Liberty Township (part 1 of 2)

Liberty Township

A large portion of the first settlers of this township were Swiss. The writer has been told that it was at their suggestion that the name " Liberty " was adopted. They came from a country where the liberties of citizens were very much restricted by Monarchical Government, and they seemed to desire that their freedom in the new country of their adoption should be perpetuated in history, hence "Liberty Township."

Baltimore and Basil, on the canal, are in Liberty, and are both places of considerable business. Baltimore is a considerable village, and is quite noted for the strength and respectability of its secret orders. It has the usual amount of church and school facilities. Before the trade of the county was distributed by its two railroads, Baltimore had a heavy grain trade, on account of the facilities of transportation afforded by the Ohio Canal, upon whose banks it stands.

Liberty lies between Violet and Walnut, in the northern tier. I have not the facilities for giving the exact dates of its organization, or that of either of its villages, or the names of their proprietors, but they are both old villages.

The roads through Liberty follow the cardinal points. The first tavern of the place was kept by Michael Allen. The first Methodist class-leader was a Mr. Kniseley Schumaker, who also established the first Sabbath-School. The surface was originally covered with dense forests of beach, sugar, and other forest trees, to clear away which, and make the soil available for farming, was a heavy and tedious work.

Dr. H. Scott - Dear Sir: Having learned that you are engaged- in preparing a history of Fairfield County, I hereby send you a few pioneer items and incidents of the early settlement of Liberty Township, for your disposal.

I was born on the 14th day of February, 1812, just 65 years ago this day. My object is not so much to speak of what I know personally of the early history of our township, as it is to refer " to facts that transpired prior to my coming on the stage of action, and for such information I am indebted mainly to several of the descendants of the very first settlers. Among these I mention the names of Jacob Bibler, Joseph Alt and Noah Gundy, still living, and whose united ages are over two hun^ dred and forty-four years.

Old Pioneers David Brumback

^03 or 1804, and settled half a mile south of the ..^u i/o.ni of Baltimore, near Walnut Creek bridge, on the west side of the present pike. The farm is now owned by Emanuel Rinch. Mr. Brumback afterwards settled on Poplar Creek, where his son now lives. Martin Brumback, the son, has the most extensive vinyard in the county.

Bader And Showley

In 1804, Nicholas Bader and Jacob Showley came and entered a half section of land south of the Brumback place, where they lived and died. They came from Switzerland. At Pittsburg they embarked on a flat-boat and paddled down the Ohio river to the mouth of the Hockhocking. Here they put their chests and bedding in skiffs, or canoes, and poled and paddled them up to the falls of Hocking (Logan). From there they

Joseph Alt And Family

Came from the same country, one year afterward, passing over the same route. While floating down the Ohio river their boat struck a snag, and sprung a leak and sunk. They got ashore safely, but with soaked clothes and baggage. While they were waiting on the bank for another boat to come along, they built a fire and dried their clothes. At the mouth of Hocking the wife and three young children were left alone, while the father and son Joseph started on foot up stream, over hills and gullies, in search of their countrymen, Showley and Bader, in this township, and make arrangements with one of them to go to Chillicothe and enter land. The second night, while they camped in the wilderness, about midnight they heard a noise such as they never heard before. Old Joseph got up and began to stir up the fire until the sparks and flames made it light all around, and took up his gun, but the animal had fled. The next day they were told it was a panther.

Going To Mill

Old Father Bader, son of Nicholas Bader, has told me, that when a small boy, his father sent him to Ream's mill with a bushel and a half of corn, and that it required three days to make the trip. Noah Gundy says that the first grist of corn his father took to mill he carried to Newark, in Licking County. I asked how his father found the way. He said, over an Indian trail. The first horse-power mill in Liberty was built by Jacob Showley. Almost every pioneer family had a hominy-block.

Francis Bibler

Of Shenandoah County, Virginia, landed here in the woods in 1805, with four sons and four daughters. Their log-cabin was built on the spot of ground where John W. Chapman, Postmaster of Basil, now resides. This family moved into their cabin late in the fall, and before the chinking or daubing of the cracks was done.

No Bread

This family had not had a mouthful of any kind of bread in their house for over five weeks. Old Father Bibler went to Chillicothe to buy some corn. Owing to the short supply there, he only goi one bushel, for which he had to pay two dollars. This he brought home, and sent his son Jacob (my informant) to Woodring's mill, about five miles west on Walnut Creek, where he had to wait for his turn. He said that when the warm meal was running from the spout out of the burrs, he caught some in his hand, and that he never tasted anything so good in all his life.

Coons And Squirrels

The first season they planted about three acres of corn, but they did not even get a peck of ripe corn. The squirrels visited the cornfield in day-time, and the raccoons in the night. Jacob told me that his father, Abraham, went out with his rifle one morning and killed thirty-eight squirrels ofi" of one tree, and then he was not able to count the remainder on the same tree. On another occasion he brought down eighteen raccoons from a single tree.

Indians And White Boys Playing

It was a common thing for the boys of both races to meet and engage in testing their skill and activity by running footraces, jumping and tusseling.. My informant spoke of Thos. Warner's, in Walnut Township, and of Tutwiler's, and at his father's, where Basil is, as frequent meeting-places of these boys of both races. He referred by memory to the spot where A. T. Mason's residence is, and the foundry, as these old play-grounds.

"I remember," said the narrator, "of hearing ray father and other old men tell, that one time when a township election was to be held, they had to send around word and hunt up seven men in order to be able to hold an election for township officers." We have none of that kind of trouble now, and there are six to seven hundred voters in the township.

First Ministers Of The Gospel

The first resident minister was Rev. Martin Kauffman, a Baptist. Rev. John Hite, of Walnut Township, also preached in the neighborhood for many years. Rev. Fenedum, of the United Brethren, preached for a long time at the house of Mr. Showley. He was a resident of Bloom Township. Rev. Geo. Weis, of Lancaster, was the first German Reform minister who came about. He preached first at Amspach's, two and a half miles north of Basil, where St. Michael's Church now ip. This was about 1817.

Camp-Boy

In conversation with Gen. Geo. Sanderson,of Lancaster, some fifteen years ago, he told me that when he was a small boy he came with a couple of hunters into this (Liberty) township, and served them as camp-boy about a week, at a time when there was not a cabin or white man within its limits. He spoke of the site of their camp as being just above the spring, or on the hill immediately north of where Pugh's warehouse stands, at Basil, on a lot now owned by my sister, Mrs. Musser. Where now, are the hunters, and the camp-boy, and the camp?

First Tavern In Basil

Henry Yanna built the house now owned by Jacob H. Campbell, our hardware merchant. This was our first tavern. Mr. Y. was a Swiss, and a professional butcher. Many thousands of pounds of beef did he haul on the " Deep Cut " to Monticello (a town then near the present Millersport). But now Monticello is a cornfield. Beef then was sold at three cents per pound. There were more than a hundred hands constantly at work. Mr. Yanr a had for his tavern-sign an ox painted on the board.

Peter Daring

Also a Swiss, had the second tavern. There was business then for two taverns in Basil, not so much for entertainment as for the sale of whisky and " stone-fence cider," which meant four gallons of whisky in a barrel of water, to make it to keep. For his sign he had the Swiss hero, Wilhelm Tell.

First Store In Basil

Henry D. BoUe, a Frenchman, on the day of the first sale of town-lots, purchased the old homestead, which consisted of a hewed log house, and the old vacated log-cabiu, built in 1809. The purchase price was about sixty dollars. This was inlot No. 9. ^ He put one shelf up-stairs, twelve feet long and one foot wide. On this shelf he was able to put his entire stock of goods.

One year after, he put up shelving and a rough counter in the old log-cabin. In this cabin he did business for two years. In 1828 he called at our house and wanted to sell his store to my father. My father replied, "Wat do I want wid your store?" Bolle replied, "You put little Henry in dere; he make sthore-keeper some day." He left the goods in the cabin for us to sell in a year, promising to take back what was not sold. We took them at retail price, but could not make one cent on them. But father had one hundred dollars in silver, which he kept in a wooden box on top of the clothes-press. He sold a horse for fifty dollars. This made a capital of one hundred and fifty dollars, which wos carried to Lancaster on the 15th day of April, 1828, and with that amount our first purchase of merchandise was made.

Our sales did not average two dollars a daj"- during the first year, the aggregate amount sold being no more than S500. But by perseverance, diligence and attention, the Leonard brothers were enabled to navigate the turbulent waters of trade for nearly fortj' j'ears, without meeting any serious disaster from the frequent and fierce storms and hurricanes caused by the risky and unreliable trade-.winds, on account of which so many mercantile ships were swamped or sunk.

Pigeon-Hunt

There was a time in the early history of this country when wild-pigeons were so very plenty, that they literally " darkened the heavens " in their flight to and from their roost in Licking County.

On one occasion five young men set out from this neighborhood for the pigeon-roost, to bring back, as they doubted not, large numbers of these birds. Th-e company consisted of Samuel Bader, John Hively, Jacob Showley, Jacob Bibler and

Jacob Goss. The two latter are still living. They provided themselves with punk, flint and steel, for the purpose of raising a fire at night. But alas ; a cold, driving rain set in, and they were soaked to the skin, with no possibility of starting a fire, as everything was dripping wet. Their expedition was a failure, of which they never heard the last. Old Father Shriner, who was auctioneer in the settlement, or '' sale-crier," as the term was then, loved to twit the boys when they were present. " Here, Jacob," he would say, "is a tub; it will do to salt down your pigeons. How much will you give ?" Or, if he offered a small vessel, he would say, " Sell ist gut fuer Saltz," by which he meant, this will answer to carry salt for salting down your pigeons. Old Father Shriner was a jolly old pioneer. His grandchildren are now grandparents. Such is the flight of time.

Nailing Coffins Shut

Our old pioneer, David Brumback, was the undertaker in our township. He buried, or rather made all the coflSns when I was a small boy. I remember once I went with my grandfather to a funeral at Showley's, and as screws were scarce in those primitive times, nails were used to fasten down the lid of the coffin ; and I heard my grandfather tell my mother this : " Barbi, wenn ich sterbe, will ich nicht mit dem Hammer zugenagelt sein." Barbara, when I die, I will not have my coffin nailed with a hammer.

Whisky-Bottle At Funerals

I remember, too, when it was customary to carry, or hand round a bottle filled with whisky before the funeral would leave the house. I had the honor myself, when called on, to hand the long-necked green bottle around, and a young lady would follow with cakes and pies.

Indian Squaw Wounded

Mr. Noah Gundy, who has been living in the vicinity more than seventy years, told me, that the Indians almost every spring would come on Walnut Creek, near their farm, for the purpose of boiling sugar. One time a man came to hunt, and seeing some object moving among the pawpaw bushes, and be- lieving it to be a bear, fired at it, and was startled by the scream of a squaw, and alarmed, he lost no time in giving "leg-bail." The Indians were soon on his trail, but he eluded them by his fleetness, and by taking to the bed of the creek, thus causing them to lose his track; and he kept safely out of their way until the matter was settled and the Indians pacicified. Dr. Shawk, of Lancaster, was sent out to dress the wounded arm, and he partially succeeded in persuading them that it was unintentional, though they for a long time entertained lingering doubts. The squaw, however, got well, and all was over.

[This I believe to be the story that is told of the late Judge David Ewing, of Pleasant Towiiship. The circumstances are nearly the same in both statements. The friends of Mr. Ewing, however, do not locate the scene on Walnut Creek, but in the Arnold settlement, in Pleasant. They also say that the Indians refused the services of a doctor, and that the affair was settled by Daniel Arnold and others, by the payment of money and other things. - Ed.]

A Hog Story

At o»e time old Father Gundy drove forty head of fat hogs all the way to Zanesville, Ohio, for which he expected to receive $1.50 per hundred, but it seems that when he arrived with the porkers, Mr. Buckingham backed out, and said that he could not pay more than $1.25 a hundred, that they had come too late. Mr. Gundy was displeased, an I said, "You shan't have them." So the old man left the forty fat hogs to take care of themselves, and returned home in a bad humor. Strangely enough, in about three weeks every one of the hogs straggled back to the Gundy farm, over a distance of more than forty miles, and were afterwards sold to a Chillicothe man for $1.50 per hundred pounds. Hogs were then sold by net weight.

In the early settlement of our township, especially before we had a canal, our farmers would go to Zanesville with their wagons and exchange their wheat for salt. At one time six or eight teams from Walnut Creek went in company, and after they had sold and unloaded their wheat, they drove to the, salt-house. Mr. Fairchild (long since dead") said to the clerk, or salt man, " We will bet you a gallon of brandy that we have a man in our crowd that can pick up a barrel of salt by the chimes and lift it into the wagon. " After the salt man had eyed the crowd closely, and could see no giant among them, he said, "Agreed." Mr. Fairchild then called out, "John Huntwork,- pull oflf your coat and go to work." And John did not only load one barrel, but, as one wagon after another drove up, he picked up the barrels of salt as though they were firkins of butter, and loaded the wagons. And it is to be remembered, that at that time a barrel of salt weighed more than 280 pounds ; many of them weighed over 300. Mr. Noah Gundy (my informant) further told me, that John Huntwork at one time carried eleven bushels of wheat up a pair of steps at one load. The wheat was put in one large sack especially for the occasion. .

An Indian Scare

It was rumored that the Indians were coming in to plunder the pioneers. Bibler'.s cabin was the place of rendezvous. It was not long before several guns were heard at a neighboring cabin, when the women began to scream. One old lady said : " ! I wish the Indians had killed me long ago." My mother wanted father to go, but he said no, he would not run away from his own house. They all stayed at home, but no savages appeared. The rumor had been started and the guns fired by rowdies, for fun, but the neighbors did'not recognize the fun.

How Basil Got Its Name

Old Father Jacob Goss landed here in 1807 or 1808, and put up a cabin. He had two sons and one daughter. When the canal was being located, Henry Hildebrand laid out a new town, which was named New Market, but is now the "Baltimore, Ohio." Jonathan Flattery surveyed the lots of Basil, and when he was through he asked Father Goss what he was going to call his town, and he (Goss) decided to leave the naming of it to his neighbors. My father proposed Basil,* and 'Squire Joseph Hustand proposed Geneva, both Swiss names. It was decided to determine by ballot. At this stage of the case, I, a boy, came along on my return from the old Hively log school-house, with my copy-book under my arm. Father told me to write some tickets, which I did, upon a blank sheet torn from my copy-book. The votes were cast, and upon counting out from the hat it was found that there were six for Basil and six for Geneva - a tie. At this point my uncle, John Goss, came up the hill, when my father said : "John, vote Basil." He gave the casting vote, and hence Basil. I was, therefore, the first to write the name of our village, Basil. This was in 182-5, and therefore these two villages are a little over (ifty years old. Henry Hildebrand was first proprietor of Baltimore, and Jacob Goss first proprietor of Basil.

The First Corn Pone

A number of our Swiss families, instead of going to the mouth of Hocking, and up that stream in skiffs, turned up the Muskingum and came to Zanesville, a nearer and more eligible route. Among them were the Weber and Erb families. They laid up a little below Zanesville. In the morning, old Mother Erb went to a cabin near by to get some milk for their coffee. She took with her a silver quarter. The woman of the house had no change. The old lady made motion for her to let her have a piece of what she took to be an egg-pudding, which she saw in the skillet. The woman gave her the whole of it, and she hurried back to the camp with the pudding (?) in her apron, saying: "Now we will have a nice breakfast." The pudding was cut, but no one could eat a bite of it. Even their dog would not touch it. It was a corn pone. But they got well over that before they were five years older.

Cheap Wheat And Corn

Joseph Bibler told me only last week, when speaking of the price of grain, after the little farmers had raised more than they needed, that they would have been glad to have got ten cents a, bushel for their corn, but could not get five cents cash.

At one time he (Bibler) went to Lancaster to see if he could sell some wheat. A prominent citizen and business man there, said to him : " I have no use for any wheat now, but if you will bring it in and empty it into one of these mud- holes, SO our gentlemen can have a clean and dry walk, I will give you twelve and a half cents a bushel." I had heard the story before, but this from my old and reliable friend settled the question.

Conclusion Recollections Of Michael Leist

Michael Lsist was born in Clear Creek Township sixty-six years ago, and has resided within its bounds all his life. The following are the names of the first settlers of the township, to the extent that he remembers them.

John Leist (father of Michael) came in 1805. He is well remembered. He served many years as Justice of the Peace, and was thirteen times elected to the State Legislature. The very first settlers of Clear Creek, as Mr. Leist remembers them, he named as follows - the time of their arrival varying from 1800 to 1810. They settled in difi"erent parts of the township:

Martin Smith, Mr. Binhimer, the Fosnaughts (the descendants of the Fosnaughts constitute a large voting force of the township to this day). John, Nicholas and Daniel Conrad came early. Henry and Daniel Conrad, two descend- ants, are still living, at an advanced age. George Conrad is still living at the age of 82 years. He was a son of John Conrad. Daniel has two sons living, and Nicholas one. George Nigh was a very early settler. His descendants are all dead. Peter Swineford settled east of John Leist. John Welsheimer, Mr. Stott, John Starr, Peter Good, Peter Baker, George Baker. George Stout and Benjamin Chrisman were among the early settlers of Clear Creek. Mr. Dilsaver built the first horse-mill in the township. This was a little east of Stoutsville. . George and John Hammel settled a little east of Dilsaver's. George Augustus was a very early settler. There were either three or four of the Hedges amongst the firstcomers. They had a numerous progeny, and the family is still conspicuous in Clear Creek. John Reynolds came very early. His three sons, Stuart, Thompson and Franklin, are all dead. Mr. Stukey was among the first pioneers in Clear Creek Township. Two or three brothers by the name of Friend came about the same time. Their descendants still reside in the township. Mr. Spangler was among the first settlers. Two of his sons are still living, viz. : Jeremiah and Samuel. Jacob Schuraaker, a pioneer, lived and died in Clear Creek Township. Jonathan Dressback was a very early

Dutch Hollow Church

Mr. Leist described the two-story log church, built seven-ty years ago, in Dutch Hollow. Among the preachers who attended there more or less regularly, were Rev. George Wise, German Reform; Rev. Stake, Lutheran ; Rev. Leist and Rev. Bing. -

* Mr. Leist also gave an interesting description of the first school-house' and school in Dutch Hollow, near the church. School was kept there from two to three months in the year. The back-logs for the fire were drawn in with the log-chain and horse power, through an opening in the wall opposite the fireplace, and in very cold days the opening was closed by banking up the ashes to keep the cold wind out. He learned to spell by rote from hearing his brothers spell, before he knew a letter of the alphabet. On one occasion he cried because the master refused to allow him to stand up with the spelling class ; but to please him, finally he was permitted, and when the hard words passed along down the class, missed by several, he spelled them correctly and went up, very much to the amusement of the school.

The first election for the township was held in a log school house near its center. The same spot has been the voting place ever since, and continues to be at this day. George Valentine was remembered as among the early 'Squires. The pioneer house-raisings, log-rollings, corn-huskings, rail-maul- Ings, grubbings, quiltings, and the like, were referred to as things that had been, but that are never to be again. Also, the old hominy-block, the corn-grater; mills dried up and scarcity of breadstufis - the dear old days of peace, and happiness, and brotherhood.

Source changes here: from History of Fairfield County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, by Miller, Charles Christian, published 1912; 13,981 words in this source stream.

Liberty Township

Liberty township is bounded on the north by Licking County, on the east by Walnut township, on the south by Greenfield and on the west by Violet. It is a regular township of 36 sections. It v.as named Liberty at the request of the first settlers who were from Switzerland. They had emigrated from a land where their liberties had been much restricted and they desired to perpetuate the change to . freedom, hence the name Liberty.

The surface of Liberty township, formerly covered with a dense forest, is generally flat, being slightly rolling al)out Baltimore and Basil. Walnut Creek is the principal stream in the township and crosses the southern part of the township. Poplar Creek is its principal tributary. The Ohio Canal crosses the southwestern part of the township. A portion of the Refugee tract of land is situated in the northem part of the township. The roads through Liberty follow the cardinal points.

Among the first settlers were Christian Gundy, who came from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1809, and settled in the southern part of the township, David Brumbach who came in 1803, and the early Swiss settlers were Nicholas Bader, Joseph Alt and

Rev. Henry Leonard furnished this list of settlers and families who lived in Liberty township prior to 181 1, viz : The Ebersoles, Cooks, Campbells, Zirkles, Hiesers, Alts, Heistands, Apt. Finkbone, Kemerer, Paff, Bolenbaugh, Rouch, Newell, Blauser, Brown, Shriner, Knepper, Moorehead, Olinger, Wright, Tusing, Gromilers, McCalla, Switzer, Amspach, Heyle, Farmers, Leonard, Sann, Rouch, Sagers and Wilsons.

Liberty township is a fertile township and large quantities of grain are grown. In an early day ginseng grew in large quantities in the woods and the settlers depended on the sale of this root to pay their taxes.

Baltimore

There are two prosperous villages in Liberty township, Baltimore and Basil, both on the Toledo and Ohio Central Railway, and only one mile apart. Baltimore is the older of the two villages, dating back to 1824. In the early days of the Ohio Canal, Baltimore was a great market for grain, which was shipped via the canal. Wing and Atwood built the first grain warehouse ; Amos Sweazy built another soon afterward. Wing Ruffner and Coulson built the first grist-mill in 1835.

Baltimore was laid out by Henry Hildebrand in 1824 and in honor of his native villaee named New Market, from his nafive town of New Market, Va. This name was subsequently changed to Baltimore and was incorporated by act of legislature February 19, 1833.

hended in the plat (which is on file) of the town of Baltimore, with such plats as have been or may hereafter be recorded as additions thereto, be and the same is hereby erected into and constituted a town corporate by the name of Baltimore."

Sections 2 and 9 provide for the making and repealing- of ordinances (which have been done from time to time to conform to the general laws) for the levying of taxes, assessing fines, working the streets, etc.

There have been more general changes in reference to the government of villages and towns, such as changing the time and mode of elections and names of officers, to which our town has conformed.

Sections 16 provides "that this act shall be taken and received in all courts and by all public officers as a public act, and all copies of it printed under the authority of the General Assembly shall be admitted as good and conclusive evidence thereof.

Section 17 provides "that the sheriff of Fairfield County is hereby required to receive any person in the jail of said county who may be ordered to be imprisoned in pursuance to the provisions of this act or any ordinances under it, and he shall receive the same fees for his services as he is entitled to in like cases.

Section provides "that any future legislature shall have power to alter, amend or repeal this act (This act has been amended by general laws, but has never been repealed).

Baltimore has at this date - January, 1912 - a population of 675, which is gradually increasing. For several years after the completion of the Ohio Canal, 1832, Baltimore was a place of considerable importance, large quantities of wheat and corn and other produce were purchased by the business men of the village and shipped via the canal to eastern markets. The village has one hotel, three dry goods stores, two groceries, one bank, one restaurant, one planing-mill, one undertaking establishment and furniture store, one drug store, one butcher shop, one paper-mill, one box factory and three churches - the Alethodist Episcopal, United Brethren and United Evangelical.

At an early date in its history the village sustained a newspaper called the "Baltimore Times." It originated in 1832 and existed about four years. A. D. Rawlings was the publisher. At this date the village and the surrounding country supports a newspaper, called the "Twin City News," of which E. O. Weist is the editor and proprietor.

The following are the officers of the village : Mayor, S. S. Weist ; Clerk, Frank Good; marshal!, I. D. Lines; treasurer, John Fenstermaker. Councilmen - J. R. Johnson, I. N. Carnes, A. Hansberger, Charles Betz, H. Hanna and L. R. Davis.

One of the chief manufactories of Baltimore is the paper mill. In 1893 the Fairfield Paper Company built this mill. It was built to make paper out of straw. After it had run three or four years, there was an injunction served on them for polluting the water in the creek. As a result, the mill was turned into an old paper and wood pulp mill. In 1909, a company was formed, which took the mill and in 1910, this company built one of the largest corrugated paper factories in the country. It is now running and so is the paper mill. Joseph Smart built the paper mill. Local and foreign capital built the corrugated box factory. C. M. Wagner, A. Hansbarger and N. H. Carpenter of Baltimore are members of this company and the remaining stock is held by Coshocton, Ohio, people.

The following stores and places of business are found in Baltimore (1912): W. C. and E. E. Hansbarger, general merchandise; C. J. Betz and \V. R. Osburn, groceries and dry goods; J. A. Kumler, druggist; A. E. Johnson and Co., furniture and undertaking; Baltimore Hardware Co., George H. Lohr and W. W. Fultz; C. A. Thomas, bakery; J. W. Jones, grocery and postmaster; G. E. Miller, restaurant; W. L. Buchanan, hotel; J. H. Gierhart, meat market; H. E. Johnson and H. C. Swarner. tailors; Harvey Swarner, jewelry store; store; and the Buckeye Planing Mill Co., A. J. Keller, president and manager.

The following tailors have plied their trade in Baltimore the last 70 years: Mr. Burkey, Isaac Smurr, James Black, James Horn, Frank Littlejohn, Henry Schaertzer, Joseph Trovinger, James Terrence, Jacob Kaiser, Frank Gibson, H. Brown, Frank Gehring, William Luby, Pete Bitlich, H. E. Johnson, H. C. Swarner.

From an authentic source we have been able to get the names of the following doctors who have served the people of Baltimore: Drs. Sprague, Hore (son-inlaw of Sprague), Fisher, J. E. Miller, Herman Heston, J. W. Whittier, J. Peters, C.

Among the very early physicians of Baltimore were Dr. S. S. Gohegan, Dr. William Ouinn and Dr. Helmick, later Dr. Hummell and Thomen. Dr. Helmick Jr. is now a successful practitioner at Commercial Point, Ohio.

Dr. H. I. Hummell was born near Carroll in 1839. While quite a young man he read medicine, and settled in Baltimore in 1859. He attended lectures for two years after he came to Baltimore and at the end of that time, March 28, 1861, he was married to Mary Holmes who was born at Carroll, October 6, 1838. To them were born two children, a boy and a girl, both of whom died in infancy. He was a candidate for representative two different times. He was a life-long Democrat, and a recognized leader of his party. Mrs. Hummell died May 13, 1904, aged 66 years, seven months and seven days. Her husband, the doctor, died June 18, 1904, and was buried at the old Betzer cemetery west of Carroll. Dr. Hummell enjoyed a large and lucrative practice for many years. He always had hosts of friends, to whom he was generous to a fault. He was a constant reader of current events, as well as along professional lines. There are hundreds of people living today who were made to feel his ability in the sickroom, and who remember him as a generous-hearted friend. In the busy days of his practice he was always neat, clean and correctly attired, with a cheerful greeting for every one.

Dr. Benjamin K. Thomen was born in 1831 and graduated in i860 from the Cincinnati Medical College. He practiced medicine for 40 years, a faithful, earnest worker and a fine Christian gentleman.

Dr. Thomen has a wide influence for good. He was a leader among his people, in church and in the daily walks of life, during his long practice. On account of advancing years he has retired from active practice, and is living in Cleveland with his son, Dr. A. A. Thomen. He has ever been a faithful, consistent member of the Methodist church.

One of the interesting features of Baltimore in the early days was the Dry Dock. The Canal was completed in 1829 and in the early '40s, James Thorn built the first Dry Dock. The first boat built at this dock was the Truro and the last one was the Star which was built by J. W. Whitely. James Thorn had charge of the dock for five or six years when he sold it to Mr. Beaty who kept it less than two years. J. W. Whitely was the next owner and he had charge of it till about 1870 when he sold it to Samuel Rader. After running the dock two years he sold it to R. C. Soliday who owned it when the last boat went through the locks.

This Dry Dock was considered the best one between Cleveland and Portsmouth and, very often, from five to thirty boats could be seen in the dock waiting for re- ])airs. Sometimes from 30 to 50 boats were in this dock over the winter to be painted and repaired.

I'Vom 1840 to 1875 Baltimore was a great grain shipping point. There were five large warehouses owned by Wing & Coulson, iVlspach, Reed, Cohegan and Brown & Glazer. Frequently, at sunrise, wagons loaded with grain could be seen standing, waiting their chance to unload, one-fourth mile in each direction, north, south and east and west.

The only one living who worked on the Dock is A. L. Gierhart, now of Tiffin, Ohio. The following who worked there in the 6o's are all gone: J. W. Whitely, J. N. Holland, Christ Barclew, Samuel Rader, Samuel Weller, R. C. Soliday, Wm. Culp, E. H. Wright, Joseph Codner, Jonathan McCalister.

The F'irst National Bank of Baltimore, Ohio. - A. Hansbarger, president; I. N. Carnes, vice president; C. M. Wagner, cashier; J. W. Fenstermaker, assistant cashier. This bank was organized under the National Banking laws in the year 1905 with paid up capital of $25,000. Its doors were open to the public for business April 1, 1905, with the following ofificers and directors: A. Hansbarger, president; I. N.

And Representative Citizens

Carnes, vice president; C. M. Wagner, cashier; John Bright, T. D. Ketner, E. B. Wagner. Due to the growing business in the year 1908, the directorate was increased to seven in number, electing W. C. Hansbarger apd J. R. Johnson, and employing J. W. Fenstermaker, son of James Fenstermaker as assistant cashier. This bank is a strong financial factor in the community, the capital stock being owned by some of the most influential people in the community.

The following compose present board of directors and officers : A. Hansbarger, president; I. N. Carnes, vice president; E. B. Wagner, J. R. Johnson, T. D. Ketner, W. C. Hansbarger, John Bright, C. M. Wagner, cashier ; J. W. Fenstermaker, assistant cashier. The cashiers are home boys reared on the farm and have the push and energy that knows no defeat. They have the able support of a board of directors, business men and farmers; as their financial records will show, their cry has been no defeat but on to victory.

Lamb Brothers - Stock Dealers, Baltimore, Ohio. - The firm of Lamb Brothers was organized in 1894 by Charles F. and William H. Lamb for the purpose of buying and shipping- fat stock. They soon became the leading sliippers of Fairfield County. In 1896 they added to their business. Their monthly stock sales were a success from the beginning, the amount sold running from fifteen to thirty thousand dollars. The sales were held on the home farm, two miles east of Baltimore, up to igo2, when they built their large barns and stockyards at the rear of the Toledo & Ohio Central depot in Baltimore. In 1905 F. M. Lamb, the younger brother was taken into the firm and in that year they handled

1,365 horses alone. In 1907 they added real estate to their business and have made a success of it. They handle lots of southern land in Texas and Oklahoma, also in and around Columbus, as well as in Fairfield County. Their business has exceeded a million dollars a year for several years. The firm consists of Charles F., William H. and Floyd M. Lamb, sons of Worthington M. Lamb.

The first newspaper published in Baltimore was called "The Messenger," and its first issue came out on Thursday, November 18, 1886, the work upon this first issue being done by Mr. B. B. Holland. It was first owned by William L. Mains. Mr. Mains sold to P. G. Evans in 1887; he kept it only a very short time, selling to George Sull, who in 1888 moved the paper to Rushville. October i, 1889. D. B. Kumler and William Burton started the "Fairfield County News" and conducted it under that name until June i, 1893, when Mr. E. O. Weist bought the paper and changed the name to the "Twin City News." Mr. Weist is still editor and proprietor and issues the paper weekly at Baltimore. It is a neat, newsy sheet, with a wide circulation and a good advertising department.

The first company organized was in 1886. A well was started in the John NefT tile yard lot where Prof. J. J. Wagner now lives. They drilled 1,500 feet, got a showing of gas when they lost their tools. They worked about eight months and then abandoned the well, having spent $5,800. The ofticers of this company were - A. J. Musser, president; J. M. Bowling, secretary and treasurer. Had they gone down 1,900 feet

The next company organized was the South Liberty Gas and Oil Co., capital $25,- 000, which was incorporated in July, 1908. They put their first well down on the old Bibler farm between Baltimore and Basil. They drilled in a 5,000,000 gas well on the 26th of January, 1909. The first officers were - A. J. Weaver, president; H. L. Finkbone, secretary; John Bright, treasurer; A. J. Wagner, A. T. Keller, D. S. Cook and O. J. Weist, directors. They have put down ten wells and are furnishing Basil with gas. The present officers are - D. W. Alt, president; Jay Brown, secretary, G. W. Kumler, treasurer; A. J. Weaver, H. L. Tussing, Jefif Roley and H. L. Finkbone, directors.

The Baltimore Oil and Gas Co. was incorporated February 8, 1909, with I. N. Carnes, president; W. H. Lamb, vice president; E. C. Wilson, secretary and C. M. Wagner, treasurer. The present officers are - W. H. Lamb, president; J. R. Johnson, vice president; C. M. Sands, secretary; and C. M. Wagner, treasurer. They have put down about ID wells and have never got a dry hole. After the first well was drilled in by the South Liberty Co., the old gas companies, such as the Columbus Natural Gas Co., The Columbus Light and Fuel Co., the Springfield Gas Co., the Logan Gas Co., all got in the field, and at least 125 wells have been drilled in Liberty, Walnut and Greenfield townships.

The largest well was put down on Lige Holland's land at the creek bridge near the old tan yard by the Baltimore Co. The instruments could only measure 12 million and this well exceeded that amount. The company let it become salted and lost the well. The flow of gas after three years is much diminished and many wells have been pulled, but there are many remaining that are good producers.

Baltimore Lodge, No. 475, F. & A. M. - This lodge was organized early in the year 1873 and worked under a dispensation until October 22, 1873, when a charter was granted with the following charter members : Harrison Applegate, master, W. W. Lucky, Sr. W., D. H. Sands, Jr. W., William Myers, William Cook, Daniel Albright, John H. Schaertzer, Thomas Smurr, Louis Shearer, J. R. Brant, Elias K. Grube, John Sands, G. W. Watson, J. W. Buchanan, E. F. Holland, Baltimore Lodge is in a flourishing condition, with a present membership of 75 in good standing. The lodge owns its own home, which is located on the second floor on the northwest corner of the public square. The total membership of Baltimore Lodge since instituted is 165 (Dec, 191 1 ).

Baltimore Lodge, No. 202, L O. O. F., was instituted June 11, 1852. The charter members were Casper Fidler, A. L. Simmons, H. L. Nicely, William Potter, J. Bartolomew, William J. Smart, J. Ketner, J. Schlooser, James Pugh, Job McNamee, Thomas M. Watson, John H. Weakly, Frederick GrafT, William Paul, Elijah Warner. The number of members in July, 1882, was 92. In 1876 the lodge erected a neat and commodious brick hall, at a cost of $2,000. In 191 1 there were 50 members. The lodge is in a flourishing condition and hold regular meetings every Tuesday evening of each week.

This Grand Army post was instituted at Baltimore, Ohio, October 2, 1882, with the following charter members : A. L. Gierhart, S. S. Weist, William Cook, J. W. Jones, James Buchanan, Geo. W. Allis, John Bright, W. A. Wright, A. W. Snyder, Amos Smith, James Outcalt, W. W. Oliver. Number of members since the organization has been loi ; deaths since the organization, 48. The post holds regular meetings the second Wednesday afternoon of each month. Col. Val Cupp Post, No. 263 and the Woman's Relief Corps of the same name, No. 232, were named in honor of Col. Valentine Cupp, who was killed at the battle of Chickamauga.

Col. Val Cupp Woman's Relief Corps, No. 232, was instituted at Baltimore, Ohio. June 13, 1894, with the following charter members: Sarah Jones, Martha Arnold, Rebecca Rudesill, Meda Buchanan, Matilda Gierhart, Hulda Cook, Ellen Showers, Rebecca Weist, Mary Outcalt, Carrie Hansbarger, Mary J. Showers, Caroline E. Montgomery and Anna C. Chapman. The number of members at the present time is 26. The corps holds regular meetings on the afternoon of the first Wednesday of each month.

Baltimore Churches

The Presbyterian church had a society here at an early date. History records a brick building belonging to the congregation. The edifice is said to have been used in subsequent years for a schoolhouse. A frame church building belonging also to them was still standing about forty years ago. This building was sold to the Reformed Church people and was repaired by them, and for some years they had a fine congregation, as well as a flourishing Sunday school. At this date (1912) neither the Presbyterian nor the Reformed people have an organized congregation in Baltimore.

Jesse Schlusser and Rev. Gardner were at one time pastors of the Presbyterian church, while Rev. Gilpin, Rev. From, Rev. H. H. Sands, Rev. Strassner and Rev. Christman were pastors in the Reformed church. Among the early members of the Presbyterian were E. J. Johnson and wife, John Outcalt, Frederic Outcalt, Richard Sutphen, James Outcalt and Jonas Messerly. Among the members of the Reformed church were Jacob Kellenberger, Daniel Geselle, John and Mary Freidley.

The Baltimore Baptist church was organized about 1832. The first building - a brick structure - was practically destroyed in 1835, the gable end of the church, during services, being blown in and resulting in death to three individuals and injury to several others. The pulpit being in that end of the building, the minister had a narrow escape from death.

It was about that time that the building yet standing (see note) and now occupied by the United Brethren people was erected. Henry and Hannah Goss deeded the land for a church site about 1834. No services by the Baptist people have been held in this building since 1885 and the last Baptist association here was in 1877. Among the old members were Joseph Stouder, John Hite, Abraham Hite, Joseph Hite. John Bibler, Jacob Bibler, Abraham Bibler, Joseph Bibler ( father-in-law to J. W. Chapman), William Wing, William Lamb, Samuel Hite, J. C. Hite, Hannah and Deborah Clark, W. W. and Su.san Nash, Malis.sa Gohegan, Robinet Cheney and family.

In 1901 the Methodist people of Baltimore, Ohio, began to make preparation for the building of a new house of worship. Sunday, December 20, 1903, witnessed the culmination of their efforts. A magnificent structure, suitable in every way for the needs of a large and flourishing congregation, now stands completed - ^the best gift Methodism can leave to its children.

The elements were in a state of warfare, the congregation consequently small, but the spirit of love and loyalty, of consecration and duty, was present at each service. Promptly at ten o'clock the opening service was begun. The most intense interest was manifest, plainly proving that large congregations can not corner the spirit of enthusiasm. Led by the choir, the congregation joyfully offered their praise to God in song and then declared their faith in God by repeating the Apostles' creed. The Rev. C. M. Prior then invoked God's blessing upon this people assembled and universally. Professor Gordon favored the audience with a well rendered vocal selection. Following this number the Rev. R. T. Stevenson, D. D.. Professor of History and Literature in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. Ohio, delivered a most telling discourse, dealing with the growth and extent of God's kingdom.

Immediately at the close of the sermon, the l)astor, J. H. \\'estervelt, announced that there was a debt of $3,500 to be met before the church could be dedicated to God's service. A small congregation, the most disagreeable sabbath of the year, an enthusiastic people - such were the conditions, but the spirit of liberality present came off more than conqueror, for the total amount asked - $2,500 - was raised at the morning service.

At seven o'clock the doors were opened for the final services of the day. Dr. Stephenson preached a splendid revival sermon ; the remainder of the debt was raised with comparative ease and, upon the suggestion of the pastor a fund was raised for a new organ. Subscriptions for over thirty-five hundred dollars had been handed in ; the debt was paid, a new organ for the Sunday school room had been provided for. and the people were enthused. How could we help breaking forth into "Praise God from \Vhom all blessings

The closing feature of the day was the dedication of the church to the service and worship of Almighty God. In behalf of the board of trustees, Rev. J. H. Westervelt presented the church for dedication, after which the prayer of consecration was read by Dr. Stevenson. Brothers Espy of the United Evangelical Association, Hopper and Montgomery of the United Brethren, and Prior, a former pastor of the church, were present and assisted in the dedication exercises.

The church has been dedicated and w ill hereafter be closely connected with the interests of our community. It is a joy to us, as well as a source of pride, speaking, as it does, of the prosperity of Methodism in Baltimore. In a little more than a year we have raised almost $9,000 for our new church, besides meeting in full our current expense. We have been able to consummate our plans and desires because of the abiding presence of our Heavenly Father.

Early in the year of 1892 a strong desire arose in the minds and hearts of the leading spirits of the church for a new church building. This was during tlie last year of the pastorate of the late Rev. A. F. Hixon. Several meetings were held at which the question of building a new church was thoroughly discussed. To test the matter the pastor and several official members were authorized to take subscriptions for the object in view. None were able to give largely but all gave willingly until a total subscription of $3,200 was secured. At this point the Senior Dorcas Society pledged themselves and have since raised the sum of $1,000. Using this subscription as a basis, a building committee of five was appointed to devise ways and means whereby a church might be built. This committee consisted of Dr. B. K. Thomen, S. S. Weist, C. A. Thomas, W. R. Osbourn and S. T. Keller, together with the pastor as an exofficio member.

As quickly as circumstances would permit, plans and specifications were secured. Here the first hitch occurred, in the overlooking of the fact that the building trades were being crowded with work to their utmost capacity for execution and that prices for labor and material were consequently at their highest point. Plans were formed and matured for the removal of the old church from the site which it had occupied for almost seventy years during the delay incident to the necessary change in building plans. We have been compelled to worship in a building whose beauty has been marred seriously by breaks in the plastering, and discolored walls, to say nothing from the inconveniences we have suffered from uncarpeted, and consequently cold floors. God has been with us, however, and today we can rejoice in that, like the Apostle Paul, we have been forgetting the things of the past and continually looking forward unto those things which were before.

Bope, the son of Jacob Bope who, in 1838, built the church which we have discarded, was secured, and in April we began the work of excavation. Too much cannot be said in honor of those of the building committee, church membership, and friends, who so generously gave of their labor in order that we might be saved the cost of excavation. The spirit of earnest devotion has characterized the entire work. Especially is S. S. Weist to be honored for the careful oversight which he has given throughout the entire time consumed in the erection of the church.

Dr. B. K. Thomen, I. N. Carnes, and the members of the building committee have a warm place in our hearts by their close attention to the decoration and detailed matters relating to the thorough completion of our church. The building completed is generously commended by visiting ministers and laymen as one of the finest to be found in any small Ohio town. In closing this sketch of our church enterprise, too much cannot be laid upon the generosity of our friends who so kindly donated our splendid art glass windows, the Dorcas Society, who have donated $1,000 for the purpose of our elegant oak pews, pulpit, furniture and the construction of the church, the Junior Dorcas Society for the gift of a new bell. Without exception, all have labored earnestly and conscientiously that they might present to Almighty God a building suitable for his worship and worthy of Baltimore Methodism.

"The most reliable authorities we have been able to consult in their statements concerning the founding of a Methodist church in Baltimore, agree in placing the date of the Society's organization as 1829. Seventy-four years ago, during the pastor- ate of Rev. Zacariah Conull, the local class of the Methodist Episcopal church was organized. Among the charter members appear the names of Lyman Terell, Amos T. Swazy and William Taylor, together with the names of their wives. The pastors of our society in the early days were Zacariah Conull, Lenn White and Samuel Hamilton. From the records on hand nothing can be gathered pertaining to the growth or influence of the church at this early period ; with no stated meeting-place, public worship was observed at the homes of the several members.

As the spirit of the Lord began to work in the hearts of men and souls were garnered for the Master, the spirit of church loyalty and enterprise developed. The need of a place set apart for the exclusive use of a house of God, began to be felt. Men began to bestir themselves. Undaunted by their small numbers, they united their efforts. Shoulders were willingly bent to the burden. Materials were gathered together, and within a few months after the organization of the society, a small brick building was erected. It was located upon the same spot where for almost eighty years Baltimore Methodism has held sway.

About six years after the completion of this crude building, the Baltimore society had grown so large numerically that the first church, which at its best (and the best of those days was poor, as compared to present-day ideals), was most illy adapted to the needs of a growing congregation - was too small to hold the people who assembled from time to time to hear the Gospel of Christ proclaimed from the sacred desk. A meeting of the membership voiced the sentiment that Baltimore needed a new church. Difficulties were in the way;

There were heroes in those days, however, as there are today, and with the indomitable will which the sturdy pioneer of those days possessed, actuated by the most holy of desires, our fathers and mothers formulated plans whereby God's name might be glorified and his cause advanced by the erection of a temple suitable for the needs of his people. Not only did our parents give of their money, but they labored with their hands. Finances were at low ebb with most, but they gave of their little. Teams were offered that the small donations might not be dissipated by a useless extravagance. The stone for the foundation and the lumber for the superstructure were carted most gladly by the membership that the class might not be unduly involved in debt. They did not build hastily nor unsoundly, as their children and grandchildren can testify. Dedicating their second church in 1837, under the ministry of the Revs. C. W. Swain and W. T. Hand, our forefathers laid a foundation upon which we have builded characters which count largely in the civic and religious circle of our community.

In this structure God's presence has been manifested time and time again; God has been in his holy temple. Souls freed from sin's bondage and born into a new and higher life, have rejoiced "with a joy unspeakable and full of glory." Hearts that have hungered have had broken unto them the bread of life ; sorrows have been soothed, burdens lifted, spiritual disease cleansed by the Good Shepherd, who so loved us that he sacrificed his life for us.

In this church of our father's the child, as well as the adult has experienced the sacrament of baptism. Here we have consecrated ourselves anew, as we have partaken of His blood. Here hearts have been united in holy matrimony. Here we have taken our last view of loved ones who now await us beyond, and here penitential tears have fallen and shouts of praise and joy have been raised as the blessed Savior has whispered, "Son, Daughter, thy sins be forgiven thee." Yes, the old building has been most sacred to us as individuals and as a community, and though we move to newer and better quarters, our hearts go back to the old home in most precious memories.

During the sixty-six years that elapsed since its erection, the old building has always been kept in good repair and today, notwithstanding its removal from its old position to the site where it now stands, its timbers are as sound and well preserved as when first hewn from the tree. The splendid new structure into which we move is our only apology for parting with that which has been so intimately connected with the life and history of our organization.

The society now has a membership of over 278, with strong auxiliaries. Our membership has kept pace with the growth and development of the town and the present outlook holds out strong prospect of future success.

One of the most potent factors in our church life has been our Sunday school. During the years the membership has enjoyed a constant growth, the enrollment be- 175- Superintendent W. R. Osbourn, with his efficient corps of officers and teachers, have labored most earnestly to promote

The Epworth League is another factor in our church life. Call upon our young people for what you may, they will not fail you, and the very present hope that broader lines of living will soon be entered upon by our young people. Another strong ally of the church is the Dorcas Society. Many pleasures and comforts of the church had their origin in this society. The leaders of the Dorcas Society are appealed to on many occasions for the many incidental features which so greatly contribute to the comfort of the church. To this society we owe a great debt for their noble efforts in the raising of funds for the erection of our present structure. Closely related to the Dorcas Society is the Junior Dorcas Society, which is composed of the young ladies and girls of our church. Too much cannot be said in their praise. Several hundred dollars have been raised and pledged as the result of their work during the past two years.

Baltimore charge, as it is now known, was formed in 1842, and has continued to exist, with some changes in the outlying appointments as a circuit. Baltimore charge has two appointments - Baltimore and Basil. The following are the officers of the two churches (191 i).

Baltimore United Brethren Church. - Steps were taken as early as 1893, toward organizing a United Brethren Church in Baltimore. Enos S. Miller, now among the redeemed in heaven, Prof. J. J. Wagner, C. M. Wagner were among the first to give the matter substantial consideration. In 1894 the Baptist church was leased for a term of fifteen years and an organization was efifected. The following and others were charter members: Enos S. Miller, Rev. L. H. Montgomery, wife and daughter, John Blauser and wife, Jacob Alt and C. M. Wagner.

The first Board of Trustees was composed of the following members: Enos S. Miller, J. J. Wagner, C. M. Wagner, E. B. Wagner, L. H. Montgomery, John Blauser and Jacob Alt.

The Sunday School was organized July 7, 1895 by the pastor. Rev. A. J. Wagner, with the following ofificers : C. M. Wagner, superintendent; E. C. Willison, assistant superintendent; O. O. Thomen, secretary; Elisha Ranch, treasurer; Bertha Born and Alice Snider, librarians; Josephine Willison, organist.

finally boug-ht and was in use until 1910, when the present splendid, modern, commodious edifice was built at a cost of $15,000, and dedicated June 11, 191 1, by Dr. W. R. Funk.

In this beautiful up-to-date church, an intelligent congregation of loyal people gather weekly for worship. They have before them an encouraging future, and behind them is an illustrious record of the United Brethren Church. Samuel Heistand, a former bishop of the denomination, lies buried at Bethel, two and one half miles distant, and the remains of George Benedum, an honored minister of his day, rest in Liberty cemetery. But few churches have such beautiful historic associations.

Baltimore Public Schools

The village of Baltimore has had for the most part excellent schools. Good schools can only come from good teachers, and these schools have had a long line of distinguished superintendents and principals. Prof. J. C. Hartzler, for a quarter of a century the worthy superintendent of the Newark schools, was once at the head of Baltimore's school system. Prof. A. C. Bretz, the well known mathematician and surveyor ; F. P. Schisler, the polished grammarian and fluent speaker; E. C. Hedrick, the practiced teacher, and J. H. Horton, the faithful, quiet worker - all aided in bringing the schools to a high standard.

Among these worthy teachers none stood higher than Prof. J. J. Wagner, who had charge of the schools for many years. A classical graduate of Otterbein University, a teacher by native inclination, he brought to his work an unusual amount of power. The editor of this history recalls the scenes - the struggles and triumphs - of a busy school, in the old brick building, now a residence, composed of some of the strongest students who ever entered a schoolroom, among them being George Johnson, Charley C. Luckey, George Rader, Clarence Culp, Will Culp, Letitia Soliday, Livonia Jenkins, Arthur Thomen and Eli Wagner.

The center - the very heart of the work - was thp enthusiasm of the teacher, Professor Wagner. The best books of the day were used, and every subject presented was thoroughly studied, from systems of reading to astronomy and trigonometry. Nor were the languages neglected - Latin and Greek and English composition. The writer recalls a class in "Paradise Lost" in which the analysis was as keen, the construction as accurate, and the whole treatment of that remarkable poem as scholarly and as thorough, as he has ever heard in college halls of today. Here was real love for the work - the very life of the school and the scholar - all inspired by the power of the teacher.

Baltimore Schools Principals Baltimore Schools

"If I am correct in the main, I have been at Baltimore more than one-fourth but less than one-third of the time since 1857. That covers the time since the erection of the first brick schoolhouse opposite News office."

Galaxy Of Promise

Jenkins, Arthur A. Thomen, Elias B. Wagner. Among others of that period, yet not of that class, are A. J. Wagner, A. J. Weaver, Laura Rader, A. P. Rockey, Clark Rockey, and many, many others. About 75 of my family during that "Flood Tide" entered the profession of teaching. That was during the days of no janitor, low prices and plenty of hard work. Received $14.25 per month (24 days from 8:00 A. M. to 4:00 P. M.) and paid my own board for my first school.

Basil

The village of Basil lies three-quarters of a mile w-est of Baltimore. At its naming, two names - Geneva and Basil - were suggested. The name Basil was agreed on by a majority of one vote, cast by the father of Henry Leonard (Sebastian). It was laid out in lots in 1825. Basil was incorporated in 1905. E. J. Dilger, G. W. Kumler and J. M. Weaver have served as mayors.

Until 1857 the people of Basil and vicinity got all their mail at the Baltimore post office. About the year 1850, Henry Leonard (later known as "The Fisherman"), of the mercantile firm of Leonard Bros., doing

The first road in Pleasant Township was business in the old brick store on the corner, and now occupied by the firm of J. M. Bowling & Co., at his own expense procured a mail pouch and employed a boy named Samuel Schaub - whom many of the older citizens recollect - to carry all mail back and forth between their store and Baltimore. This was quite an accommodation and many persons availed themselves of the opportunity of getting their mail in this way. The boy was not overworked, as mail only came to the office in Baltimore three times a week. After a couple of years the Jolly Fisherman, in his enterprising way, decided to cheapen the service as well as add to its efficiency. A large Newfoundland dog was procured and fitted out with a pair of saddlebags as a receptacle for the mail. The same youth was given the job of instructing the dog in his mail messenger duty. It was thought that after a few weeks of coaching the dog would be able to go it alone. But alas! "The plans of mice and men gang aft aglee." The dog was learning rapidly and the boy was thinking that in a few days he could resume his fishing and swimming undisturbed. One day, as the two were making their way to Baltimore, when near the place where the tile mill now stands, whether for good luck or bad, we know not which, a rabbit crossed the road in front of them. As the dog was larger than the boy, he asked no permission but started post haste after the frightened bunny. Owing to the dog's load, he was not as swift as the rabbit and when he got near the canal he lost sight of the object of his pursuit. The dog, thinking, no doubt, that the rabbit had crossed the canal, swam after it. Not finding his prey on the opposite side, he swam back again. To use an expression now in vogue, the damage done to that mail "was a-plenty." The dog being likely to meet rabbits almost any day, the enterprise was abandoned and thereafter the boy trudged his weary way alone. Rev- G. H. Leonard, then a boy in his 'teens, was a mail messenger for several years.

In the year 1857 a petition asking the Post Office Department at Washington to establish a post office at Basil, Ohio, was gotten up and forwarded to the late Hon. C. D. Martin, then the member of Congress from this district. Through his influence the petition was granted and the office placed in the Leonard store with George Messerly (father of our citizen, J. L. Messerly) as postmaster. After remaining in the store for a number of years it was moved to the office and residence of Dr. W. F. Mayne, now occupied as a residence by E. E. Kumler. We are unable to give the dates of appointment and length of service of the different postmasters who handled the mail for the good people of Basil.

The next person who wrote P. M. after his name on all official documents was Dr. Shrader, who conducted the office in a small building that stood where the meat market of J. F. Finkbone now stands. His service extended to about the year 1863 when Mrs. Luke Pearce, the widow of a soldier, was appointed to the office by President Lincoln. ' The work was done by her two daughters in the building now occupied by the Bank of Basil. In 1868 J. H. Harner, then in partnership with his father, H. B. Harner, conducting a general mercantile business on the corner where J. M. Weaver's hardware store is now located, assumed the title of postmaster, conducting the business in the room adjoining on the south, with Henry May as chief clerk. This only lasted a year or two, when A. T. Mason, who was in the drug business, with Theophilus Stover, in the Banner building, now the general merchandise store of G. W. Kumler, became the one who stood the blame if expected mail did not arrive on time. Going out of business in June, 187 1, the office went begging for a while, but was again placed in the old brick room on the corner under the guiding hand of J. M. Bowling. For a while it was in the hardware store of Weaver & Mauger, with Bowling still looking after its supervision.

About the year 1874 J. W. Chapman received his postmaster's commission and for eleven years licked stamps, handed out mail, and mended your boots and shoes, "while you wait," in a small building located where the Township House now stands. The office becoming a political football, then changed hands at every different political administration until 1897.

During the first Cleveland administration. J. K. Henry, now a lawyer of Columbus, conducted the office in his drug store on the corner now occupied by the hardware store of J. M. Weaver. From 1889 to 1893, during the Harrison administration, F. M. Paul of the firm of Paul & Holland, successors to the firm of Driver & Henry, assumed the title of P. M. and governed himself accordingly. From 1893 to 1897, during the second Cleveland administration the honor was worn by Dr. L. E. Park, who conducted the business in the house now occupied by Mr. Elmer Weaver. On September i, 1897, J. W. Buchanan, the present incumbent, took ciiarge of the office, which for eleven years or more was located in the Paul drug store in the old Harner building. The drug store and post office were moved to the Kumler block, their present location, about October i, 1908.

A few words regarding the postal service in Basil. Like the service all over the country it has kept pace with the demands of the people. Until the railroad was built in 1880, the mail was carried three times a week on horseback from Lancaster. It was what is known at the present time as a "star-route," leading from Lancaster to Dumontsville, Baltimore, Basil, Millersport and Hebron; in summer time returning the same day, in winter out one day and back the next. Monday, Wednesday and Friday were mail days. An ordinary-sized leather pouch held all the mail for the above-mentioned towns. One has only to look at the amount of mail coming to Basil five times a day to understand the growth of the postal service all over the country. J. W. Chapman was the first postmaster to install call boxes; they rented for five cents per quarter. In the year 1881 he also got the office rated as a money-order office. The first money order was purchased August 15, 1881, by John A. Laver. The amount was for $7.45 in favor of the Brooks Oil Company of Cleveland, Ohio. Orders 2, 3 and 4 were purchased by Roley & Co., payable at South Bend, Ind. They wished to send $130 and had to make it in three orders, $50 being the limit for a single order. Fees were as follows: from

Rural service from Basil was established in the year 1900. On July ist of that year, John V. Good commenced to carry mail on Route No. I. Route No. 2 was established November ist of the same year. Amos Smith was the carrier. He resigned in a short time and his place was taken by Chas. A. Smurr. Route No. 3, with James F. Dumond as carrier, was established May 15, 1905. Since the establishment of the ofifice in 1857, burglars have entered the office three times. In 1878 the ofiSce was broken into and robbed of some pennies, nickels and stamps, in value about eight dollars. In 1884 it was again robbed of a considerable quantity of stamps, stamped paper and a small amount of money. It was supposed that the first robbery was committed by home talent. The second was committed by an ex-convict, who was finally apprehended and served four years in the penitentiary for the act. On the night of April 21, 1910, the office was again entered by experts, who blew the safe into atoms but secured nothing for their trouble. The postmaster, suspecting visitors, was prepared for them. Several parties were suspected but no arrests were made.

Dr. W. F. Mayne, who died in 1884, was a prominent, successful and wealthy physician. During the Civil War he purchased the Bibler farm, adjoining the village of Basil. In 1869 '^^ platted a double tier of lots on the south and west sides of this farm - Lots 74 to 147 - and called it an addition to Basil. This act woke up Basil from its sleepy condition for more than a score of years to one of activity. The village began to improve and in 1872 the citizens were very anxious to have a railroad, as the shipping facilities on the canal were on the wane. Dr. Mayne with others worked for a railroad and interested some Columbus capitalists to survey a line from Columbus through Basil, and the township would vote $50,000 in bonds to help construct the railroad. An election was called to vote bonds in September, 1872. The bond issue proposition was defeated, not having a two-thirds vote, as the law then was, but had a majority vote.

The next year - 1873 - we had a money panic. On account of the general chaos nothing was done to get a railroad until after resumption of specie payment in 1879, when the Columbus and Sunday Creek Valley Railroad Company surveyed a line on the Refugee road, four miles north of Basil to run to Millersport, there to form a junction with the railroad to run north and south and already under construction. Then the big trio, Dr. W. F. Mayne, B. M. Pugh, a prominent grain dealer, and Solomon Bader, a prominent farmer, got busy and called on General Samuel Thomas, the president of the new proposed road to cut across farms and bring the railroad through Basil and Baltimore and from a junction at Bush's Corner (now Thurston). These three men, with others agreed to raise $10,000 and right of way through Liberty Township as a bonus. The proposition was accepted. Then came the hustling. The required amount of money was raised and right of way secured. In April, 1879, grading of the road commenced and by January ist, 1880, a passenger car passed over the road and money subscription was due.

running i to 113. For awhile it was thought that perhaps the business of Basil would drift to the new town on account of railroad facilities and the abandonment of the canal. When deeds of conveyance for lots in Mayne City

Mrs. Eliza J. Mayne, the widow of Dr. Mayne, is now 82 years old. She still retains the old home in Basil and lives here about three months every summer.

The large Brick Store structure on the west corner of Main and Market streets, is the oldest store room in Basil, having been built in the early 30s, by Henry Leonard, who in connection with his brother, S. D. Leonard, conducted a thriving general merchandise store in the building until about 1855, when they sold out to Wildermuth and Miller, who conducted the business until about i860, when they failed, and having made an assignment, the stock was practically closed out by auction. About the commencement of the Civil War, S. D. Leonard placed a stock of merchandise in the building and did a successful business until about 1869 or '70 when he sold the stock of goods to Martin Myers, of Maryland, who conducted the business until 1874, when he sold out to Zartman, Bowling and Brown. Mr. Brown withdrew from the business within a year or two, and with his father-in-law, Mr. Myers, Mr. Brown removed to, or near. Polo, 111., where they had a store at same time they owned the Basil store. About 1880 Mr. Zartman withdrew from the business and opened a shoe store in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Bowling bought Mr. Zartman's interest in the stock

During the later 50s, Mr. H. B. Harner moved to Basil and opened a store, and bought grain at the foot of the hill on the canal, and near the commencement of the Civil war moved his stock of merchandise to the southeast corner of Main and Market streets. He did a thriving business durinsT the Civil war and accumulated considerable money by the advance of goods on hands. He continued in business until 1876, when he sold out to his son, J. H. Harner. In 1877, J. H. Harner sold to D. C. Sutphen, who in about two years removed the stock of goods to Pleasantville, Ohio. Since 1879 no general merchandise business has been conducted in the store building. H. B. Harner and his wife died from erysipelas on January i, 1877, and both were buried in the same grave, in the Fairfield Cemetery just west of the old Basil Cemetery.

The Bank of Basil was estabhshed July 15, 1895, as a partnership or private bank, by Samuel S. Rickly, Ralph R. Rickly, John E. Martin, George W. Bright and J. S. Morton, all of Columbus, O., with the following officers : Ralph R. Rickly, president ; George W. Bright, vice president; and William H. Leitnaker of Basil, O., cashier. This enterprise was launched as an experiment and at that time was the only bank in Fairfield County outside of Lancaster. Notwithstanding the frequent comments and prophecies that no bank outside of the cities, could get enough business to remain open long, The Bank of Basil proved the fallacy of that argument by making a steady growth until Alt, John Doomy, Joseph Carmony, Peter when a few years later, the deposits of this Roshon, Israel Rushon, John Urbin, Jacob bank reached more than one quarter of a Giesy, and George W. Tussing. million dollars. Services continued to be held in St. Paul's About this time the adjoining towns see- Church until October, 1846, when the Trinity ing the success of this venture, organized Reformed congregation was debarred the banks also, which absorbed some of the ter- privilege of worship in the above mentioned ritory formerly enjoyed by The Bank ot church, the result of which was the building Basil. However this senior institution still of the First Trinity Reformed Church in holds a good share of the public confidence, Basil, in the summer of 1847, at a cost of as well as that of business transactions about $2,500. Henry Leonard, "The Fisherreaching well into the territory now claimed man," gives the following account of this by adjoining banks, as is shown by their re- event in his "Allegories," pages 191, 192: cent statement. "The first church building here in the village was a Union House, although there were our pastor; and I will yet add that Rev. Dr. Vogt, of Delaware, Ohio, and my son, are the only survivors of tlic eight Reformed pastors above mentioned.'"

"This church building was used for over 5 1 years when the congregation voted to build a new structure. At that time a church bell was quite a luxury, and but few churches had them; especially was this true in the country. The Trinity Reformed congregation sent Henry Leonard to Troy to purchase a bell. This bell is still in use and has become historical. The singing was then congregational, and such hymns as these were favorites, - 'Am I a Soldier of the Cross?' 'When I Can Read My Title Clear,' 'Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,' 'How Tedious and Tasteless the Hours.' "

The present church was erected in 1899. The corner stone was laid on Sunday, July 2, 1899, and the dedication of the new edifice took place December 10, 1899. Rev. Charles E. Miller, now president of Heidelberg University, officiating. Since then the church has undergone some needed repairs and is in first class condition. In addition to the public preaching it supports a Bible school (Jesse Leonard, superintendent), and a Young People's Christian Endeavor Society, all in flourishing condition.

Rev. H. K. Zerbe was the first pastor of the Trinity Reformed congregation. His pastorate began in September, 1845, and was ended by his death, July 27, 1846, a period of about ten months. He is buried in the Basil cemetery.

Rev. Jesse Schlosser became pastor in 1846, resigning in 1852. He preached for a time in the Presbyterian Church in Baltimore and then returned to his former home in Stark- County, Ohio. It was during his pastorate that the First Trinity Reformed Church was built. He was both an impressive and effective speaker. He, in connection with Rev. Jacob Scholler (of the U. B. Church), conducted the funeral services of Joseph Alt, father of Frederic, Martin, Joseph, John, Elizabeth (wife of Andrew Wagner) and Margaret Alt.

Rev. John Pence accepted a call in October, 1852, and served as pastor until he resigned in 1854. Beginning some time in January, 1855, J. H. Buser, pastor of Kinnikinik, took charge and served as supply for about nine months. It was while he was serving the congregation during a series of meetings, that one of the greatest religious revivals ever witnessed in Basil occurred.

The next pastor was Rev. John Ruhl, of Defiance, Ohio, who accepted a call and became pastor in April, 1856. He resigned in September, 1858, but remained in Basil to practice medicine.

Rev. John Vogt, of Arcanum, Ohio, the sixth pastor, was extended a call in May, i860, and served the congregation very acceptably until January, 1863, when he resigned to accept a call to Delaware, Ohio. His congregation regretted very much to give him up.

Rev. Adam C. Kendig was tendered a call and became pastor of the congregation February 5, 1863. While not a fluent speaker, he was a man highly respected by all who knew him and of efficient ministerial worth. He died at the home of elder G. W. Tussing, January 16, 1864. Funeral services were held in Basil Reformed Church, after which his remains were taken to West Alexandria, Ohio, for burial.

Rev. G. H. Leonard, D. D., received and accepted a call as pastor January 15, 1865, and served the congregation until January i, 1894, a period of twenty-nine years; he was compelled to resign on account of poor health.

He was much loved and respected, not only by his own people, but by all who knew him. He served, perhaps, more funerals and weddings than any other minister ever in this community. Rev. Leonard died and is buried in Basil cemetery. See article on "Leonard looth anniversary."

Rev. James Huffley, of Canal Winchester, served the congregation as supply from January I, 1894, until June i, 1894, when Charles E. Stoner, of Massillon, Ohio, began the ninth regular pastorate. He resigned to accept a call in Pennsylvania. He is the only minister now living "who served regularly in the Old Church.

Rev. J. J. Gruber became pastor of the congregation after this and is still (1912) serving the congregation. Other ministers who were formerly members of Trinity Reformed congregation, of Basil, Ohio, - Rev. J. J. Escher, deceased, Rev. Sebastian C. Goss, Rev. Silas P. Mauger, Rev. Alpheus E. Baichley. Rev, William H. Tussing.

At a meeting held March 26, 1898, of those interested in building a Methodist Church in Basil, E. F. Holland was elected president, F. M. Paul secretary and Amos Smith, superintendent of erection. A lot was purchased of B. F. Harner for $150 and the work was commenced early in April, 1898, and completed February, 26, 1899. This church has an audience room, with a Sunday school room, with a seating capacity of four hundred, heated by a furnace, and lighted by gas. Dr. D. H. Moore, now Bishop, dedicated the church February 26, 1899. The first board of trustees were John ^Showers, Dr. O. P. Driver, had charge: B. F. Jackson, two years; Hixon, one year; R. Stimmel, two years; L. W. Miller, two years; N. C. Paterson, four years; G. N. Hughes, two years; J. P. Alford, now in charge. On April 2d W. S. Hyde died ; he was over eighty years of age, a fine man and one of the trustees and advisers of the new church. Thirty-four funerals have been held in the church in the fourteen years since it was built. Rev. Tom Hare, under B. F. Jackson held the first revival. Only a few composed the first membership of the church. After this revival the church had a membership of seventy-eight. It now has one hundred and forty.

A. T. Mason was a citizen of Basil for over thirty-five years, coming here to work in the dry goods store for Bosch Leonard. He was born in Reynoldsburg, O., and died at his home at Kansas City, Mo., August 19, 1896. He wrote for the Lancaster Gazette for over thirty years, weekly, under the title of "Jottings from Liberty." He was prominent in all public afifairs of Liberty Township; was proprietor of the first drug store in the town. He was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Kansas City. The matter he sent the Gazette, all told, contained 12 18 columns of eleven inches in length, making 13,398 inches, or 1,1 16>^ feet, or 372 1-3 yards, and would fill just 638 columns of the Gazette.

Basil Schools

The Basil schools were separated from the jurisdiction or Liberty Township in 1871, up to that time the district being known as Subdistrict No. 9 in said township. It was then recognized as a graded school, consisting of two rooms or grades. G. W. Kumler was the first principal under the new management (1871), which position he held until 1875 (four years), at which time he went into business and has thus continued ever since - a period of thirty-five years.

In 1 88 1 the present school structure was built and Professor F. P. Schisler, with two assistants - one grammar and one primary teacher - had charge of the schools. Following him Rev. A. J. Wagner, Professors W.

J. J. Wagner, R. B. Bennett, G. M. Morris, Stanley Lawrence, A. F. Darby, D. J. F. Dumond, E. J. Dilger and D. S. Lynn were at the head of the schools. The high school, or principal department, has been advanced until at the present time ( 1912) it is regarded as a first grade high school. The present corps of instructors are as follows : E. E. Ray, superintendent; Miss Gussie Fleming, principal of high school ; Miss Adda Katzenbach, assistant ( H. S. ) ; Miss Anna Klages, music ; Miss Ethel Grube, grammar; Miss Marcy Pofif, A. primary; Miss Francis Finks, B primary. Nine months school in the year are maintained.

Other teachers in the Basil schools at times have been C. M. Weisman, Paden, Jenkins, Rieniene, Solomon Weaver, Jacob Weaver, A. J. Weaver, Theophilus Stover, J. W. Buchanan, David Kumler, E. H. Leitnaker, E. Mayne, La\ina Bishop, Almeda Leitnaker and A. N. Leitnaker.

"The history of Basil schools dates back to 1870. Up to that time the district was known as Sub-District No. 9 of Liberty township. Notice was given to the citizens of the district calling them together on the evening of the 25th day of February, 1870, in the red brick schoolhouse. In due time the evening came and the citizens assembled according to previous notice. Henry Leonard was called to the chair and A. T. Mason was chosen as secretary. After considerable friendly discussion it was decided that a committee be appointed to take a census in the district. This committee reported a population of three hundred and eleven.

March 14, 1870, when it was unanimously decided to separate from Liberty township and form a special district. It continued as such until Basil became incorporated in the spring of 1906. With incorporation the district advanced to a Village District.

"The term Red Brick schoolhouse has been used. Let us consider what and where it was. When the district was cut ofif from the township there were two buildings upon the present grounds ; one was a frame building painted white. This one faced the east and stood where the main part of the present structure stands. In this frame building the primary work of the schools was done. This building was moved down on Mayne street and is occupied as a dwelling by Mrs. Henry Smith.

"The other building was a brick structure, known as the Red Brick. This building faced the west and stood on the ground where the east wing of the present building stands, at a distance of about twelve feet from the frame building. In 1881 the present building was erected. School was organized in the new building November 21, 1881, under the supervision of F. B. Shisler.

"The schools were directed by two teachers for about ten years. Mr. G. W. Kumler and Miss A. J. Leitnaker have the distinguished honor of being the first teachers in the Special District. In 1881 the third teacher was added and about 1894 the fourth. Later a special music teacher was employed.

"A substantial advance has been made in the school work in the thirty-seven years of the special district. May as great an advance be made in efficiency and scholarship in time to come as in times past.

Note - Increased laboratory facilities added. Visited by school commission. Made first grade February 12, 1910. Course of study strengthened.

Note - Increased laboratory facilities for the teaching of chemistry and agriculture. Increase of library. Addition of third room of high school. Introduction of industrial nature work in the grades. Required supplementary reading in the grades. Visited by Ohio State University inspector and placed upon recognized list of high schools.

E. E. Ray, superintendent. Addie Katzenbach, principal. Grace Cochran, assistant principal. Howard Dumond, grammar. Marcia Poff, intermediate. Marie Huntwork, primary. Anna Klages, music.

Note - At present, sentiment is being developed to unite the high schools of Basil and Baltimore in a joint school and possibly the township schools also. The effort to unite the high schools of these two thriving villages was defeated last year, but the desire for better equipment and better schools may yet bring about this much needed union. Here as elsewhere, the old maxim: "In union there is strength" will apply.

Alumni Association, Basil High School

The Alumni Association was organized in April, 1907. Officers - Lois Messerly, president; Mrs. C. C. Leitnaker, vice president; Edith Weaver, secretary.

The Knights of Pythias Lodge was instituted in 1877 and has a present membership of fifty. The present officers are : Chancelor Commander, John Gilmore ; Vice Chancelor, John Hasser ; Master of Finance, Ed. Outcalt ; Keeper of Records and Seal, Samuel Miller; Prelate, Newton Fitzer ; Master of Exchequer, J. L. Messerly. Trustees - W. C. Smith, J. C. Grube and J. W. Chapman.

and has a membership of twenty-five. Present officers - Sachem, E. J. Robinson; Sr. Sachem, William Berchin; Jr. Sachem, William Knepper. Trustees - F. G. Orr, H. M. Paskins and J. W. Chapman.

There is e. Grange here, with nearly all the prominent young farmers in it, such as James Goss, Henry Detvviller, Frank Mason, David Landis, Samuel Snider and others, who are helping to make farm life more attractive in Liberty Township.

Basil has no G. A. R. post. There are twenty old soldiers of the Civil War residing here, however, most of whom are members of Col. Val Cupp Post, Baltimore.

Know Ye that Henry Kumler, assignee of David Camaron, having deposited in the Treasury a Certificate of the Register of the Land office of Chillicothe, whereby a Patent is issued to said Henry Kumler, his heirs and assigns forever. For the South East quarter of Section Number Thirteen of Township Number Sixteen.

Given under my Hand at the City of Washington, the twenty-fourth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nine and of the Independence of the United States of America the thirty-third. By the President - James Madison. T. Smith, Secretary of State.

My father said at the time above deed was made to my grandfather, there were not over a dozen houses (log cabins) on the blazed road from Lancaster to Granville. I have not heard of any older deed in the community; however, there may be older ones. The legitimate patent is just like the above, only dated three years later.

John Jacob Wagner, son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Alt) Wagner, was born near Baltimore in Walnut Township, Fairfield County, Ohio, October 23, 1840. He was the oldest of a family of thirteen children, his father having been twice married. Ten of these children, six sons and four daughters are still living. His grandparents, Andrew Wagner, Sr., and Joseph Alt, Sr., emigrated from Switzerland to America itiore than one hundred years, ago. And];'ew, \V|agner, Sr., settled in Walnut Township and Joseph Alt, Sr., in Liberty Townsljip,, Fairfield County, Ohio.

When he was about two years old he was stricken by paralysis in his right lower limb, an ailment from which he not only never recovered, but which necessitated his learning to w,alk as a child a second time. On account of this affliction his early education was greatly retarded. About 1850 he in compai^y wi,th his pext oldest brother, Isaiah, cpmmetiog^ to a,ttend the home district school, Jacob C. Weaver a^, teacher., , ,,, ^,,,;,|i ,;, ;,

The tejct books, then in, usci, were "ilhe Elementary Spelling Book," McGuffey's Readers, Ray's Arithmetics, Pinneo's Grammars and Mitchel's Geography and Atlas of the Wprld, In the winter of 1857 his mother died, and the follpwing spring found him as teacher, in his home school, at a compensation of fourteen dollars and twenty-five cents ($14.25^ pipr mont^i; tinje, three jnonths of tw^nty-foyj^ days, each, school to commence at eight o'clock in the morning and close at four o'clock in the evening, allowing the customary intermissions. Boarding around in the district had been discontinued for several years prior to this time. He early decided on teaching as his life's mission, and for at least half of a century, in connection with his attendance at schools for more complete equipment, he was engaged in school work most of which was in Fairfield County, Ohio.