Lorain City (part 4 of 77)

Frederick Whittlesey, the pioneer editor of the county, removed to Cleveland in 1835, where he died November 13, 1854, aged fifty-three years. He was held in high esteem, and among various offices that he filled with credit, were that of clerk of the Cuyahoga court of common pleas, and senator in the legislature from Cuyahoga, county, for several years.

Abraham Burrell was tliorouohly taught the printers' art in the state of New York. lie came to Elyria in the spring of 1830. and went lo work as coinitositor in the Gazette office. He was subsecpiently printer of the Oliio Atlas. Jlvrkeye Sentinel, Elyria t'ovrier, Lorain Anjus, Lorain Eagle, and for a nnnd)er of years of the lt'de2]enilent Eemoerat, published by the writer, in whose emjiloyment he died November 23, 1808, at the age of sixty -nine years. Mr. Burrell was emjihatically the veteran printer of Lorain county. He was a man of remarkable industry, was strictly honest in his dealings, but he experienced many of the ups and downs incident to his profession. He was better fitted for the mechanical than the business dejiarlinent of a newspaper, and worked more hours

The Elyiua Times

This paper immediately succeeded the GcaeUc, and also supported the whig party. Mr. Manter published it three months, without changing its size or l)rioe. under promises of adequate support, which were not realized, and about the first of June, 18.')'3, he sold the office and good will to A. S. Park and Josiah A. Ilari'is, who added new material, enlarged the sheet, and changed its name to 'Ihe Ohio Atlas and Elyria Advertiser.

My. Manter learned the art of printing in the office of the Patriot, Utica, New York. After working at the case in various places in that State, he removed to Ohio, and in May, 182G, came to Elyria, where he engaged in farming. The three months during which he published the Times, concluded his labors as printer and publisher. He now resides in Elyria, at the age of nearly eighty-one years, remarkable for his physical and mental vigor, and respected for his many excellent traits of character. He has no recollection of the date when he commenced or concluded the publication of the Times, except that it was in the early ])art of 1832, and, so far as is known, no copy of it is now in existence.

The Ohio Atlas And Elyria Advertiser

Soon after the purchase of the Times, by Messrs. Park & Harris, they issued the Oliio Atlas and Elyria Advertiser. The first number was dated July 13, 18.32. It was a six column folio, presenting a much better ajijiearance than its predecessor, and for twelve years, under tlie editorial charge of various persons, it sustained a high character, as a newspaper. Its motto was the interrogative, " What is it but a map (if busy life?" Its terms were, #2, if jiaid within six months, and 12.50, if not paid within one year. Among its regular contributors was Rev. Alfred H. Betts, of Brownhelm, whose letters to the young, over the familiar initials, " B. H. A.," continued for some years, and were widely read. A few months after the paper was started, Mr. Park sold his interest to his associate, and retired. Up to this period, Mr. Harris was its editor, and, on the retirement of Mr. Park, Abraham Burrell became its printer, and remained in that position until it was discontinued in 1844.

Mr. Harris conducted the paper, as editor and proprietor, until the 21st day of November, 1833, when he sold the office to Frederick Whittlesey and Edward S. Hamlin. Albert A. Bliss, then a law student in their office, became its editor. The paper was increased to seven columns, and otherwise improved in its general make up, as well as in its sjiirit and ability. On the 10th day of July, 1834, A. A. Bliss and Thomas Tyrrell became its editors and proprietoi-s, and on the 27th of November, of the same year, Mr. Bliss published his valedictory, with an intimation that, although his connection with the ]iaper had been personally agreeable, his purse had been somewhat depleted thereby. He did not long remain absent from the chair editorial, for, on the 22d of January, 1835, as appears by a single tattered copy of the Atl<(s of that date, he resumed his duties as editor. The fragment of the copy contains the following editorial notice:

For reasons, which it is iinnecsssary to detail, the subscriber lias again become connectetl with the Athii<. All business relating to the establishment, other than with the editorial department, will be transacted by the proprietors, T. Tyrrell & Co. A. A. Buss.

The exact time when Mr. Bliss finally retired from the paper cannot be ascertained, Imt it was aliout the beginning of 1836. On the 10th of Febi-uary, 1836, the name of E. S. Hamlin appears as editor, and A. Burrell & Co. as publishers. Mr. Bliss went to Cleveland, temporarily, and, in connection with Charles Whittlesey, conducted the Cleveland Gazette through the campaign of 1836. Not long after Mr. Hamlin took charge of the pajier he sold it to an association of gentlemen, consisting of D. W. Lathrop, H. Ely, S. W. Baldwin, Wm. Andrews, Ozias Long, Franklin Wells, and, possibly, others, who formed a stock company, and, under the new management, Mr. Lathrop became its editor. A. Burrell continued to be its i^rinter. The exact date of this transfer is not known, but it was previous to July 27 1836. Under the management of Mr. Lathrop, the Atlas took an advanced position on all the moral questions of the day, and was an able champion of the principles of the whig party. The exact date of his withdrawal is also not known, but it was about July 1, 1842. Mr. Burrell continued to print the paper, and its editorial labor was performed by W^m. P. Lockwood, and later, by Ezra L. Stevens, who, ou the 12th of June, 1844, became jiart proprietor of the office, susjiended the publication of the Atlas, and issued it under the name of the Buckeye Sentinel.

Of those who were connected with the Atlas, Josiah A. Harris removed to Cleveland, and in 1837 inirchased the Cleveland Herald, which he published for a number of years with distinguished ability. lie died in that city August 21, 1876, aged sixty-eight years, lamented by all who knew him.

Albert A. Bliss was born in Canton, Conn., March 23, 1811. He removed to Elyria in June, 1833, where he was admitted to the bar, and for a number of years occujiied the highest position as an attorney. He represented this county in the legislature during the thirty-eighth, thirty-ninth and fortieth general assemblies, in 1839, '40 and '41, where he took a prominent jjosition as a debater. He subsequently established the Elyria Courier, and in 1846 was elected treasurer of state, serving five years. In May, 1863, he removed to Jackson, Michigan, where he now resides, widely esteemed for the unblemished character he has ever borne.

Edward S. Hamlin ranked among the best members of the Lorain bar, was elected to congress to fill a vacancy in 1844, and served during the second session of the twenty-eightji congress. A short time after his term expired, he removed to Southern Ohio, where he lived a number of years, and then removed to N'irginia. lie now resides in Egremont, Mass. Mr. Jhimlin first settled in Elyria in 1830.

Rev. D. W. Lathrop, who edited the Athix for nearly six years, came to Elyria in 1834. He participated in the organization of the First Presljytei'ian Church in Elyria, in that year, became is first pastor, iind hiliored in that relation for about six years. After I'dinquishing his editorial charge, in 1842, he was employed as agent of the American Home Missionary Society, and in 1848 removed to New Haven, C'onn. At this time, he is residing in Jackson, jMicli., aged eighty years. He was a man of much ability aiid untiring industry, and even now spends much of his time in writing.

It is deeply to be regretted that so few copies of the Ohio Atlas, containing so much of personal and local history that would be valuable at this day, have been preserved.

The Literary Register And Miscellaneous Magazine

Soon after A. S. Park sold his interest in the A this, he went to New York and purchased a newspaper outfit, including an iron press, the first ever brought here, and on the fourth day of Octolier, 1833, issued the first number of a weekly paper with the above title. It was a three-column quarto, and was entirely filled with original and selected matter - no advertisements. It did not prove to be a profitable venture for its l)ublisher; and after continuing it one year, Mr. Park sold the establishment to Dr. Matson, H. K. Kendall, Edwin Byington and Dr. E. W. Htibliard, who issued the first democratic paper ever published in the county and called it

The Elyria Republican And Working-Men'S Advocate

Soon after the transfer aliove referred to, the purchasers negotiated with Samuel L.IIatch, of Chenango, N. Y., who removed to Elyria, and on the second day of October, 1834, issued the first number of the abovenamed paper. Mr. Hatch was its nominal editor, but most of the proprietors contributed to its editorial columns. It was a six-column folio, its terms being one dollar and seventy-five cents in advance, two dollars within six months, and two dollars and fifty cents within one year. In January, 1835, LeGrand Byington, then (piite a young man, came on from Chenango, purchased tlic paper, and continued its publication, a l)art of the time in connection with Calvin Hall, until May 17, 1837. During this time, political excitement ran high, and the cause of the democratic party was c'hainpioiu'd by Mr. Byington with great energy, and his ]ia])cr fairly bristled with pungent personal ])aragraphs. Not being sustained in the effort to make the pajier remunerative, he declined to publish it longer; and at the date above mentioned, the establishment passed into the hands of Horace D. Clark, who drop2)ed the "atul W^rkiny-tiietis Advocate" from its title, and issued his first number May 24, 1837. Calvin Hall was employed to print it. Mr. Clark continued to conduct the itajicr until August 30, 1838, when he transferred it to E. R. Jewitt and Calvin Hall, the former having charge of the editurial, and the latter the mechanical department. Mr. Jewitt retained his connection with the paper for about one year, when he retired, and Jlr. Hall continued its juiblication until the spring of 1840, when it was purchased by Charles Chaney, who changed its title to The Lorain Standard. The Eepnhlicaii and its immediate successors were never iiecuniarily prosperous. Like some of the whig papers of that and a later period, they were sustained by their partisan friends, who came to the rescue with their contributions occasionally to relieve their ])ublishers from embarrassment. The whigs were generally most able or most willing to sustain their organs, and the amount of the dclin(|uency which either party was called upon to contribute depended largely upon the county patronage, which at that period alternated between the two.

Horace D. Clark came to Elyria, .luly 4, 1834. During his residence here, of nearly a quarter of a century, he occupied a prominent position at the bar, was an active politician, but not ambitious for official position. He was a member of the convention which formed the present constitution of Ohio, in 1850, and removed to Cleveland some time i)revious to the commencement of the civil war. He now resides in Montreal, Canada, enjoying the fruits of a long and active professional career.

Samuel L. Hatch removed to Norwalk in 1835, and, in company with Joseph M. Farr, established the Norwalk E.qjeriment. His subsequent history is not known to his associates in Elyria.

LeGrand Byington distinguished himself while here as a bitter partisan of the pro-slavery school, and more particularly as the author of a series of articles called ''Chronicles,'" in prose and poetry, which were published in three numbers, over the nom deplume of "Peter Porcupine, Esq." in which all his prominent political O])poncnts were savagely caricatured. He went to Ravenna in the spring of 1838, where he ]nil)- lished a paper for a few months called Tlie Bvekei/e Democrat, and from there he removed to Pike county, Ohio, He represented Pike county in the fortieth and forty-first general assemblies. While there he married, and subsequently removed to Iowa, where he now I'csides in Iowa City, reputed to be the wealthiest citizen of the State.

Calvin Hall removed to Cleveland January 3, 1841, and assumed the management of the Cleveland Advertiser, a weekly paper, and for a time issued a penny daily called the Morning Mercury. At the close of the year the Advertiser was purchased by A. N. and J. W. Gray, wlio, on tlie 8th of January, 1843, rransfornied it into the Plain Dealer. Mr. Hall still resides in Cleveland, where he has worked at the case for thirty-six years.

E. R. Jewitt, who was the last regular editor of the RepiMican under its original name, was a man of very positive convictions, and, during his editorial charge, the pai)cr lacked none of the qualities that would recommend it to the intensely partisan portion of his party. After leaving the editorial chair he remained in Elyria until the fall of 1840, when he left and entered the ministry as a member of the North Ohio Conference. For many years he has devoted his energies to the cause of Christianity with the same zeal that characterized his political efforts. He now resides in Sandusky City, with health much impaired, engaged in selling books and stationery, aged sixtyseven years. He still retains his connection with the conference on the superannuated list.

Tue Lorain Standard

This paper was issued soon after the pui-chase of the press and type of the llepublicaii by Charles Chauey, the first number being dated April 7, 1840. It was also a six-column folio; terms, f3 in advance, and 13.50 after six months. It was printed by Horace C. Tenney, who was also associate editor. Mr. Chancy continued its publication as a democratic paper until November 3, 1840, when, not finding its self-sustaining, he discontinued it. A comi)lete file of this paper is now in the Elyria library, presented by Hon. Horace A. Tenney.

Charles Chancy never again engaged in a newspaper enterprise. He continued to reside iu Elyria, quietly jiursuing the several Ijranches of business in which he was at different times engaged, where he died July 30, 1874, aged eighty-two years. He was a justice of the peace for several yeai-s, and served one term as treasurer of the county.

The Independent Treasury

When Mr. Chancy discontinued the Stait(h(nl, the press and type remained idle until November 18, 1841, when the material was purchased by Edmund S. Ellis, who started a new democratic ]iaper with the above title. It was of the same size and form as the Standard; terms $3 in advance. On the 13th of April, 1843, Mr. Ellis sold the paper to Horace A. Tenney, and removed to the central })art of Ohio. Mr. Tenney publislied it until November 16, 1843, - the close of the first volume, - when he changed its name to

The Lorain Republican

He continued the Repuhlica7i in the same size and form, and with varied success, until the fall of 1844, when it was discontinued for want of adequate support.

the Republican. He spent most of his time in journalism while he resided here, and, in 1845, there being no prosjiect of a revival of the democratic j^aper, he boxed the press and type and shipped them to Galena, Illiiuiis, where they became the proiierty of the Galena Jejfersonian. The old press is still in use in that city. Mr. Tenney now resides in Madison, Wisconsin, where he has lived many yeai-s, and where he has held numerous offices of trust and responsibility. He is at present engaged in writing biographical sketches of the members of the Wisconsin constitutional convention of 1846-1847.

The Dollar Democrat

Soon after the suspension of the Republican, in the fall of 1844, Eleazar Wakeloy, then a young attorney in Elyria, issued one number of the Dollar Democrat; but sufficient encouragement not being given for its continiuince, it was suspended. Prom this period uutil March 14, 1848, there was no democratic paper published in this county. Mr. Wakeley removed to Wisconsin, where he was appointed territorial judge in 1854. He now resides in Omaha, Nebraska, where he has acquired wealth and honor in his profession.

The Buckeye Sentinel

This paper, as has been before stated, was successor to the Ohio Atlas, the first issue a}ipearing the week following the susi)eusion of that paper, and bearing date June l!t, 1844. Ezra L. Stevens was its editor, and Abraham Burrell publisher. During the exciting cami)aign of 1844, the Sentinel urged the election of Henry Clay for president with much si^iritand ability, and, a short time after its close, Mr. Stevens sold his interest to Mr. Bnrrell and retired. Mr. Biirrell continued to publish the papei-, acting in the capacity of both editor ami printer for nearly two years, when it became nececsary to reorganize the establishment in order to put it on a paying basis. Mr. A. Bliss purchased tlie press and suspended its publication, succeeding it in November, 1846, with a new paper called Tlie Elyria Courier.

Ezra L. Stevens, after completing his collegiate studies at Oberlin, entered the law office of Hamlin and Lockwood, in tlie fall of 1843, but finding journalism more congenial to his taste, devoted most of his time to politics. On retiring from the Sentinel he went to Olmsted Falls, and commenced the j)nblicatiou of Tlie True Democrat, which he conducted for some time, and then removed the office to Cleveland, where, in connection with E. S. Hamlin, he converted it into a daily. The paper subsequently went into other hands, and is now the Cleveland Leader. After leaving Tlie True Democrat Mr. Stevens removed to AVashington, where for a time he was engaged as a newspaper correspondent. He still resides there, and during the past quarter of a century has been in the government service.

to Toledo, where lie now resides. He was recently elected to the office of judge of the common jDleas court, hy the united recommendation of the bar, of all parties.

The Elykia Courier

On the suspension of the Sentinel Mr. Albert A. Bliss purchased a now supply of type in Boston, and commenced, in connection with A. Burrell, the publication of The Elyria Courier. The first number was issued Noveinl)er 10, 184(5; A. A. Bliss, editor, A. Burrell, printer. It was a seven column folio; terms, $2,00 a year. During the session of the legislature the following winter Mr. Bliss was elected treasurer of state, and on the 27th of February, 1847, he sold his interest in the paper to Job n II. Faxon, then sheriif of the county. It was published by Faxon and Burrell, until April 13, 1847, when Mr. Faxon became sole proprietor and published it until December 7, 1847, when he sold the paper to Edmund A. West. Mr. West employed J. Wesley Udall as printer, and continued its publication as a whig paper until the campaign of 1848, when he refused to support General Taylor for the presidency, and the Courier became an organ of the "Free Soil" party. About the first of November, 1849, Mr. West sold the paper to Jerome Cotton, who had acquired a good reputation as a Washington correspondent of several leading journals. He changed the title to Elyria Weekly Courier, and continued to support the free soil party; but many of the active whigs who supported Van Buren in 1848, fell back into the ranks of their old party, and the Courier gradually lost much of its support. On the first of June, 1850, an association of gentlemen, among whom were Myron R. Keith, Landon Rood, and Benjamin C. Perkins, j)urchased the Courier establishment of Mr. Cotton, with the design of converting it into an organ of the whig pai'ty, and on the 10th of the same month George G. Washl:>uru took charge of it as editor, Mr. Udall continuing to print it. Its original title was restored, and from this time forward the paper became self-sustaining; but on the 10th day of February, 1852, the office and all its contents were destroyed by fire, witliout insurance, in the first great conflagration that destroyed commercial block. After the lajtse of fourteen weeks a new outfit was ^lurchased by George G. Washburn and George T. Smith, and its publication was resumed, with these gentlemen as editors, and Mr. Udall printer, until January 35, 1854, when Mr. Washburn sold his interest to his partner, and soon after (he ('ouricr and Independent Democrat, then published by Philemon Bliss, were united, retaining the name of the latter.

John H. Faxon, subsequently tilled various offices acceptably, both state and national, and for two terms rejn-esented the county in the lower branch of the legislature. He is still an honoi'ed resident of Elyria.

Jerome Cotton resumed his position as correspondent, after leaving the Courier, but his health began to decline, and in the summer of 1851 he returned to Elyria, where he died September 21, 1852, of consumption, aged twenty-eiglit years. He was a ready and spicy writer, giving promise of much ability in the profession of journalism.

George T. Smith retained his connection with the Democrat until November, 1855, when he sold his intei-est to George G. Washburn, and soon after removed to Illinois. He now resides in Cleveland, engaged in the practice of law.

The Lorain Ardus

AVhen Edmund A. West purchased the Courier office he failed to make satisfactory arrangements with Abraham Burrell to print it for him, and employed J. W. Udall instead. Tliis threw Mr. Burrell out of employment, but he soon foi-nied a partnership with Sylvester Matson, purchased a press and type, and on the 11th day of January, 1848, issued the first luunber of the Lorain Argus. It was a seven column folio; terms 11.50 in advance, $2.50 after one year. No responsible editor was announced, and various j'ersons contributed its political matter for nearly two years. Among the number of those most prominent were H. D. Clark, .lohn M. Vincent and John H. Sherman. Mr. Matson did not retain his interest long after the first year, disposing of it to other parties, and the whole management devolved upon Mr. Burrell. On the first of January, 1851, Mr. Sherman was announced as editor, but he withdrew on the 22d of July following. Fi-om that date until December, 1851, Mr. Vincent was its responsible editor. Geo. B, Lake then took the editorial chair, sub rosa, and contributed most of the editorial matter for sevenil months. On the night of August 10, 1852, the building in which the paper was printed, called Garvey's Exchange, took fire, and was mostly consumed. The press, most of the type, and nearly all of the furniture in the printing office were destroyed. With the insurance money, Mr. Burrell purchased the old press and type formerly used by the Sandusky Eeyister, and being aided jiecuniarily by E. C. K. Garvey, resumed its publication, considerably enlarged by lengthening its columns. Mr. Garvey soon secured control of the entire estalilishment, and retaining Mr. Burrell as printer, conducted it until November 17,

1852, when he sold it to Bird B. Chapman & Co., and L. S. Everett, who had been nomiiuil editor during Mr. Garvey's ownership, became its responsible editor. The title of the paper was changed to The Lorain County Aryiis.

1853, and at that date John H. Sherman purchased an interest in the office, and became its editor-in-chief. The exact time when he retired is not known, but he remained only a few mouths; and on his retirement, the paper Avas published by Mr. Chapni;iii: aiulduriiiij his frequent terms of absence, various parties wrote for its columns, Mr. Burrell contributing his share. Having lost the county i>rinting, tlie paper began to be a burden to its proprietor, and on the 18th of April, 1855, Mr. Chapnuiu discontinued its publication, packed the material and shipped it to Nebraska, wliere he established the Omaha Nebraskiun.

Sylvester Matsou removed to t'levelaud, where he eidisted in the United States army, and served out his term. Ou the breaking out of the rebellion, he volunteered in the cause of tlie union, and was killed in one of the great conflicts of the war.

John II. Sherman was a young man of considerable ability as a writer, but his connection with journalism here was brief, lie left Elyria, in connection with Mr. Chapman, in 1855, and went to Nebraska, where for sonu^ years he was connected editorially with the Omaha JSebrdnkian. He died in Council BlulTs, in 1865.

E. C. K. Garvey was a man of great business activity, but with little business capacity. He removed to Kansas during the "border-ruflian '" troubles, where he espoused the "free State" cause with much ardor, and was on one occasion lynched by the rufiians, but was neither intimidated nor subdued. He was residing in Kansas when last heard from, many years ago, but it is hardly probable that he is now living.

Bird B. Chapman removed to Omaha and was elected the first delegate in congress from that territory, which was organized in 1854. He contested his opponent's seat for the second term, but was unsuccessful, securing however his pay and mileage. In 1859, he returned to Elyria, where he resided until 1802, when he removed to Put-in-Bay island, where lie died after a Imgering illness, Septemljer 12, 1871, aged fifty years.

George B. Lake removed to Nebraska, and entered upon the ]iractice of the law with marked success. His character and al)ilitics were soon recognized l>y the jieople, who have for several terms elected him to the highest judicial jiosition in the State, and he still resides in Omaha, an honored member of the supreme court.

L. S. Everett came to Elyria, a democrat in political oj)inions, during the Kansas-Nebraska troubles; and when the Iiidependent Democrat, which represented the free democracy, was started, he Ijecame its first editor. He was a man of much ability and large experience as a journalist, and his immediate return to the democratic fold, after waging a vigorous warfare against that party in the columns of the Bcmocraf, showed that he had facility to change, as well as ability to assert his )>rinciples. After leaving the Argus, he removed from the county, and foi- a time wrote for the Plain Dealer, but returned in 1866, and commenced the publication of the Lorain. Constilutionalist, which he conducted about one j'ear, when

John M. Vincent was an honored mendjcr of the legal profession, and his connection with journalism w^as only incidental. He subsequently, in connection witii Philemon Bliss, established the Independenl Democrat, but immediately afterward devoted his entire attention to his clients. A sketch of his life will be found in tlie history of the bar.

Tub Independent Democrat

This journal was started at a very important epoch in the history of our country, and as its publication was continued for a quarter of a century, nearly all of the time under the proprietorship and management of one individual, it is due that a brief notice of its origin be here given. The passage of the fugitive slave act of 1850, and its attempted enforcement by lioth of the great national parties, aroused a sp;rit f)f hostility, both to the act and the system it sought to perjtetuate, on the part of many who still clung to their old party organizations, although opposed to slavery. In the campaign of 1852, both the whig and democratic parties virtually allowed the pro-slavery element to dictate their platforms, and from this period the tendency to break away from old associations began to be developed. It was to aid in disintegrating these old parties, and in forming a new one based upon tlie broad idatform of human rights, that the Independent Democrat was established. The funds necessary to purchase the outfit were contributed by various persons who had formerly been affiliated with the old parties. Prominent among tliose who furnished pecuniary aid were Norton S. Townshend, then a resident of this county, and Salmon P. Chase, then If^nited States senator from Ohio, and late chief justice of the supreme court. Far the greater portion of the necessary funds were contributed by Philemon Bliss.

Philemon Bliss, formerly a whig, and Jolin M. Vincent, formerly a democrat, had charge of the enterprise, and on the 5th day of August, 1853, issued the first number, as editors and publishers. Jonathan I). Baker was employed as printer. It was a seven-column folio; terms, 11.50 per annum. It was ably conducted under their management until January 12, 1853, when Mr. Vincent retired, leaving Mr. Bliss in sole charge. On the 13th of April following, Joseph H. Dickson was employed to edit the paper; and on the 10th of August, the same year, John H. Boynton and Mr. Dickson assumed the entire charge, and conducted it until the 28th of December, when it was again turned over to Air. Bliss, who published it until February 1st, 185-1. Meanwhile several persons printed the paper. Mr. Baker withdrew^ October 12, 1853, and was succeeded by A. J. and G. McElleran, who remained tuily one w-eek, and were succeeded by Tower J. Burrell, who printed it until tlie 1st of February. 1854.

editors and proprietors, and J. W. Udiill, of the late Courier, printer. Under tliis management, tliepa])er was continned until November ^8, 1855, when Mr. Smith sold his interest to the writer of these annals, and during the suceeeding ycai' tlie Ormucrfft was published by Bliss & Washliurn. Tiie hdter was editor and business manager, and tiie formei', who had previously been eleeted to congress, was coi'resj)onding editor. At the (dose of the year, 185(!, Mr. Washburn became, ))y purchase, possessor of the office, and fin- upwards of twenty-one years following, was its sole projjrietor, editor, and business manager. In 1859, the title was changed to Elyria IndependvMt Democrat. On the 24th of March, 1858, Mr. Udall was eonii)elled to relimpiish his i)ost as jirinter, on account of failing health, and Abraham Burrell, who was associated with his son in the publication of the Emjlv, withdrew from that jounuil, and took Mr. Udall's place, which he faithfully retained until his death, November 23, 18G8. At his death, his son, S. A. Burrell, who was a journeyman in the ottice, assumed the duties of printer, and retained the position until the paper was discontinued.

On the 1st of February, 1877, the interests of the Democrat and Eti/riu Reputilicnu were united, retaining the name of the latter, as nioi-eajjjirojiriate to the l)rinciples which the Democrat had, for a (piarter of a century, ever steadfastly advoc-ited. Coming into being when the public mind was in a state of unrest concerning the designs of the slave jiowei', the Indepenilent I'emocrat took an active i)art in unifying and crystaliziug tiiat sentinuMit in opposition to the further encroachments of slavery u[ion the jiublic donuiin. It lived to witness the rajjid growth, and final success, of the new party of freedom. It witnessed the inauguration of the great slaveholdei's' rebellion, and easting its lot with the loyal millions, rejoiced with them in witnessing its final overthrow, and the restoration of nil the States under the tlag of thelhiiou. During all these eventful years, tlie aim of its puldisher was to so conduct it as to merit the ai)jU'oval of loyal men, and not disai)j)oint the hojies and exjiectations of its founders.

J. II. Boyntiiu has tilled various inipoi'tant jtositious in the gift of tiie jieople, with such entire acceptance, as to merit the puldic esteem that is universally bestowed upon him.

J. D. Baker removed to l':iulding county, Ohio, in October, 18.")o, and, for a time, edited and published the Paulding Democrat. His subseipient history is not known.

J. W. Udall entered the office of the Ohio Atlas as an errand boy, at the age of tiiirteeu years, making himself useful ill every part assigned liiiii. In lliose days, the mails were very irregular, and for a few of the first years of his apjirenticeship, in addition to his labors as "devil " and compositor, he performed the office of jiost-rider - taking a large sack of the (lapers each week, iiiioii a hor.sc, and distributing them in bundles, to each neighborhood, in the north part of. the county. This duty he performed with remarkable fidelity; and whether it rained in torrents, or the scorching sun sent his heated rays upon the earth, or stern winter its freezing blasts, the weekly advent of the post-boy was expected with as much certainty as the rising of the sun. When the mail facilities of the county rendered this branch of service no longer necessai'y, Mr. Udall devoted his time exclusively to his duties in the office, serving an apprenticeship of seven years before he asi)ired to the position of a "jour." He became an expert printer, and ever enjoyed the fullest confidence of his employers, scarcely losing a day from his case after he became a journeyman. When he realiz.ed that his disease (consumption) was beyond remedy, he went to his sister's house, in Hudson, Ohio, where he was kindly cared for until his death, which occurred August 18, 1858, aged thirty-three years.

After the suspension of the Aryun, there was no Democratic jjaper printed in the county for nearly two years. In the spring of 1857, a sufficient sum was pledged, by subscription, to purchase the material, and on the seventh of March, of that year, A. and T. J. Burrell issued the first number of the Lorain Eafjle. It was a seven column folio, published in Elyria; price 13 a year, in advance. On the 2-lth of March, 1858, Abraham Burrell withdrew, and took the position of printer of the hidependent Democrat. Ilis son, T. J. Burrell, continued to publish the Eagle until after the rebellion broke out, when, in consecjuence of its equivocal position concerning the management of the war, it ceased to pay expenses, and was discontinued in August, 18')1. During the five years of its existence, no responsible editor was announced, and what editorial matter was not written by its publishers, was furnished by various persons during the i)olitical cam])aigns.

The Lokain Constitutionalist

Oil the third day of October, 1860, Mr. L. S. Everett issued the first number of this journal, a democratic paper, which was a seven-column folio; terms, |i2.00 a year. Mr. Everett was not the owner of the establishment, but announced that he published it "for the proprietors," whose names are not given. F. S. Moore was its printer. On the 8th day of July, 1867, a joint stock company was formed, consisting of A. A. Crosse, II. U. Poppleton, N. L. Johnson, P. W. Sampsel and others, with a capital stock of three thousand dollars, divided into shares of ten dollars each, which assumed the resjionsibility of the jiublication, Mr. Everett still officiating as editor, until near the close of the first volume, when he withdrew. It was tlien "Published by the Lorain Printing Company," and N. L. Johnson, president of the company, C(mtribntcd most of the editorial matter. Mr. Moore continued to serve as printer. This relation existed until June 9, 18C9, when Mr. Jumes K. Newcomer assumed the editorial and business control of the jiaper, the iiroprietary interest still remaining in the printing company. The word "Lorain "was drojiped from its title. On the night of January 22, 1870, a fire broke out in the oftice, and. before it was extinguished, a large portion of the tyj)e,was destroyed, the presses alone escaping injury. The damage was estimated at one thousand dollars. Mr. Moore, proprietor of the job department, lost a portion of jiis material. With tlie aid rendered by tlie proprietor of the Democrat, tlie Const tint iuinilisf ajjpeared on time the next week, and, after February 10, it apjieared regularly, with the word " I.oiain " again replaced in its title. Mr. Newcomer retained his position as editor until the close of tlie political campaign of 1870, when he withdrew and F. S. Moore became its publisher, N. L. Johnson furnishing the leading political articles. Mr. Moore continued to publish it until November 1,

1871, when Mr. J. V. Faitli took charge of the editorial and business dejiartment, under an agreement to publish it one year without charge to the proprietors, in consideration of which lie was to become its owner. On the loth of March, 1872, its size was increased to an eight-column folio, with its outside columns printed on the co-operative plan, in Chicago, and its title was changed to Tlie Lorain Constitution. On the 2Gt]i of Septcmlier, 1873, the co-operative plan was aliandoned, and, without change in size, it was all printed at home. On the lOtli of October,

1872, Mr. F. S. Reefy purchased the entire establishment, and has continued its publication to the present time. On the 13tli of February, 187.3, it appeared as a five-column quarto, and was continued in that form until the 5th of the following June, when it was clianged to a nine-column folio, on the co-operative ]iian. On the 30th of September, 1875, it was reduced to an eight-column folio, and, in consequence of the incorpoi-ation of the village of Lorain at the mouth of Black River, its title was changed to Tlte Etyria Constitution, which name and size it still retains.

II. A. Fisher issued the first number of tliis journal, October 24, 1874. It was printed on the forms of the late Black River Conmicrrial (nine-column folio) with this exception, that its four pages were all ]irinted in the office. He continued its publication until the 20th of February, 1875, when James W. Ciiapman became associated with him as equal partner. This relation continued until the 10th of the following July, when Mr. Chapman withdrew. On tlie 7th of August, 1875, it was changed to a sixcolumn quarto (its present form), and on the 1st of the following November, Mr. A. H. Smith purchased an equal interest in the establishment, and for the following fifteen months the paper was jiublished by Fisher & Smith, E. G. Johnson lieing its political, and II. A. Fisher its local editor. On the 1st of February, 1877, Mr. Fisher purcliased the interest of Mr. Smith, and the Independent Ihmorrat and Eepuhlican were consolidated. Under this arrangement the Democrat was discontinued and the Bejmtj.ican was pnblisiied by Wasliburn& Fislier, with Geo. (f. Washburn as editor-in-chief, 11. A. Fisher local editor, and A. H. Smitli i)rinfer. On the 1st of October, 1877, Mr. Wasliburn purcliased Mr. Fisher's interest and assumed entire control of the paper. On the retirement of Mr. Fislier, Mi-. Smith took the position of local editor and superintendent of the uunhauical department, with Mr. Wni. T. Morris as job printer. Under this management the Ri'pvblican continues to make its weekly visits to its large list of readers.

The foregoing concludes the record of the jircss in Flyria, with the exce])tion of a few pajieis of brief duration, to which reference is here made. During the political campaign of 1838, the whigs published a small sheet called The Peopte's Banner, edited by Albert A. Bliss, and the democrats a similar paper called Tlie Jeffersonian, edited l)y Joel Tiffany. Tliese papers were conducted with much spice and al>ility. In 1840 the whigs published for three months Otd Tip's Broom, edited by D. W. Lathrop and other prominent whigs of that day. It was ably conducted and contributed much towards securing the victory that followed the famous ''Log Cabin and Hard Cider" campaign. In 1864 II. M. Lillie published for a few weeks a small two-column (juarto devoted to the cause of temperance. Its jniblisher, who was a reformed inebriate, returned to his cups, and his paper was discontinued. Its name cannot be recalled. About tbe year 1808 two or three numbers of a very creditable paper were issued, called 77ie Lorain Templars' Offering. The name of its publisher is not remembered, but he was a stranger, and proved to be unworthy of confidence.

This was an eight-column folio, published in German, by F. S. Reefy, at the oftice of the Constitution. TJie first number was issued February I, 1873; terms, $2.00 a year. For the first two months its outside pages were printed in Philadeli)hia, after which it was all printed at the pulilication office. At the end of three years Mr. Reefy sold the paper to Henry Minnig, who published it about a year, when it was discontinued for want of sujtport. The types were then purchased by the Biene priuting company, of Cleveland, and the new proprietors made an effort to establish a German paper here, called The Weekhi Post, but it was not successful.

There have also been }iiiblished in Elyria at various times and for various pei-iods, a number of very creditable amateur sheets, a notice of which cannot be given in the space allotted to this history.

The lirst steam-power press lised in Elyria was introduced by Mr. Reefy, in tlie ofifioe of the ConstHiifimi, in January, 1S73. It is called the Fairhavcn cylitider ])ress. This was fnllnwcil, in Juno of the same year, by Mr. Wasliburn, who int rodueed a large I'otter cylinder jiowcr press in the office of tlie Deino- running it, however, witliout steam. In February, 1875, another Potter press of the same size was introduced in the Rejnibllran office, with steam power.

The Press In Oberlin Tue Oberlin Evangelist

Soon after the organization of the collegiate institute at Oberlin, on the plan of furnishing a liberal Christian education to botli sexes, regardless of color or caste, there began to be felt a necessity for some medium through which the eminent reformers who composed its faculty could reach the public ear. Nothing was done, however, toward supplying the want until November 1, 1838, five years after the institution was founded, when the first number of the Obvrlin Eranijelid was issued. It was a (piaito of eight pages, 9x12 inches, and was published every two weeks, at $1.00 a year. After live years, its size was increased to 10 x 14 inches. It was at first edited by an association of the college professors, and was published by R. E. Gillett. In 1844. Prof. Henry Cowles became its editor, and continued in charge until it was discontinued, December 17, 1862. At about the same time, James M. Fitch became its publisher, and remained such until December, 1858. He was succeeded by Shankland & Harmon, and in Ajn-il, 18G1, V. A. Shankland took sole charge as ]>ul)lisher, and continued until the end.

The Erangelisl was always an able paper, candidly and earnestly discussing the reforms sought to be secured through the aid of Christian effort, and for many years each number contained a sermon by Professor, afterwards President, Finney, reported in short-hand by Prof. Cowles. Its twenty-four volumes form a jiortion of the college library, and in after years will become of great value.

Prof. Cowles. in addition to Jiis duties as instructor in the college, has published several volumes on the ]iroi>hetical books of the Bible, besides other works of lesser u<ite, and still resides in Oberlin. venerable in years, and beloved by all.

James M Fitch conducted the book and jieriodical j)rintiug for the college for many years, with ability and credit, and died in Oberlin June 7, 18(i7, widely esteemed and deeply lamented b) all who knew him.

The Peack.Makkk

This was the title of a small pajier conducted b}' Rev. Israel Mattison, and devoted to the advocacy of peace princijiles, as held by Elihn Buriitt. His residence was in "New Oberlin," a mile from the village, whei'c he edited the pajier and jiut it in type, and it was printed on the Eniiir/i'lisf press, by Mr. Cillett. It was first issued about the beginning of the year 1830, and was discontinued in 1840, when its jiublisher removed to Illinois.

Sodu after James ^1. Fitch liccauie |iublishei' (if the Evanyclht, in 1844, he issued a small folio, 18 x 24 inches, with the above title. It was published at irregular intervals, luit imt receiving sufficient su]iport to warrant its cuntinuaiice, it was suspended after about one year.

This was an octavo of one hundred and forty pages, published by James M. Fitch from 1845 to 1849, making four volumes. It was devoted to the discussion of theoldgical (jucstions, and was ably conducted, the first year by President Malum and Rev. William Ciicbran.and afterwards l)y Jfabau and Prof. Finnej'.

The Village Item

This was a small, spicy little sheet that was issued from the press of the Evangelist, in May, 1852. But a few numbers were printed. Soon after it was discontinued, Mr. Fitch, publisher of the Evangdist, made the first practical effort to establish a secular uewsjiaper in (Jberlin, and issued

This was a six-column folio, very neatly printed, and filled with w^ell selected articles and ably prepared original matter. It struggled through its first year at quite an expense to its publisher, who, in June, 1853, announced that ^'The Oberlin Weekly Times. wiW not be issued again until we have further encouragement," which he failed to receive.

This was an octavo of thirt^'-two pages, issued in 1858 by the publisher of the Erangelist, and, as its title indicates, was devoted to the interests of the college, being edited and sustained mainly by the students. It was discontinued after ncaidy three yeai's, at the lireaking out of the war. in ISiil.

The first weekly jiaper in Oberlin that proved to be of a permanent c-haracter, was The Loraiv Covnfij News, the first number of which was issued on the 7th of March, 1800, by V. A. Shankland and J. F. Harmon, at that time pulilishers of the Oberlin Evangelist. It was a six column folio, price ^1.00 per annum. During the first year of its existence the News was edited by A. B. Nettleton, who laid down the jien to assume the sword in defense of the union. He was succeeded by J. B. T. Marsh, then a college student. At the commencement of the war, in 1861,

Mr. Harmon sold his interest in tlie pnblisliiug business to his partner, and enlisted in the army where he served three years. Mr. Shankland eontiniu'd to ])iil)lis]i the paper alone nntil ilareh .''), ISCri. (the close of the second year), when Prof. H. E. I'eck jiurchased an interest therein, and the bnsiness was continued l)y V. A. Shankland & Co., with Prof. Peck and ^Ii\ !Marsh as editors. In the summer of 1803 boll) (lie editors withdrew from the A'eu's, Mr. Marsli enlisting in the army. In .July. l>i<i.3, William Kincaid, tiien a senior in college, assumed the position of c(lit(ir. and served in that cajjacity for one year. He was succeeded liy L. L. Kice, who edited the paper until October, lS(i.5. In .Inly, lSii4, Mr, Harmon retnriu'd fi'oni t be army and again liecamc joint owner iif the pajiei-, ami in Novendjer of the same year he imrchased Mr. Shankland's interest and became sole pi-oprietor. In October, 1805, be sold the entire establishment to .1. T. Marsh, who conducted the pai)er as editor and proprietor until July 'M, 1807, when he sold it to Elbei't W. Clark, who employed Prof. C. H. Churchill asedit(n-. Under tliis management the Xcirs was puljlished for about two years, wlien }ilv. Clark sold theottice to E. P. Brown, at that time [lublisherof the BpUitkc (hizctte, who conducted the paper as editor and publisher until February, 1870, when he sold it tt) Kichard liutlei', who on February 9, '1871, sold the establishment to .lusius N. lli'own, a graduate of llie Oberlin theological seminary. After conducting the pajier about three months as sole }ii-oprictor, Mr. J5rown sold an interest in the otlice to A. li. A\ ililman, who for some time previous bad been foreman in the oflice of the Standard of the ('riixtt, and wlu) took charge of the mechanical de])artnieut in February, 1875, Mi". Brown still occupying the post of editor. In May, 1873, Mr. Wildman sold bis interest to .1. H. Lang, but continued to retain the position of foreman. About the first of December. 1873, Brown & Lang sold theottice to George B. Pratt and .J. H. Battle, Mr. Pratt being one of the projirietors of the Olx'flin 7'iiiiefi, formerly the JVew Era, aiul at that date tlie Times and JS'cws were consolidated, retaining the name of the latter, which was changed to the T/ic ObvrUn WcvkJy Xews, the title it now bears. The new paper stalled out with a large li«t of subscribers; a large addition to its stock of type and machinery was purchased, and the office was put in complete order, at great cost to its jn'oprietors, who anticipated a sufficient revenue to meet the liabilities tiius incurred. Their anticijiations were not realized, and on January Mr. Pratt disposed of bis interest and retired fnim the office. The paper was then conducted by.). 11. Battle, in company with his father, William Battle, until July, 1876, when Matthias Day, Jr., formerly editor and proprietor of the Manafield Herald, became the editor and proprietor. The paper at this time was deeply involved in debt, and Mr. Day reduced its size and otherwise diminished the cost of its publication, hoping to be able to sustain it. Finding it impossible to meet its liabilities, in

December, 1876, he sold the office to Iral A. Webster and Edwin Eegal, who retained Mr. Day as editor. In May, 1877, Mr. Regal retired, and Messrs. W. L. & JI. G. Mains jiurchased an interest, the new firm being Webster, Mains & Co., Mr. Fred. Webster serving as local editor. This arrangement continued nntil December 1, 1877, when William H. Pearee, previously editor of the Grinds/nne Vilij Advertiser in Berea, ])urehased the interest of the Messrs. Mains, and became its editor and l)usiness nnmager, the (irm licing Weljster & Pearee. On tlie 1st of January, I87!l, Mr. Webster sold his interest and retired. The Xew." is now published by W. H. Pearee, who may well congratulate himself on seeing it established on a jiaying basis.

The Neics was originally a sis column folio, price $1.00 })er year. For the first few years a line in the beading read, "Published at Oberlin and Wellington," one page being edited for a time by parties in Wellington. In 1863 it was enlarged to an eight column folio and the price advanced to $1.50, and soon after to ifeS.OOayear. In January, 1806, it was again enlarged and made a nine column folio. During a part of the year 1807 it was an eight column paper, but was again restored to the nine column, and so remained until December 10, 1874, when Messrs. Pratt & Battle changed it to a six column quarto. Two years later, under the management of Mr. Day, it again became an eight column folio, which size it still retains. At the same time the price was reduced to $1..50, as at present. The A>?/'.< has always been repulilican in politics, and its editors have generally taken an advanced ]iosition on all moral and educational movements.

By the foregoing it will lie seen that tlie Xewtt has been owned, in part or in whole, by nineteen different persons since its establishment, a little less than nineteen years ago, all of whom, with one exception, are still living, and several have acquired some prominence in their respective fields of labor. The limits of this history will only admit a brief notice of those most prominently connected witli the jiaper during tlie time.

A. B. Nettleton won a geiierafs commission in the army, subsequently edited the Sauduskv Register and the Chicago Advance, and now resides in Philadelphia.

.1. B. T. Marsh was subsequently one of the editors of the Chicago Adrance for eight years, and now resides in Oberlin, holding the position of treasurer of the college and mayor of the village.

L. L. Rice was a veteran editor of forty-two years' experience when he edited tlie Neivx. had been private secretary of (Jovernor (Jhase, and was since for twelve years superintendent of i)ublic jirintino' in Cohindms. ][e now resides in Oberlin, veneral)le in years, and resj)ected by all who know him.

The News was first printed upon an Adams bookpress, which was purchased by .J. M. Fitch, in 1848, and was used for printing the Evangelist and other papers, also, several books, including the fii'st edition of "President Finney's Theology." In 18(iH, a Campbell cylinder press, the first cylinder ])ress in the county, was purchased, and run by hand uj) to 1871, when a steam engine, also the first in the county used for printing purposes, was attached by J. N. Brown. In -lanuary, 1874, Pratt & Battle ditposed of the Campbell press, and procured a large and expensive Potter press, which, in Fcl)ruary, 1878, was sold by Webster & Pearce, and a country Potter cylinder jjress procured, which is now in use in the News office.

This was a small sized quarto, published weekly, the first number of which was issued in Oberlin, in August, 1868. Rev. W. C. French, U.D., was its editor and ])idjlisher. It was the successor of the Uanibier Obserrer, (afterwards called the Western Episcopalian,) which was estaldished in (iambier, Ohio, in 18.'?0, as the representative of the I'rotestant Episcopal church in ()lii<i. Its editor was rect<!r of the greater ])ortion of the time, in rooms in the the clum^h in Obi'rlin, and the pa})er was printed, rear of the church edifice. In 1873, the office was removed to Cleveland, where it is still pLiblished by Dr. French, thi'ough whose ability and industry the paper has secured a general circuhilion in Ohio,

New Era. lie was a specialist in his practice, and in consef|uencc of the News declining to ]iublish his advertisements, he started this as an oi)position jiaper, and by furnishing it at a low ])riee, and canvassing, at considerable cost, for subscribers, succeeded in securing a good circulation. It was an eight column folio; i)rice, II a year. Rev. II. O. Sheldon, .1. I'". C. Iliiyes, and othei'S, were employed as wrilcrs. and II. P. Whitiney was its Inisiness manager. It did not realize the object of i!s ]iulilislier, and in the fall of 1873. he sold itto(!. A. Sherman and Ceorge B. Pratt, and the name was changed to 7'he Olierlin Times. Aftei' flic issue of a few nundiers, it was d with the News, by Messrs. Pi'att & Battle.

The Orekun Review

This is a sixteen page semi-monthly paper, now published in Oberlin, and devoted to the interests of the college. It is owned and conducted by the students. The first number, containing twelve i)ages, was issued A])ril 1. 1874, with (J. N. Jones, as managing editor. It was jiriiifed in ihe AV«'.s- oflfiee, at 11.50 a year. On the ICtb of Se]itember, 1874, it j)assed into the hands of the Union literary associati()n, of Obei'lin college, a corjiorafe body couijiosimI of the Phi Kapiia Pi, Phi Delta, Alpha Zeta, Ladies" liiterary, Aelioiaii and Beth Nun Alepli societies, which has continued it jiublication to the jiresent time. Its editor-in-chief, together with a board of associate editors, is elected aunually by the association. The following ])ersons have successfully served as edit(n-sin-chief: J. A. Winters, E. J. Malle, Arch Iladden. E. A. Tuttle, I. W. Metcalf, W. W. Beacom, and II. C. King. With its second vohinic, the ]):i]>er vas enlarged to sixteen pages, and its subscription increased to $1.75 per year. For the jiast two years, it has been self-sustaining, having a circulation of nearly six hundred coj)ies.

The first, number of The Oherlin (lazellc was issued December 7. 1876, by A. P. Wildman and E. M. Brice. It was a seven column folio, all home j)rint, for the first seven months, and its terms wei'c $1 ]ier annum. On the I'.Uli of .July, 1876, Mr. Wildman ])urchascd Mr. Brieve's interest, j)rocured his jiaper with outside jjages ready jirinted, in Clevelaiul, and continued its publication until .June 6, 1878, wdicii he sidd it to W. W. WoodrufP, under whose direction it is still published on the co-o])erative plan.

Both A. R. Wildham and E. M. Brice are j)ractieal jirinters, of much experiiMice, and an honor to Ihe craft. The latter is now editor and pi'o])rietor of the Blue Rapids (Kansas) Times. Mr. Woodruff is a novice in the art of printing. The (fazette is considered independent in politics, though with strong republican i)ro(divities. During Ihe iani|iaign of 1878, its editor mainly supj)orted the jiioliibition ticket.

The Press In Wellington

The first newsjiaper printed in Wellington was issued March 11, 185:i, and called The WclUnfiton .foitriinL (fcorge Brewster was its editor and L. S. (iriswiilil, associate editor. Its first proprietorship (Miiiiot l>e ascertained, but on the 35th of the same iiiiiiith Jonathan D. Baker purchased an interest in (he office and became its printer. April 23d of the liwma year Cieorge Brewster withdrew from the paper, tiikiiig the position of corresponding editor. On the -i'M\\ of April the title of the paper was changed to Jiiurnal and Free Democrat, but on the 23d of July its original title was restored. At this date J. S. Reed aud E. Boice became its proprietors and George BrL^vstor its editor. Mr. Brewster retained his conncctidu with tlic ii:t[ior for about one year, and for a time li. S. CJriswold edited it. Henry T. Culver, J. W. Hill, C. F. Brewster and T. Burus res[iectively succeeded each other as printer. The paper failed to sustain the cost of its publication, and was discontinued after about two years, but the precise date cannot be ascertained.

The Wellixcjton Enterprise

In the summer of 1865, James A. (Juthrie of Delaware, Ohio, removed to Wellington and commenced tiie i)ublication of The, WelUiKjIon Uufcrprise. The first issue was dated Sei)teniber 25, 1865. It was a tiibo, printed on a sheet 25^x38 inches, and its terms were *3.00 a year. On March 1, 1860, Mr. Guthrie sold the paper to Jolin C. Artz, who reduced the size to seven columns, and the price to 11.50. On the IStii of September, 1867, the j)aper was enlarged, and its outside pages were furnished on the co-opei'ative ])liin. Mr. Artz remained its editor and proi)rietor until Octoljer 1, 1876, wiien he sold the office to Dr. J. W. Ilougiiton and D. A. Sniitli. Dr. Houghton and ]}is wife, Mary 11., Iiecanie its editors, and Mr. Smith, being a pi'actical jirinter, took chai'ge of the mechanical dejiartment. The size of the paper was inci'cascd to a. slieet 26x40 inches, with co-operative outside l)ages, bnt its price remains at 11.50. On the 15th of December, 1877, Mr. Houghton purchased his partner's interest, and is now its sole projirietor. Mr. and Mrs. Houghton were novices in newspaper Work when they assumed the cliai-ge of the Enterprise, but their industry and painstaking have placed it on a substantial basis. It has always supported the republican party, and its column reflect the well-known characteristics of its editors - fairness in discussing dis]uited (|uestions, and })rogress in all the reforms of the day.

Black River Commercial

It was a five-column quarto; terms, #1.50 a year. On the 3d of July, 1873, its form was changed to an eight-column folio; and on the I8th of September, it was reduced in size to six columns. On the 8th of January, 1874, it was restored to an eight-column folio, with patent outside pages, and ou the 9th of the following May, its size was increased toliine columns, and thus remained until it was discontinued, September 12, 1874, for want of adequate sujjjjort. At that date, the material was removed to Elyria by Mr. Fisher, who commenced the publication of a new paper, called the Eljiria RepuMican.

The Amherst Free I'Ress

This paper was issued July 31, 1875, in North Amherst, by F. M. Lewis, editor and proprietor. It was a six-column folio, patent outside pages, iiulependent in politics, and its terms were $1.50 a year. After three weeks, Mr. J. K. Lewis became associated with his brother in its publication, and continued until July 22, 1876, when he withdrew, and C. II. Lewis took his place in the firm. On the 18tli of August, 1877, F. M. Lewis again took sole charge of the i)aper. On the 37th of November, following, its ])rice was reduced to $1.25 a year, and its size was increased to seven columns. It is chiefly devoted to local interests, and its publication is continued by Mr. Lewis as editor and ])roprietor.

In concluding the history of the press in Lorain county, the writer acknowledges the obligations he is under to various persons who have aided him in obtaining the desired information, and especially to President J. H. Fairchild. and AV. II. Pearce, editor of the Newx, who have kindly furnished most of the data'relating to the twelve different publications in Oberlin.

Summary

From the foregoing, it will be seen that there have been thirty-three different publications issued in this county during the past fifty years, viz: Sixteen in Elyria, twelve in Oberlin, two in Wellington, two in Lorain, and one in Amherst. At this time, there are seven weekly papers and one semi-monthly published in the county, viz: Two in Elyria, two weeklies and one semi-monthly in Oberlin, one in Wellington, and one in Lorain.

Chapter Xiv

The present " Loruiu County AgrieiiKiinil Society" was orgiuiized in (he year 184G. Previous to this time shows for stock, etc.. had l)cen hekl in Elyria and Oberlin. As early as 18i)3 a stociv show was iiehl east of tlie Heche House, on the site of Ely park. At this show sixty dollars was award(Ml as preniinni upon cattle, horses and articles of various kinds. How many of these exhibitions were held previous fo the organization of the [iresent society, the writer cannot ascertain. Thei'c must have been several. In October, 1845, a show was held in Oberlin, and il appears by President Kinney's report, that there had been ])rcvious meetings of a like nature. This organization seems to have been carried on Ijy the citizens of Oberlin and its vicinity, and Mr. Kinney's rejjort refers to the assistance given by the presiilent and professors of Olierlin college. At this meeting a jilowing match was hekl, cattle and other stock competing for premiums. The chairman of committee on plowing was Prof. Cowles. The names of the other committees are before me, but no report of their awards. The report was to appear the following week - so says Tltc Peoples Pre.sx, October 1, 184.5. In the evening at half-past six o'clock a meeting was held in tlie chapel, and short speeches were delivered liy several gentlemen, among them Dr. Townshend, President Jlahan, Prof. Fairchild (now i)resident), and Prof. Cowles. Songs had been prepared by Tutor Hodge, and the music was pronounced excellent.

Whatever had been done by Elyria or Oherlin j)revious to 1S4G, no doubt partially j)aved the way for the organization formed under the act of the legislature for the encouragement of agriinilture, February 184(i. Dr. N. 8. Townshend. then of Elyria, now professor of agriculture, etc., in "The Ohio State University," probably did more to get farmers and others togethei' and organize a meeting which eventually resulted in the formation of the present society, than any other individual. The proceedings of the agricultural meeting held at Elyria, Lorain county, Ohio, on Wednesday, April 'M, 184(), aiv reported as follows:

On motion of .V. H. Re<iington, and after remarks by Hon. D. T. Baldwin, l)v. Hubbard and others, it was resolved to proceed immediately to the organ-zation of a county .society, in accordance with the ndes and regulations recommended by the State board of agriculture. On motion of Joel Tiffany, Esq., an enrollment was made, to ascertain if a sufficient uundjer of persons desirous of ass<iciating themselves as a county agi-icultural society wel'e present, and if a sufticient sum could he raised to meet the provision of the act. Whereupon fifty-eight names were enrolled, and eighty dollars subscrilied. .\greeable to the recommendation of the nominating committee, the following gentlemen were unanimously elected, and now constitute the board of ilirectors: Joseph Swift, president; Daniel B. Kinney, vice-president; Artemas Beebe, treasurer; A. H. Re<lington, secretary; Henry Tracy, George Sibley, Edwin Byington, D, T. Baldwin, T. W. Osboru, managers.

On motion, it was resolved that committees be ajipoiuted, consisting of two individuals in each township, to solicit subscriptions, with the names of i>ersons wishing to become members of the society.

On motion, the above committees were instructed to make all possible exertion, immediately, and report in person or by letter at the tirst meeting of the board of directors.

It was voted that the board of directors meet at the court house, in Elyria, on W^ednesday, the i;ith of May, at 11 o'clock a. m.. to determine the sulijectsand rates of premiums, ami transact such other business as may be necessary. Adjourned .-iint' die.

Resolved, That preniiuns he awarrled upon the following articles; The several amounts to be determined at the ne.xt meeting of the board, when the amount of funds at the control of the society shall he ascertained.

Resolved, The ladies of this county be invited to manufacture useful articles, to be donated to this society, and that they hold a fair in the afternoon and evening of the day of the exhibition, and that all citizens be requested to bring choice specimens of fruit and flowers, manufactured articles, and he offered for sale at the ladies" fair, for tlie benefit of the society.

According to previous notice, meeting at Olierlin. on Tuesday, August 20, 184'i. At this meeting, a long list of committee men were a|i|niinted. It was also decided, to offer premium for hcnls of cattk', not less tluin tifteeii he;i<l, owneil hy one farmer - tirst. seeimtl, third, fourtli :iiid tifth liest. The best tlock of sheep, not less than twenty-live head - first, secoml, third, fourth ;ind lifth best. Then comes a list of awards, at the tirst fair, September 30. Amount of jiremiums ;i\\;irded, one hiindi'cd and seventeen dollars.

A report of the iiroceeilings of the society, and statement of the pros[)Cct of the crops, as re([uiretl by law, was made out, and forwarded to N. P, Johnson, the ;ippoiiited delegate by the society, to the annual meeting of the State boanl, at Columbus,

It is very evident that, in the early days of the society, the nuinagers were men, deeply interested, and very zealous in the work of establisliing this, now, prosperous society. The constitutiou preijared

Art. 1. The offlcers of the society shall consist of a president, vicepresident, secretary, treasurer, and five manaj^ers. who. together, shall constitute a hoard of directors for the t^eneral inanaj^enient of the affairs of the society. They shall be elected annually, liy the members of the society, and hold their offices till their successors are appointed.

Art. 4. A list of articles for which premiums are to be awarded by the society, must be publislied in a newspaper, or in handbills, at least one month previous to the da.v of the exhibition.

Art. .'). All articles offered for premiums must be owned by the persons offerinj^ the same, or b^' members of their family. I'roducts of the soil, and niantifacturcd articles, must be produced or manufactured within the county, agricultural iiuplements excepted.

.\RT. 6. .\warding committees, of three persons each, shall be annuall.v appointed by the directors of the society, for judging the different classes of articles offered in competition, and awarding premiums for the same.

Art. 7. Awarding committees must conform to the provisions of the law in requiring competitors for premiums on crops, and other improvements, to furnish fidl and correct statements of the process, and expense of culture atid production, etc.

Art. 8. Competitors for premiums on crops shall be required to have the ground and its produce accuratel.v measured. b.y not less than two disinterested persons, whose statement shall be in writing and verified by .atfidavit.

Art. 9. Premiums on grain, and grass crops, shall not he awarded for less than one acre, and on root crops for not less than one-fourth of an acre. The whole quantity produced on the amount of laud specified shall be measured or weighed. Root cnips to be estimated by weight, divested of the tops, sixty pounds to be considered a bu.shel; and grain crops to be measured or weighed according to the usual standards. The rules in relation to other crops, and pi-oductions, to be agreed on by the directors of the society.

Art. 10. The annual exhibition of the society shall l)e held at some period between the first da.v of .September and the first of November. The premiums on crops can be awarded at a later period, if thought best.

First. No person that is a member of the society shall liereafter compete for a premium as long as an annual fee against him remains unpaid.

Second. All articles drawing the first premium at a previous fair, cannot compete for a premium on the same article until the second year after.

Third. Articles competing for a premium where there is no competion, will be left discretionaiy with the judges, to awartl a premium or not.

Fourth. The board of directors shall, at their annual meeting in January in each year, appoint a corresponding secretary, who shall hold his ofBce for one year, and until his successor shall be apjjointed.

Having given nearly a full report of the transaetions of the society during its first year, which cdiild nol be very well curtailed, to present tlie ti-ansactions of the society clearly to the public, throughout the ensuingyears only a carefully-condensed sketch can be given, or this article will be entirely too long. During the year 1847, it will lie seen that the society made an elfort to phiee before the citi/.ensof Loniin countv the claims for, and advantages iirising from, (he organization, by :xp])ointing able men to deliver lectures in the townshijis.

President, Joseph Swift; Vice President, D. B. Kinney; Johu H. Faxon, Treasurer, and A. H. Redington. Secretary. Edwin Byington, IL C. Safford, W. N. Race, A. W Wliitney, and Benjamin C. Perkins, Managei-s.

At a meeting of the board, January 2S, 1847, Mr. Holtslander was elected manager to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of William N. Race. At this

Dr. N. S. Townshend. for F.lyria, Carlisle, Eaton, Columbia, Ridgeville, Avon and Shelheld ; Prof. J. Dascomb, for (irafton. La Grange, Penfield, Huntington, Wellington aud Pittsfield; Professor J. H. Fairchild, for Black River, Amherst, Brovvnhelm, Henrietta, Cam leu, Brighton and Rochester.

At tlie next meeting, ilay 4, Ihe time was lixed to hold the second annual fair ;it Elyria, October 0 and 7. It was resolved to award premiums on a longer list of articles. - increasing the amount of premiums from one hundred and seventeen dollars to one hundred and Ihirly-five dollars. The dilTerent awarding ctnnmittces were a])i)Ointed.

The first day of the fair was occupied by the (hjuimittees examining stock and other articles. A large number of farmers of the county were present, and manifested a very commendable zeal, in competing for the premiums offered.

The plowing match took phice in the fdreiioun of the second day, after which the members of the society met in the court house aud the following persons were elected officers for the ensuing yetir:

Joseph Swift, president; D. B. Kinney, vice president; J. H. Faxon, treasurer, and A. TI. Redington, secretary; delegate to State board convention at Columbus, December, 1847, N. P. Johnson.

After the reports of committees and awarding of premiums, it is said that a very excellent and appropriate address was given by Dr. E. W. Ilublianl, who had been previously invited to address the society.

Best cultivated farm, Joseph Swift, Henrietta; second best, Alonzo Gaston, Russia; third best, P. Sheppard, Henrietta. Best plowing, Ed. Matchem, Pittsfield; second best, William Reed, same town.

The first premium was awarded to Alonzo Gaston for best cultivated farm; second to N. Jackson; third to A. H. Redington. The old offlcers were re-elected. James Dascomb was appointed delegate to State board convention at Columbus.

It appears that James Dascomb did not go to (Jolunibus, the report being forwarded to Dr. Townshend, who presented it at the convention, at Oolum- Inis in December.

The fourth annual ftiir, held at Elyria, was a success. The fii-st day being, as iisua.l, for the examination of stock, etc.; the second, to plowing match; and afternoon of thfit, to election of officers, and other business. Elected for the ensuing year:

The tiftb annual fair was held at Olx-rlin, September 20, 18,51). At this fair, higher premiums were offered; the premium on bestcultivated farm was raised from five to eight dollars, and others in [iroporliijn. E. Clark, best cultivated farm; A. Gaston, second. The same president and vice-president were elected, and A. H. Redington made secretary and tre;isiirer.

At a meeting of the board, held at Oberlin, August 3, 1S52, the committee previously appointed to solicit subscriptions to aid the society re|)orted as follows:

O. S. AVadsu'orth reixn-led lifty-two dollars, on condition that the next fair be held in Wellington. A. W. Whitney iiiadt^ an adverse rc|)ort for Pittsfield. The members from Oberlin and Elyria being absent, it was voted to hold the next fair at Wellington. At a later hour N. B. (rates reported one hundred dollars, pledged by citizens of Elyria, on condition that the fair be held in that place. On motion of 0. S. Wadsworth, it was voted to rescind the resolution for holding the fair at Wellington, and that the next fair be held in Elyria on Wednesday and Thursday, Gtli and 7th of October, 1852.

A committee of four were a})poiiited to make necessary arraiige:nents for holding the fair at Elyria, and were authorized to make expenditures to an amount not exceeding mie hundred dollars, and not exceeding the amount paiJ into the treasury by donations by the citizens of Elyria in making an enclosure, pens, buildings, etc., necessary for, the convenience of said fair. N. B. Gates, Edwin Byington, G. <{. Washburn and E. W. Hubbard were made said committee. It was decided to ajiproiiriate fifty dcdiars more from the fund, provided the said ccnnmittee fence in grounds so that an admission fee can be collected.

N. B. Gates was requested to act as marshal, with power to choose his assistants. The above committee were to |trocure a suitable person to deliver the annual address.

This seventh fair was a great success. The premium list was extended and stock somewhat classified. The ladies exhibited a long list of articles, both of domestic and ornamental use, and were awarded liberal premiums.

The eighth annual fair was held at Klyria. and more I lilicral premiums were olTered. (»n cattle the amount to l)e awarded was seventy-live dollars and nine copies of ()/nu Fiirmer. On horses, fifty-three dollars and two Ohio Farmers. Fine arts, flowers and fruits were largely represented at this fair. There was a long list of utienuuierated articles. In this class a premium was awarded to Fordice Miller, a cripple, /(;/- skill in

Af'er hearing reports from committees from Elyria and Oberlin, the board took into consideration the subject of locating tlie county fair for the next ten j-ears.

On motion of E. Matchem. that the Lorain county fair be located at Oberlin, in the township of Russia, for the next ten years, the question being called, and the yeas and nays demanded, resulted as follows:

The following were appointed a committee of arrangements, to procure and enclose grounds, erect suitable buildings, and other necessar.v fixtures, dig a well, and superintend next fair; N. B. Gates, H. C. Safford, E. Byington, A. Beebe, A. H. Redington.

Rc'soliK'd, That the committee of arrangements dr.aw on the treasurer tor one hundred and fifty dollars, to be expended in fitting up the fair grounds. Adjourned.

The ninth annual fair was a success. Being a full show, every department was well represented, ami there was a large attendance. Among the noticeable offerings at this fair were three premiums for ladies' horsemanshi}) : First, silver cake basket; second, ladies" riding hat; third, gold pencil. The successful coiiip'titors being Miss Arys Terrell, first; Miss iS:)i)hia I'erry, seond; Mrs. L. S. Jenkins, third.

The next annual fair was held on the 3d. 4th ami 5th of Ociober. One hundred and thirty dollars had been expended in improving the grounds. Previous to this fair, very few, and it is fjuestionable if any, pure bred cattle had been exhibited, with the exception of Aston anil lliiiii[ihrey"s Ilcrcfords.

During this year Ilennin Ely, Esq., ]nirchased severid "Herd-Book"' short-horns - the bull. Sir Hunijilircy, 074, and a tine cow and heifer bred by Reber & Kutz, Fairfield county, Ohio. These animals made a good showing and were admired by the visitors. Also, the lamented Chas. Arthur Ely had purchased a fine herd of pure Devon cattle. These, too, were on exhibition, and were of great excellence.

l'rob:il)ly Ohio has not exhibited finer specimens of the Devon ii[) to this day. The fine old bull, the Duke of Devon,"" was, in every point, a first-class aiiim d. K. Matchem exiiibited Devons, and owned some thoroughbreds. This fair is reported as being ahead of that of any previous fair. There was also a full field of ladies contending for the premiums offered for their skill in horsemanship, both for riding and ilriving.

For best riding. Mrs. E. T. Kirby. silver cake basket; second, Mrs. s Morehouse, silver spoons; third, Miss Sophia Perry, silver butter knife; fourth, Miss W^ooster, salt spoons. For driving, first, Mrs. Helm, gold

The constitution of the Liiniin county ;igrieultur;il society was revised at a meeting of the ineinl>ers of society liold at Elyria, Felniiary 7. l!~i5f;. We have not S])ace to give it as revised.

The eleveiitii auinial fair was held Octoljer 7th, !Sth and 9th, 1856. This was a full show, and nearly every i>reniiuni offered v/as competed for.

Alonzo (iastoii took first on best cultivated farm; Pitt W. Hall, second; I). 1'.. Kinney, third. Principal exhil)itors in short-horns and Jlerefords, Louis & Wooltoii, Iloyle, Redington. jMills and Wadsworth. In Kevoiis, C. A. Ely, Matchem, Hamlin and Rhodes. Horses, DeWitt, Howe, Nichols, Webster, Vincent, Panybow, .Smith; C. A. Ely, matched horses.

The twelfth annual fair was held October (5, 7, and 8, 1857. This fair was peculiar for the arrangement of the cattle classes. First class included Short- Ilorns. Devons, Ilerefords, Alderneys, and Ayrsliires, with three premiums to each age, from three years and upwards, down to a calf. In sweepstakes, there were also three premiums, as in the regular class, a thing unprecedented - -there being the second committee; and it was amusing, to see the same animals come m competition, and witness many of the previous awards reversed. T'here was a large amount of grumbling by some of the exhibitors. The show of cattle was poor, and there were a few well bred animals. The committee ou sweepstakes was A. Bsebe, Sr., R. Baker, and C. Wheeler. The award oh bulls: A. Redington's Gov. Morrow, 543, first; 0. A. Ely's Duke of Devon, second; S. C. Hoyle's, third, the Duke being third in class, and a Hereford second, Hedington's first. The cows 373 and over, were good.

This classification was quite unsatisfactory to stock men, generally, and w.is never rejieated thereafter. The hidies' horsemanship resulted in

The thirteenth annual fair was held October 5, 0, and 7, 1858. The premium list had been extended, and every department full; the attendance large, and receipts gooiL Grounds had become too small to accommodate so large agathering. This year an addition was made to the short horn cattle, R. Baker having purchased the bull Gen. Havelock, 2900, and three females, all "herd book jieiligrees," and Dr. N. S. Townshend had, also, purchased several animals of the same bree<l; the latter taking first premium on his bull, " Prince Albert," and the former first on his cow, "Harriet 2d," by Sir Humphrey, 974. There was, at this fair, a large fiehl of ladies, mounted.

The fourteenth annual fair was held Septemlier 27, 28, and 29, 1859. The heavy rain on the first day kept away many exhibitors, with their stock, etc., also, visitors. Financially, sufficieut was made to meet necessary expenses attending the fair, proper. At this fair, an addition was made to the cattle department, by D. A. Stocking having purchased several thoroughbred short horns, and some high grades. These were on exhibition, and having been fattened on the blue grass regions, were in high flesh, and attracted the attention of many, especially those who had not been in the habit of seeing high fed aaimils.

The fifteenth annual fair was well attended, and financially a success. There were but two entries of farms, and only one premium awarded, and that to A. (iaston, twenty dollars. Many premiums were lowereil, and ipiite a number of second premiums struck off the list - all on grain samples and garden vegetables. This injured the show in these classes, those tables being badly sui)plied, and ([uite a feeling of dissatisfaction was expressed by many exhibitors. By cutting off so many ]n-emiums, the expenses were reduced, so that at the end of the year the society had a balance of about eight dollars in the treasury. This was the last year that a premium was offered for plowing.

The election of officers did not take place on the last day of the fair in 1800, owing to a regulation issued by the Ohio State Board of Agriculture, that all county agricultural societies shall hold the annual meeting for the election of officers, etc., sometime in January; consequently the old board held over, and at the call of the president the meeting was ordered for .January 7, 1801, when the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:

The sixteenth fair was held September 2.')-28 inclusive. This fair had immy things to contend with. A "fast day" had been proclaimed by Presidtmt fjincoln, which occurred on the first day of the fair, <ind a continual rain the following day and also ujito noon of the third ilay; in conse(iuence a fourth day was added. Notwithstanding these disasters the receipts were ahead of any previous year.

Tho board came together and revised the i)reiiiiuni list, made the usual arrangements for holding the annual fair, hut by some of the disasters of tiio war and tiie gjooui ))ei'vadiug the wliolc north, the l)oard was called to meet in August, and at tjiat meeting it was decided not to liold a fair during that year.

The annual meeting was held January 14, ISOH. At this meeting it was voted that all persons to be entitled to vote for officers shall first |)ay tiie sum of one dt)llar into the treasury of the society. The election of officers was postponed until January 31, 186;3, to which time the st)ciety adjoui'ncd.

A vote was ])assed te enlarge the fair grounds, if ground could be had adjoining. The board met September Vi, and appointed N. 1>. Gates a committee to fit up the grounds, and that a sunt not exceeding two hundred and seventy-five dollars he appropi-iated for that purpose.

The eighteenth annual fair was held October (i to 9, 1803, The show was excellent; horses, calitle and .sheep very numerous; a large attendance of visitors. The last day was fixed for the extra trotting and all kinds of amusements, which had first been introduced in ISiil, by 1). A. Stocking. This arrangement was not luuinimously desireil, and was attended with considerable discussion; hut it was decided to sive the day to the j)nrposo of amusing a certain class - contrary, I think, to the objects for which county asjricultural societies were or<raiii/.ed.

Iie:it>lvi'tl, ^Tliat the Lorain county agricultural society hold a meeting on the second Monday in l)ecember of each year, to decide on premiums for tield crops, and to (romplete any uuninshed business relating to the previous fair.

The annual meeting for theelecti(Hi of officers, etc., was held January 27, 1800. This being a meeting at which action must be taken with regard to a regulation of the State board of agriculture, viz:

"That county societies shall fix the time for holding the annoal meeling sometime in .January, and then keep to such time; and also shall decide on the number of persons they with to constitute a board of directors - the number not to be less than eight intlividuals, and as many more as the society may wish.*'

Resulted, That the board of managers of the society shall consist of eight members, to conform to the rules of the State board, and that we proceed to elect thes.inie by i.allot; and those elected, cast lots for the longer or shorter term. The result was as follows, after casting lots, viz; Parks Foster, W'm. A. Braman, R. Baker and L. F. Parkes. one year; Joshua Worcester, Bradford Race, T. S. Metcalf and M. H. Cunningham, two years.

A resolution passed instructing the president to appoint a committee of three, to proceed to Wellington and confer with the Union agricultural society, at their aimual meeting, to ascertain whether they have any desire to unite with the county society, and report to the board forthwith. The chair apiiointed on said committee, Messrs. Parks Foster, T. S. Metcalf and R. Baker.

1. Resolved, That the Lorain county agricultural society take steps to purchase land for fair grounds, and that as near the county seat as practicable.

2. Resolved, That so soon as the board of managers can select a proper site, the}* are authorized to puix^hase not less than fifteen acres of land, to be deeded to the society for the u.se of .said society.

3. Resolved, That the President appoint one or more members in each township of the count}', to solicit subscriptions in the several townships, and report on the first Saturday in .-Vpril, ISIJIi.

4. Resolved, That the president request the county conmussioners (to the full extent of the power vested in them) to appropriate of the county funds toward pm-cliasiug and fitting up proper grounds for the use of our county agricultural society, and that he report on the first Saturday in April, IStJtJ.

Laiivl for fair grounds w;is finally jmrchased of Ilenuin Ely in ISOT, being lots one hiiiidreil and twelve and one hundred and thirteen west of river, being eighteen and tive-hundredths acres of land, at one hundred and fifty dollars per acre. A cash payment of five hundreil dolhirs was m;iile. Election of officers resulted as follows:

Voted, that the society employ an agent to solicit subscriptions. Mr. J. H. Boynton was appointed such agent. .\t this meeting it was again voted, that the coniniissioners be requested to api)ropriate funds to the equal ;inioiint raised by the soeiety. K. Baker i>ffered the following resolution, wliich u'(t)< dixrussed inifl adapted:

^-Resolved, That we will not admit to the fair grouiuis any side shows, swings, auctions, or intoxi.-ating drinks, during the days of the annual exhibitions."

January 20, 1S6T, the new board was organized, and elected T. S. Metcalf secretary and treasurer for the ensuing year. It was decided to remove the buildings from the old fair grounds to the new grounds immediately. The buildings were taken down early in the week and a "Bee" called on Saturday, and the old buildings were moved across the river. At this meeting it was (Cor the first time) voted, that the secretary and treasurer be paid for his services the past year.

Bids for furnishing lumber for the fair grounds were opened at a meeting of board held February IG, 18()7. The l)ids varied from eighteen dollars per thousand to twenty-three dollars per tliousand. The board decided to have oak posts and pine boards for fences. Hiram Woodward furnished a part of oak posts at eighteen dollars per thousand. The grounds were graded, and the " trotting ring " constructed, under the superintendence of D. A. Stocking.

During the summer, wells were dug, the fence and suitable buildings, offices, and stalls for horses and cattle, pens for sheep and swine were all fixed up and put in good shape at a cost of 13,928. !)6. Wm. A. Braman, who was the president of the society, deserves the good wishes and gratifications of the society for his indefatigable labors during this summer, in superintending the arrangement, and fitting up these new grounds, which were presented to the public, at the exhibition, in a shape not only satisfactory to the exhibitors and the society, but an ornament to Lorain county. All visitors pronounced this, the twenty-second, the best exhibition and the largest fair ever held by the society, up to this date.

The public were well pleased, and expressed themselves satisfied with the new grounds, and especially for their proximity to the village. The new bridge having been erected during the summer, made the transit from the city to the grounds all tiiat could be d sired.

During this year, additional ex])ense was incurred by rounding off corners of track, and in putting n\) a large dining hall, at a cost of $1,017.48.

The twenty-fourth annual fair was held October 5, 0, 7 and 8. The first :ind second days were rainy and cold. The morning of the third was bright and clear, and the grounds were packed with visitors, and an immense crowd on the last day made the fair financially a success.

In August of this year, an excursion to Put-in-Bay Island was enjoyed by the society. A special train on the L. S. road conveyed passengers to Vermillion, where the party embarked on the steamer " Reindeer." A very pleasant time was had.

The annual fair (twenty-fifth) was fixed for October, but the Northern Ohio fair association being organized, they fixed to hold their fair on our days. The Lorain county fair was changed to September 20 and following days. In August of this year, the society allowed their grounds to be used for a horse or trotting fair. Many attended this that were not disjiosed to turn out again at the September fair. This, with the novelty and excitement of attending the large fair to be held at Cleveland in October, greatly influenced the peoi)le against attending our county fair. Tlie show was never better, but visitors 7.ot so numerous as at the two previous fairs.

This year, a new "floral hall" was erected, at a cost of twelve hundred dollars. This was greatly needed, there not being room in the old hall; neither was it fitted up in proper shape for ladies to arrange and display their handiwork to the best advantage. This year an other excursion was made to the island, the boats "Fieris" and "Gen. Grant "being chartered for the i)ur])ose. This was an enjoyable and profitable undertaking. All passed off in good order, and there were realized for the treasury, three hundred and twenty dollars.

The twenty-sixth annual fair came off September 19, 30, 31, and 23. More entries than at any other fair heretofore. Attendance quite large. Premiums actually paid this year, fifteen hundred dollars. It cannot be maintained that, the Northern Ohio fair lessened the attendance at Lorain county fair. Never in the history of our society, did all pai-ties seem so harmonious and enthusiastic, as at this fair. The new hall, with the well arranged, and equally well manufactured articles, from domestic, ornamental, floral and fine arts, made a display that had never been equalled in the history of the Lorain county agricultural'society. The hall was crowded all the time. Expressions of delight wei-e continually heard, and the board of directors wei'e very grateful for the helping hand of the ladies of Elyria, and the county, who made their display so attractive, which gave a finish to the exhibition, which its predecessors never had.

It had been a subject of considerable talk: "Why cannot the agricultural society do something more than hold its fair, and meet once a year, to elect officers?" a question always timely, and very important. At a meeting, lield January 27, 1873, R. Baker (who had previously read an address) moved a resolution, which was unanimously adopted:

"Tliat, horeafter, the rule of the Lorain county agricultural society, at the annual meetiuss, shall be to meet at ten o'clock a. m. That, after the reading of the secretary and treasurer's reports, short papers and addresses, on matters pertaining to the society, shall be in order. That the ;eIection of officers shall take place at 1 o'clock p. m , after which, discussion shall be resumed , "

On motion of ex-president Gates, it was voted that the board call on the commissioners of the county, and again request them to make an appropriation I'rniu the county funds, to relieve the society of its indebtedness. In support of this resolution, Col. Gates made quite an e.\tended speech. On motion, his speech was ordered printed. The board met and aijjwinted

Geo. P. Metcalf, secretary; and C. W. Johnston, treasurer. Mr. .lohnston refused to serve, and Jay Terrell was appointed treasiu'er for the ensuing year.

March 4, 1873, the Itoard met, and a resolution was ailojited, asking the following persons to act as a committee to solicit donations of money, to be applicil toward liquidating the present indebtedness of said society. The conditions upon which said subscribers are to pay their subscrijttions, are: that the committee secure, pledged for said purposes, the sum of 13000.00. The men selected for the several townships, commenced the work, headed by J. 11. Boynton, Esf|., who himself subscribed seventy-five dollars, he being assigned Elyria and Oberlin. The amount, by the next annual meeting, was nearly all promised, but the fire in March, 18G3, destroyed the lists, with books, and other documents, of the society; after which, the persons who had subscribed, and promised to advance the ca.sh as soon as the two thousand dollars were all promised, could never be prevailed upon to come forward and pay the various sums. Had they done this, the debt would have been lifted in 18G3.