids; that every portion of infinite space, except what is occupied by spheres, is filled with an aerial elastic fluid, more subtile than common atmospheric air, and constituted of innumerable small concentric spheres, too minute to be visible to the organ of sight assisted by the most perfect microscope, and so elastic that they continually press on each other and change their relative situations as often as any piece of matter in space may change its position, thus causing a universal pressure, which is weakened by the intervention of other bodies in proportion to the subtended angle of distance and dimension, necessarily causing the body to move toward the points of decreased pressure." he issued the following circular, which, like a lady's letter, is most important for its postscript : DO yes: CIRCULAR. Light gives light to light discover - ad iufinitum.

I declare the earth is hollow and habitable within; containing a number of solid concentrick spheres, one within the other, and that it is open at the poles twelve or sixteen degrees. I pledge my life in support of this truth, and am ready to explore the hollow, if the world will support and aid me in the undertaking. Jno. CLeves Symmes,

N. B. - I have ready for the press a Treatise on the Principles of Matter, wherein I show proofs of the above positions, account for various phenomena, and disclose Dr. Darwin's "Golden Secret."

I ask one hundred brave companions, well equipped, to start from Siberia, in the Fall season, with reindeer and sleighs, on the ice of the frozen sea; I engage we find a warm and rich land, stocked with thrifty vegetables and animals, if not men, on reaching one degree northward of lat- -

Captain Symmes addressed a copy of this circular to every learned institution and to every considerable town and village, as well as to numerous distinguished individuals, throughout the United States, and sent copies to several of the learned societies of Europe.

Its reception by the public can easily be imagined ; it was overwhelmed with ridicule as the production of a distempered imagination, or the result of partial insanity. It was for many years a fruitful source of jest with the newspapers.

The Academy of Science, of Paris, before which the circular was laid by Count Volney, decided that it was not worthy of consideration. The scientific papers of Europe generally treated it as a hoax, rather than believe that any sane man could issue such a circular or uphold such a theory. '

Circulars and newspaper articles soon followed circular No. 1, and were kept up for years, despite of the ridicule which was poured on the unfortunate author from all sides. In 1820 Captain Symmes commenced lecturing on his theory; first at Cincinnati, then at other large towns in the West. The novelty of the subject attracted large audiences; but he failed to make converts who possessed wealth or influence enough to secure the means to test by exploration the truth of his theory. The Western Courier of November 27, 1822, indulges in a dream of what would happen two hundred and twenty-eight years from that time:

"« Oineinnati, December 7, 2150. - The marble monument at Newport, which, in 1838, was erected by our ancestors to the memory of that great philanthropist and philosopher, John Cleves Symmes, fell to the ground on the 5th; its base having been undermined and destroyed by the late unprecedented flood of Licking River.

'Thus. the records of fame, when committed solely to such perishable materials, live but a few transitory ages, and ultimately fall in with the general decay ;_ but the memory of Symmes shall be as unfading and lasting as time itself. We need no frail stones to remind us of his name, who first separated truth from error, and banished ignorance from the world.

"Washington, December 11. - Two members of Congress from the State of California arrived yesterday in this city by the inland route. They inform us that the other (twenty-one) members from that State had proceeded through the canal at the Isthmus of Darien, to Mexico, where it was their intention to join the Mexican members, and charter a vessel for their conveyance to this city.

""The members from Chu-san, in the interior regions, via the North Polar opening, arrived on the 9th inst. ; those from Pestchee-le, via the South Pole, reached the United States on the 30th ult.

"' New York, December 2. - By the late return of the marshal, it is ascertained that this city, which, for the last two centuries, has been termed mistress of the world, now contains two millions of inhabitants, exclusive of foreigners. _ Philadelphia, her only rival, is found to contain but one million, five hundred thousand."

In May, 1824, Mr. Symmes explained his theory at Hamilton, to a large audience with such convincing effect that, after the lecture, they ''Resolved, That we esteem Symmes''s Theory of the Earth deserving of serious examination, and worthy of the attention of the American people."

So much did the theory attract popular attention in the West, that the 'Polar Expedition" was thought a fit object for a benefit at the Cincinnati Theater, which was given on March 29, 1824. Mr. Collins then recited an address, written. for the occasion by Moses Brooks, in which, after recounting the great discoveries to be made, he wound up with -

In 1822 he petitioned the. Congress of the United States, setting forth his belief of the existence of. a habitable and accessible concave to this globe, his desire to embark on a voyage of discovery to one or other of the polar regions, his belief in the great profit and honor his country would derive from such discovery, and praying that Congress would equip and fit out for the expedition two vessels of two hundred and fifty or three hundred tons burden, and grant such other aid as government might deem necessary to promote the object. This petition was presented in the Senate by Colonel Richard M. Johnson, a member from Kentucky, on the seventh day of March, 1822, when, after a few remarks, it was laid on the table.

In January, 1824, he petitioned the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, praying that body to passa resolution approbatory of his theory, and to recommend him to Congress for an outfit suitable to the enterprise. This memorial was presented by Micajah T. Williams, and, on motion, the further consideration thereof was indefinitely postponed.

In 1825 he applied through the American minister at the court of St. Petersburg for permission to accompany the polar expedition then fitting out by the Russian Government, which was readily granted by the chancellor, Count Romanzoff; but the want of means to procure a proper outfit hindered him from accepting the offer.

In one of the copies of the book which was issued to defend his theory, Captain Symmes left notes on the margin, which give as good an account of his theory as we have seen:

'I hoped, ere this, to have been supported in my new theory of the earth by many pupils, but find that most of those who have written are inclined to oppose me. I would prefer having an advocate to state my views, because, in proportion to their extent, I may subject myself to the imputation of extravagance or ostentation, especially as, while I write, I naturally feel elated with my discovery. JI am, perhaps, better fitted for thinking than writing. Reared at the plow, I seldom used a pen, except in a commonplace book, until I changed my plowshare for a sword, at the age of twentytwo, not wherewith to earn a fortune (having already an ample farm by the liberality of my revered uncle, after whom I am named), but to merit and obtain distinction, and accumulate knowledge, which I had seldom tasted but in borrowed books. With respect to the latter, the world is now to judge of my success; and in relation to the former, I at least may say I satisfied myself and fellow-soldiers, if not my country, not only at' Bridgewater on our left and the sortie at Fort Erie in the van, but throughout my thirteen years' service, ending the war. I presume few have inquired more devotedly than myself into the reason and origin of all that occurred to view. I remember when at the age of eleven, in Jersey, while reading a large edition of 'Cook's Voyages,' my father, though himself a lover of learning, reproved me for spending so much of my time from work, and said I was a book-worm. About the same age I used to harangue my playmates in the street, and describe how the earth turned round; but then, as now, however correct my positions, I got few or no advocates. I must not, however, say I get no advocates; for I have several. I particularly boast of two ladies of bright and wellinformed minds, on the banks of the Missouri, who are able and earnest advocates and devoted pupils. To them is due the credit of being the first to adopt what the world is so tardy in admitting. But Colonel Dixon, who has traded on Lake Winnepeg with the Indians, is, I presume, the most important pupil I have obtained; for he has long been actively engaged in the North-west Company and fur-trade. He declared, in our first inter. views, that I was certainly correct, and stated to me many important, otherwise inexplicable circumstances occurring high in the north, that were completely solved by my principle. He is regarded by such as have long known him at St. Louis as a gentleman of a very strong and well-informed mind. In addition to the passive concurrence of several men of thinking minds, among them a venerable member of the American Philosophical Society, in this neighborhood, I have been honored with the offers of several more enterprising spirits to accompany me on the expedition I propose; but as the conditions with regard to my outfit by the world are not yet complied with, I have not positively accepted of their services. I still hold my life pledged, however, for the general truth of my position and devotion to the exploration. I caleulate on the good offices of Great Britain and France; for they nurse and patronize the sciences with ardor. My wife boasts her descent from the latter, and I, through five ancestors since the first landing at Plymouth, trace mine from the former. From the emperor of Russia, so well known as a patron of scientific enterprise, I flatter myself with much support. I challenge any opposers of my doctrine to show as sound reasons why my theory is not correct as I can show it is. I refer those who seek for truth to Rees's Cyclopedia, and any other books wherein the quadrupeds, fish, and phenomena of high latitudes are treated of; likewise those books that treat of Venus, Mars, and Saturn, where they will find many tests that, if duly considered, must go to prove my position. In the Cyclopedia, under the heads of 'Fishery,' 'Arctic,' 'Herring, 'Seal,' and all other migrating fishes, it is shown that most, or all of them, retire annually beyond the icy circle during the Winter, and return, increased in fat and numbers, in the Spring ; and under the head ' Reindeer' it is stated that this animal passes annually near Hudson's Bay in columns of eight or ten thousand, from north to south, in the months of March and April, and return north in October, as stated under the head of ' Hudson's Bay.' I propose to follow the route taken by the reindeer northward in Siberia, Where they depart every Autumn from the river Lena (as Professor Adams, of St. Petersburg, states), because it is probable these deer choose the best season and nearest route to fertile and habitable lands, and because

Spring. It is presumable that man can live where deer thrive. I do not think there dre no dangers attendant on such a trip, but believe the object will justify risk in all probable ones. In plate 17, Vol. XX XIII, Part II, of the Cyclopedia, the figure of Mars, with his equator toward us, exhibits his pole surrounded with single light circles, whose farther sides extend beyond the periphery of his dise. I hence conclude that his poles are open, and that the light reflected by the farther sides of the verges of the opening is refracted so*as to appear extended beyond his disc by means of its coming to us through the atmosphere of the nearest verges. It is a well-known fact that refraction is greatest toward the poles of the earth, owing, probably to the dense atmosphere there. The apparent continuation of the margin of his true disc through these rings (if not an imaginary line dotted there), must be the farther verge of the second sphere within rising by refraction, apparently, as far out of the true periphery of his disc. I contend that the not hollow or greatly concave, could scarcely afford space or surface to maintain alive and in health all the fish known to come from thence annually, in the Spring, even if, without resorting to feeding upon each other, this food was inexhaustible and the whole circle water. But floating trees being often found far north of where we see any grow is an impressive circumstance to show it can not be all water, and the fact that those trees are generally such as abound in the tropics, together with several unknown species, shows that there is a hot climate beyond; and the migration of the reindeer, too, shows that moss or other vegetables abound there, and, consequently, land. Pinkerton states that the Dutch, who, at different times, got detained by the ice in high latitudes, could find but few fish to eat in the season of Winter, which proves that the migrating fish do not Winter amongst or on this side the ice. I also refer to Dr. Darwin's notes on winds in his ' Botanic Garden' - which I never read until after I adopted my theory - where that great, although often extravagant, philosopher declared his belief that there was a great secret, yet to be explained, at the poles, and anticipated that the light of the present age would disclose it. The stone spheroid he found hollow, and somewhat disposed in concentric strata, and the concentric iron nodules he describes deserve to be considered. He states that the seeds- of several tropical plants are often found in the seas high north, in a state so recent as to vegetate. I recommend the perusal of Mavor's and Pinkerton's Voyages, Pennant and Goldsmith on Animated Nature, and Hearne's and Mackenzie's Travels, wherein many tests of my position exist.

there falls, for several weeks, almost continued rain; and that vegetables and game are more abundant at 80° than at 76°. When my chain of reasoning, drawn from the nature of matter, first led me to the conclusion of hollow spheres and open poles, I merely intended broaching it as a question; but when I found the planets of the heavens and the phenomena and natural history of the polar regions afforded proofs incontestable, I then declared the fact without reserve, and have been considered by many as a madman for my pains. Were I, however, in any degree to feel disconcerted by the playful though _ ill-timed witticisms of others, I should comfort myself in the reflection that, as soon as I shall succeed in the establishment of my theory, the more it has been decried the more I shall feel honored in the event. Innovations in science or art most conimonly excite opposition. If additional reasons are required, I have an ample fund yet in store for the world."

Among his converts was a young lawyer, Mr. J. N. Reynolds, a graduate of Ohio. University. With him Captain Symmes entered into an agreement for a lecturing tour through the Eastern States. They set out in September, 1825, accompanied by Anthony W. Lockwood, a stepson of Captain Symmes, and lectured in various towns in Ohio. In about a month Captain Symmes was forced to return home in consequence of ill-health. In January, 1826, he rejoined them at Pittsburg, and they proceeded eastward. Some difficulty soon occurred, however; Reynolds became dissatisfied, and left them. Symmes, undaunted by this desertion, or the constant ridicule with which he was met, continued his tour to Philadelphia, New York, Boston, as far as Maine, and even into Canada, lecturing at the various towns through which he passed.

His health was by this time greatly impaired by his constant labors and excitement, and he was reluctantly obliged to give up lecturing. He retired for a time to his native place in New Jersey, where he remained the guest of an old friend of his father, until his health was sufficiently restored to enable him to travel homeward. When he reached Cincinnati, in February, 1829, he was so feeble that he had to be conveyed on a bed placed in a spring-wagon, to his home near Hamilton. He continued gradually to sink, until released by death on the 29th of May, 1829.

His remains were committed to the grave the next day, in the old burying-ground at Hamilton, with military honors. They were covered with a monument, erected by his son, Americus Symmes, a solid structure of freestone, surmounted with a hollow globe, ppen at the poles, bearing the following inscriptions :

On the south side - '' Captain John Cleves Symmes entered the army of the United States, as an ensign, in the year 1802. He afterward arose to the rank of captain, and performed daring feats of bravery in the battles of Lundy's Lane and sortie from Fort Erie."

On the abandonment of the burying-ground this monument was left standing, and is now the only one there. The globe has been broken off, and is now to be found in one of the neighboring door-yards.

Captain Symmes was a man of great simplicity and earnestness of character - a high-minded, honorable, honest, and exemplary man in every walk of life, and was beloved, trusted, and respected by all who knew him.

So fixed in his mind was the belief of the truth of his theory that for ten years, although laboring under great pecuniary embarrassments and buffeted by the ridicule and sarcasm of an opposing world, he persevered in his endeavors to interest others in it, so as to enable him to test its truth by a polar expedition; but without success.

It should now be remembered to his credit that many of the facts and fancies (as they then appeared) which he brought forward in proof of his theory of open polar voids have since been fully corroborated by the observations of Drs. Kane and Hayes and Captain Hall, but applied by them to the more plausible theory of open polar seas.

Captain Symmes's widow survived him, and -made her home most of the time with her oldest son, Americus, though she spent much of her time visiting other members of the family. She died August 5, 1864, at Mattoon, Illinois, while on a visit to her son, Dr. Wm. H. H. Symmes, who was at that time residing there.

Americus Symmes is a strong believer in his father's theory, and has spent much time in elucidating it. A few years ago he published a book giving the additional facts which had been discovered since the death of his father.

Pierson Sayre

The last of the soldiers of the Revolution who died in Butler County was Pierson Sayre. His lamp had burned to the very last, and had finally gone out from mere exhaustion. He was the son of Ezekiel Sayre, and was born at a place now known as Providence, New Jersey, on the 12th of September, 1761. He was too young to enter the service of his country at the beginning of her struggle with Great Britain, but before he had attained his growth as a man entered the army of heroes who had determined to defend their homes and firesides. He was but seventeen when he joined Lord Sterling's division as a private soldier. In no State did the soldiers have more hardships to endure than in New Jersey, and of these Sayre had his part for two years and a half. He was in most of the battles fought during that time, and in particular was in the battle of Springfield. General Greene was his commander, and. the troops bore themselves nobly. He frequently had an opportunity of seeing Washington, and half a century after the general's death loved to recount what he knew of him. Often he would paint from his recollection to those around him that majestic figure, that serene countenance, that power of command that seemed inseparable to him, and would describe'

After Mr. Sayre left the army he went to New York City, where he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, as there was then a great demand in that city for persons of that calling. Four years before, the place had been set on fire by either British incendiaries or American patriots, it was never clearly known which, and a third part of the town was burned. With the return of peace in 1783, New York became again a center of trade and speculation, and many new houses were built, giving full employment to all. Of this Mr. Sayre had his part; and in 1786, on the 29th of June, he married Miss Catherine Lewis, with whom he lived happily for fifty-two years, until her death in Hamilton on the 25th of December, 1838, at the age of seventy-five. He remained in New York unti] 1790, when he removed to the western part of Pennsylvania, and settled in Uniontown, Fayette County, where he remained until 1809, when he came to this State. He was an important man in that community, and was sheriff for three years. He also took an active interest in the militia, and was at different times commissioned as lieutenant, captain, and major. The date of issuing the last was August 2, 1800, and it was signed by Governor McKean.

In 1809 Mr. Sayre, with his family, removed from Uniontown to Butler County, buying a farm and tavernstand seven miles from Hamilton, on the road leading to Middletown. It was then known by the name of the "Cross Keys." It is worth remarking that nearly all the earliest places of entertainment hereabouts were indicated by emblematic signs, such as the Black Eagle, Blue Ball, Lamb and Shepherd, as they are even now made known in Europe and in parts of Pennsylvania. The 'Cross Keys" had formerly had much custom, and was widely known. Many meetings of the pioneers had been held here in the days when it had been kept by Andrew Christy. Mr. Sayre conducted this place for a few years, when he sold out to Abraham Miley, and removed to Cincinnati, where he kept a tavern near the corner of Walnut and Front Streets, at the sign of the 'Green Tree." Mr. Sayre's father had preceded him on his removal to the West, settling in Cincinnati, in 1790, but afterward removing to Reading.

After going to Cincinnati, Pierson Sayre purchased a tract of land in Lemon Township, which, under another owner, was the site of the town of Monroe. In 1814 he came back to this county, purchasing of John Suther- land lot No. 120, on Front Street, between Dayton and Stable Streets, but only remaining there a few months, when he removed to the Torrence tavern-stand, situated: on the corner of Dayton and Water Streets. The building is now owned by Henry S. Earhart.

In October, 1817, he was elected sheriff of this county, and in October, 1819, was again chosen. Being withdrawn at the expiration of this time, in consequence of a constitutional limitation, he was succeeded by Dr. Samuel Millikin. In October, 1825, Mr. Sayre was again elected sheriff by a large majority. On the completion of this section of the Miami Canal he was appointed the first collector of tolls, having his office at the east end of the Hamilton basin. He held this position two years, or until April 1, 1830. In 1835 he was appointed toll-gatherer for the bridge across the river at this place, holding the position until April 1, 1839. He was then seventyeight years old.

In the year 1820, while sheriff, he contracted with the Board of Commissioners to erect the two public offices in the court-house square, one on the east and the other on the west side of the court-house, and he completed this task to the satisfaction of the people. He also built the Female Academy, on the south side of the hydraulic race, finishing it in the year 1834. This is the building now used for city offices, and in which the fire occurred in the Spring of 1882. He also built several other houses.

Mr. Sayre, more than any other person who 'ever lived in this county, had an opportunity of witnessing the changes that time has wrought in our land. When he was born the population of the British colonies was but a little over two millions of souls; at his death they were at least twenty-four millions. George the Second had but recently di¢d, and he saw at the head of political affairs George the Third, Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Jackson, Van Buren, Harrison, Tyler, Polk, and Taylor, besides the heroic governor, William Livingston, of New Jersey, and the worthies who presided over the Continental Congress. When he entered the army, Philadelphia, our largest city, was smaller than Dayton now is; the inland towns were Albany and Laneaster, and he was married before Ohio had a single settler. This State had as great a population at his death as the whole country had when he was born. He had witnessed great changes in the Miami country. Bridges, roads, canal, and railroad, all were made while he was here, in his long residence of forty-three years.

He did not escape the drawbacks of age. His children had died before him and his wife; his strength became weakness, and his mind worn out. For two years he required to be handled like an infant. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church for many years, and as a neighbor, father, and husband was universally esteemed. He was not an idle man, and was always ready

The Medical Profession

Tuts neighborhood was very inadequately supplied 'with physicians at the beginning of the century. The pay was small, and must often be taken in trade; the roads were terrible, and many who were really ill went without a physician because it was so difficult to call of at least four thousand before there were any resident physicians. In the early days of settlerfent near Middletown the mother of the late Aaron Potter had a child afflicted with a felon. There was no one at hand to attend to it, and the heroic lady mounted her horse, took the child in her arms, and rode the whole way to Cincinnati to have a surgical operation performed. Herbs and simples were the common method of treatment, and the experienced women acted as midwives.

A few wandering disciples of Esculapius may have been in the present townships of Liberty, Union, Lemon, and Fairfield, before 1802; but it is believed the first two who settled in the county were Dr. Squier Littell, of Trenton, and Dr. Sloan, of Fairfield. They came here about the same time, but only Dr. Littell remained for a term of years. We have no further particulars of Dr. Sloan, except that he boarded with the father of Celadon Symmes, and occasionally went over into Ross Township.

_ Dr. Littell was the son of Captain Littell, of New Jersey, a patriot distinguished for his services and sacrifices in our Revolutionary struggle, and was born in Essex County, December 1, 1776 - a year memorable in the annals of mankind. Having completed his early education, he entered upon the study of medicine, and, after practicing his profession awhile in his native State, emigrated to the Northwestern Territory about the beginning of the present century, and stopped in the city of Cincinnati. Here he remained for a brief period, when, following the guidance of circumstances, and failing, in common with all others, to penetrate the brilliant futurity which was reserved for a place whose claims to pre-eminence were disputed by the neigboring village of Columbia, he removed some thirty miles into the interior, and fixed his abode in Butler County, at Trenton, which was then called Bloomfield. Before leaving Now Jersey, the doctor had married Mary, one of the daughters of Michael Pearce, who also came out here. Mr. Pearce was a farmer in good circumstances, and had a large family of daughters, who were much sought after, as their manners and acquirements were much more than were then usual in the backwoods. Dr. Littell practiced in Trenton from his first going there until a short time before his death, when weakened by age and infirmities. He devoted himself to the cultivation of his farm and the still more laborious duties of a profession, the calls of which, in the scattered population of the country, expanded occasionally to a circle of sixty miles in diameter, extending to Dayton on the one hand, and to Cincinnati on the other. As a medical practitioner he was remarkably successful, being distinguished for his sagacity and observation, qualities which enabled him, in several important instances, to anticipate the discoveries and improvements of later times, and secured for him a wide range of popularity. Notwithstanding the engrossing nature of his avocations, he was repeatedly chosen by his fellow-citizens to offices of local trust and influence. In 1813 he was appointed surgeon of the First Regiment, Third Detachment, of Ohio militia, having for his assistant Dr. Jacob Lewis, who came to Butler County very soon after he did, but had not engaged actively in practice. Colonel James Mills commanded the regiment, which. rendezyoused at Dayton. They were ordered to St. Mary's, when the regiment was divided into three divisions. Soon after this, Dr. Littell resigned, and came home. His personal appearance was very striking. He was a tall man, perhaps a little over six feet, and full in figure, even in youth. As his.years increased he attained a size truly colossal, with accompanying weight. To accommodate himself, he brought hither a spring-wagon, the first ever seen in this portion of the country, and used that ever after, discarding horseback riding, which was the usual method of traveling for physicians fifty years ago. Arrived at home, after a visit, he would cast himself upon the carpet, preferring this posture of perfect repose to the more dignified but less easy arm-chair. This habit became almost a necessity. His weight increased until it reached three hundred and fifty, and he became the largest man in Butler County. Dr. Littell was of a fiery disposition, and used to domineering. He had a piercing black eye, that seemed to read the very secrets of the soul, and he was possessed of great weight of character. Whatever he desired he generally accomplished. He was a virulent Jackson Democrat, never speaking in pub- When fair words would not avail, he used harder ones. He was postmaster at Trenton in 1837, having been appointed by Van Buren, through the influence of John B. Weller, and against the wishes of the majority of the inhabitants of that village, who had petitioned for another person. Dr.

time being Sheely, who was also of herculean proportions, not inferior to Dr. Millikin. Dr. Littell remained in Trenton until the ravages of age, aggravated by corpulency, caused him to retire. He went to Winchester, Preble County, where he soon after died, at the close of 1849. He had accumulated some means, which he divided among his nephews, whom he had brought up. Of these there were three. Dr. Squier Littell, now of Philadelphia, was the second. He is a man of high attainments, and well read, and has published several medical works. Eliakim was the oldest. He first lived in Philadelphia, publishing a magazine called. the Musewn, which was very successful, and then going to Boston, where he began the Living Age. It is a magazine of compilation from European periodicals, and contains a vast treasury of facts and fancy. A complete set is contained in every public library. He is now dead, and his sons are carrying on the publication. John was the youngest nephew. He studied law, but never practiced much. He began publishing law-books, and in that pursuit amassed a fortune. He was at one time a candidate for Congress from Philadelphia, and came very near being elected, lacking only a few votes. He contested the election, but it was decided against him. He formerly lived in Germantown, a handsome suburb of the City of Brotherly Love, but is now dead. -

Mrs. Littell, the wife of Dr. Squier Littell, the elder, survived him. She was a most excellent woman, and had great power over her husband. Even in his greatest fits of rage she was able to pacify him. The doctor brought up one of the daughters of the Rev. Stephen Gard, his brother-in-law. This was Mary, who afterwards married Ezra Potter. He also brought up another niece, Rachel Taylor, who married William Potter.

Dr. Charles Este, brother of the distinguished Judge Este, once of Hamilton, but late of Cincinnati, was in Hamilton as early as 1810 or 1811, but did not remain long. We find his name afterwards as one of the medical censors of the district. Dr. William Greenlee occupied a somewhat prominent place between the years 1814 and 1817.

Dr. Jacob Lewis never really practiced much, but was here as early as 1803. He was born in Somerville, Somerset County, New Jersey, October 13, 1767. His father was in the Revolutionary army, and while in the service was attacked with camp fever and sent home, where he died. He left a wife and seven children. ~The family had a good farm, upon which they were enabled to raise every thing necessary for comfort. In 1790 Jacob went out on a visit to his sister, who was settled in the western part of Virginia. The neighborhood was exposed ; but as there had been no attacks by the Indians lately, the inhabitants began to think that they were safe. One evening in the Spring of 1791 he returned from his man who was sitting by the fire struck at the Indians with a drawing-knife, which fell from his hands, and he immediately bounded out of the back door, passing through the room in which Jacob was lying. The noise awoke the latter, and he, too, made his escape. As he rose he saw through the half-open door the lifeless bodies of his sister and his brother-in-law, with the hostile Indians, and he fled to alarm the neighbors. This he found, however, had been previously done by the other young man; and as soon as a sufficient party could be gathered, the Indians were pursued.

The next day two neighbors went to the house, and found the dead bodies of Kinan, the brother-in-law, his little daughter, and one of the children of Mrs. Ward, a neighbor. Mrs. Kinan was nowhere to be found, so they concluded that she must have been taken prisoner. Six had escaped out of the ten who were in the house at the time.

Jacob Lewis was thus left with the care of two orphan children on his hands. After considering the matter maturely, he concluded to leave the children with one of the settlers and return to New Jersey, where, he did not doubt, he could persuade one of his brothers, who had recently been married, to move out, take the farm, and take care of the boys. Nothing, however, could induce him to do so. The country was too hazardous for him. Two of the family were willing, however, each to take one of the boys, and bring them up in New Jersey. He consequently returned, worked on the place the whole Summer, and in the following Spring conveyed the boys to their uncles, who brought them up as their own.

Mr. Lewis remained in New Jersey, taking up the study of medicine with Dr. John Randolph, of Somerset County. In the fall of 17938 a letter was received from his sister, Mrs. Kinan, who was a prisoner among the Indians. She had been enabled to send it through the hands of a Quaker gentleman, who was in attendance upon the commissioners empowered to treat for peace with the Indians. Her messenger took the yellow fever in Philadelphia, dying of it, and consequently the letter had been long delayed. She said that if her brothers would call on Mr. Albert, an Indian trader, at Detroit, they could find out where she was.

Jacob Lewis was the only unmarried one of the family, and it was resolved that he should make the attempt, his other brothers helping with their means. He set out on horseback about the Ist of November, going by way of Western New York. At Genesee he left his horse, and engaged to help a young man who was just starting for Niagara with a drove of cattle. On the way they suffered much with cold, and were obliged to camp out for two nights. Late on the third day they reached

On telling his story, he received a pass from the authorities, and an introduction to Colonel Butler, Indian agent for that section of the countrye He gave him a letter to Captain Brant, the chief of the Six Nations, whose camp was about thirty miles in the direction of Detroit. He remained at the Indian camp about a week before he could get a guide. At last Captain Brant, who, in the mean time, had treated him well, procured for him two guides, who agreed to make the trip for twenty dollars. It was a weary journey, traveling through unbroken woods and swamps, in snow and sleet, only such frail shelter as they could put up after a hard day's tramp. They reached Detroit on the third day of February, 1794. Here he dismissed his guides, and presented his pass to Colonel England, the officer in command at Detroit. These were suspicious times on the frontier, so he had to stand a close examination; but after exhibiting his letters and telling the object of his travel, Colonel England gave him a permit to remain. The next day he fortunately found Mr. Robert Albert in town, and showed him his sister's letter. He said he knew her well, that he had goods with her tribe, and she had often worked for him when he was with them. He appeared very willing to give Lewis all the assistance in his power, but said that he would have to act very cautiously, as, should the Indians suspect that he was at all concerned in her release, that would be an end to his trade with them. He met also Israel Rulin, who knew her, and tried to make an arrangement with him to secure her freedom by purchase. Rulin made application to the old squaw who owned Mrs. Kina; but she could not be induced to part with her. Much disappointed at this failure, he spent some weeks at Detroit trying to devise other plans for her release. He received the sympathy and friendship of many of the best people in the place, and was advised by all to act very cautiously, as, if the Indians suspected his object, his sister would be hurried off to some of their distant camps.

Weeks passed in this way, alternating between hope and fear. All the traders he met seemed to sympathize with him; but were unwilling to run any risk to aid him. He could not even induce them to acquaint his sister with his presence in Detroit, as it would only result in a useless attempt to escape, followed by greater hardships and her removal to a distant camp Mr. Lewis, however, was determined to remain in the neighborhood and persevere in his plans, however long it might take. Just as he was looking around for means to get into the Indian country, a contractor came to Detroit to engage men to cut and clear timber round Fort Maumee. This gave him just the chance he wanted;

A few weeks afterward the advance of General Wayne and his army was reported at the fort, and with it came large numbers of Indians, who encamped in its neighborhood. Mr. Lewis had enlisted the sympathies of a companion of his daily work, Thomas Matthews, and they resolved to go out to the Indian encampment, though without much expectation of finding the missing one. :

'"' We went out," he says, ''and straggled among them in a careless manner for fear of being suspected. While thus walking about, a woman clapped her hands and cried out, ' Lord, have mercy on me!' I knew her at once, but turned my back toward her, and walked off, telling Matthews who she was. We dare not go to speak to her, but turned our course toward the fort, at the same time fixing in our minds the situation of her tent and the lay of the ground and timber about the camp. There was a large burr or white-oak tree lying prostrate near the camp, with a dense top. As we knew the Indians kept no sentries at night, we thought if we only could get her to come there at night we could easily carry her off; but how to make the arrangement with her to meet us was the puzzling part. We had observed that the squaw at whose tent she was had a cow; and it was agreed that Matthews should go the next morning to the squaw with a loaf of bread, and try to exchange it for milk. I was afraid to go myself, lest I should, by my emotion, betray myself. So Matthews went; and, fortunately, my sister was called to interpret. This gave him the opportunity he wanted, and he mingled the bread and milk talk with the plan for escape, which she agreed to. Fortunately the head engineer had command of the outposts that night, and, as he knew my story, when he learned our plans he told the guard to pass us outside of the lines, and allow us to return with any one we might bring with us. :

'* We went to the tree as soon as it was quite dark, and waited there till near daylight; but my sister did not come, and we were obliged to return to the fort disappointed. The bread and milk strategy was tried by Matthews again. He found that she had been out all night also, but in another tree-top. He soon made her understand which tree was to be our meeting-place, and returned. Again our friend, the engineer, favored us. We waited at the tree but a short time, when my sister came. Our greeting was short, as the slightest' noise might defeat our plans. We started at once for the fort. When we got within the lines, not deeming it safe to take her into the fort, we took her to a large brush-heap near the fort, where we had been at work that day, in the middle of which I had made a hollow large enough for a person to sit in quite comfortably. Here we left her, well supplied with water and provisions. The next day had nearly passed, when I heard that a boat called the Shawanee had been ordered down the river, and thence to Turtle Island. I immediately went to the boat, and frankly told the captain how I was circumstanced, and asked him to carry myself and sister to Turtle Island. After studying a few minutes, he said that he would if I could get my sister safely aboard; but said he, 'It will be almost impossible; see yonder, there are almost a hundred Indians scattered along the bank.' I told him to leave that to me. I went to the fort, got an extra suit of clothes I had, and, taking them to the brushpile, told my sister to put them on. When she was dressed, I took her by the arm as if she was sick, and started for the boat. One of my fellow-workmen saw us, and, not knowing what I had been doing, hallooed to me, ' You are afraid of Wayne, are you, and going to Detroit" I answered that I was helping this sick man on board the Shawanee, and walked on through the crowd of Indians, and got aboard without attracting attention.

''By daylight next morning we were safely moored at Turtle Island. Here we took passage on a brig bound for Detroit; but when we got to the head of the lake we were becalmed, and, fearing delay, at my request the captain landed us on the Canada side, and we walked up to Detroit. Here we procured rooms at a tavern; and I was so overcome with my anxiety and excitement that I was taken sick, and was confined to my bed for a week. We had td remain some time here before we could get a chance to go to Niagara. Colonel England again befriended me. When a vessel was about starting for the mouth of the Chippewa, he procured a passage for us, and gave us a pass. We had a smooth passage down the lake, landed at the mouth of the Chippewa, and made our way down on the Canada side to Queenstown. Here we obtained new passes, and sailed for the mouth of the Genesee River. Thence we traveled on foot to where I had left my horse on my outward trip. I found the horse had been traded off; but I got another. On this my sister rode, and I walked by her side all the way to New Jersey. We reached Somerset in the month of October, lacking only a few days of a year from the time I started out, and there was great rejoicing in the whole family and neighborhood."

Mr. Lewis remained in New Jersey about a year, finishing his professional studies, when he married and moved to the western part of Pennsylvania, and established himself in practice. In the Spring -of 1802 he moved to Hamilton, Ohio, where he lived quietly and prosperously.

In 1818 Dr. Lewis was appointed surgeon's mate of the First Regiment, Third Detachment, of Ohio militia. Colonel James Mills commanded the regiment, which rendezvoused 'at Dayton. They were ordered to St. Mary's, where the regiment was <livided into three divisions. Dr, Lewis had professional charge of the two divisions stationed at Wapakoneta and Amanda, which were on the Auglaize, almost twelve miles apart.

When news came that the British and Indians were collecting strongly near Fort Meigs, the First Regiment was ordered down the St. Mary's to that point; but Lewis' was left at Amanda in charge of a large number of sick and wounded at that place. Here he had comfortable quarters and good attendance. Sheriff James Smith, paymaster, was his room-mate.

At the end of the six months for which the regiment had enlisted they were mustered out, and returned to Hamilton. Lewis then made a visit to his friends in New Jersey, and on his return settled on his farm, which he had purchased in 1804.

The first regular physician who practiced in this town for a long time, and whose history was identified with it, was Dr. Daniel Millikin. Several of the other members of his family came here with him, or subsequently, and they and their descendants have maintained a distinguished position up to the present time.

Dr. Daniel Millikin was the first child of James and Dolly Millikin, who resided on Ten-mile Creek, in Washington County, Pennsylvania> James Millikin was born on the fifth day of January, 1752, in the county of Antrim, Ireland. His father was also named James, and was born in 1727, and his mother, formerly Martha Hemphill, was born in 1729.

The father of Dr. Millikin left Ireland, and came to Pennsylvania in 1771; when only nineteen years of age. He did what was then a very unusual thing, but what is now a common undertaking. He separated from his parents, his home, and his friends, and sought the American colonies under the ardent impulses of an adventurous spirit, to seek a home in a new country. He was not impelled to the movement by the importunities of relatives and friends who had preceded him. His example, however, was followed by his brothers William and Robert, who both lived and died in Greene County, State of Pennsylvania. He had other brothers in Ireland ; one a '' factor," and another a merchant.

As all the children of James and Dolly Millikin are deceased, it is not now possible to ascertain accurately the residence, the. pursuits, or the experiences: in life of the father after he landed in this country and previous to his marriage to Dolly McFarland, on the 31st of March, 1778. At the time of this union he was twenty-six years old. Mrs. Millikin was born near Dartmouth, in Bristol County, Massachusetts, on the 6th day of June, 1762, and was consequently, when married, under the age of This marriage was the union of a young, adventurous Protestant Irishman to a simon-pure Massachusetts Yankee girl, which resulted in a prosperous and happy married life and the rearing of a large family.

the first day of July, 1752. They had a large family. . Eight of their children were born in Bristol County, "Massachusetts, and two in Burlington, Burlington County, in the State of New Jersey. One of her brothers, Daniel McFarland, removed from Pennsylvania to Warren County, Ohio. Another brother, Abel McFarland, continued to reside on Ten-mile. He was an active, intelligent man, of more than usual prominence, having represented his county of Washington in the General Assembly of that State. His family was numerous. One of his sons, Major Daniel McFarland, was an efficient and accomplished officer, and was killed at the battle of Bridgewater during the war of 1812.