Middletown City (part 1 of 4)

Middletown City

The original town plat of Middletown, laid out in 1802 by Stephen Vail and James Sutton, reads as follows: "The above town is laid out in the fractional section No. 28, in township and fourth range, between the Miami Rivers. ach lot is six poles one way, agreeably to the plan, except the lots Nos. 43, 46, 47, and 50, which are six poles square. The streets are each four poles wide. The course of those running from the river is south, sixty degrees east. Water and Main Streets cross the other at right angles. North Alley and South Alley are each two poles wide. East Alley and West Alley are each one pole wide. The alleys are parallel with the streets. The streets and alleys to be perpetually kept open for public use. The lots Nos. 10 and 11, which are colored green, are set aside for the public, to be appropriated to county purposes. First, Second, and Third Streets are always to be kept open to the river."

In 1816 the first addition was laid out, as follows: 'Tn addition to Middletown, in the county of Butler, the subscribers have laid off fifty-seven lots, of the same dimensions of the whole lots in the old plat, excepting Lot 65, containing one hundred and fifty-six poles and fourfifths. Broad Street is five poles wide. What was called South Alley is made three poles wide and called Fourth Street, and the one south of it three poles wide and called Fifth Street. What is called East Alley, in the old part of the town, between the lots on Broadway Street and Main Street, is continued at one pole wide and called Middle Alley; and the one east of the lots, on the east side of Broadway, is one pole wide and called East Alley. The streets and alleys are parallel with those of the old town plat, as recorded, and are to be opened at any time a majority of the subscribers may think necessary, as witness our hands this the twentyseventh day of March, 1816. Broad Street is to be continued at each end thereof the same course until it intersects the county road to Franklin and the one south to Middletown, leading to Reading and thence to Cincinnati." This is signed by Hugh Vail, Shobal Vail, John Cummings, Daniel Doty, and Abner Enoch.

Among the first settlers of Middletown are names yet familiar - Kzekiel Ball, Daniel Doty, Stephen Vail, Garret Van Vost, Moses Potter, and David Enoch. All these except Enoch were from New Jersey. He came about the year 1800, and settled on Section 23 and a fraction of 24, with his father. Abner Enoch obtained these lands by a deed in 1816, from James Monroe, then the President of the United States. Abner Enoch was one of the most remarkable men in this part of the country. He possessed natural abilities, was very energetic, and had an unusual tenacity of purpose. He engaged in manufacturing and farming. He built one of the first mills ever on the Miami River, which consisted of a saw-mill, grist-mill, and a woolen factory, and he also built a distillery. All these mills received water from the same race. Abner Enoch married first a Miss Piper, who died early. He then married her brother's widow. His first wife's father kept a hotel in Middletown, on the corner of Second and Main Streets. In the same house Mr. Enoch had a store at the same time. The hotel and the store were about the first of the kind in the town.

Probably the first settler in Middletown was Daniel Doty, one of the Western pioneers, who died on Monday, the eighth day of May, 1848, at his residence near Middletown, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. Daniel Doty was one of the first settlers of Butler County, and among. the first pioneers of the Miami country. He was born in Essex County, State of New Jersey, on the twenty-third day of March, 1765. His parents were respectable, honest people, in the humble walks of life, who were unable to give their children any education other than that which could be acquired at a common country school. They, however, taught them their duty to their Creator and fellow-beings, and brought them up to habits of honest industry on which, with their own exertions, they had to depend to make their way through life.

Having heard of the fine fertile country then opening in the far West, Daniel formed the resolution of exploring it and judging for himself. Accordingly, on the tenth day of September, 1790, he left his home in the State of New Jersey and proceeded to Fort Pitt (now Pittsburg), from whence he descended the Ohio River to Columbia, six miles below Fort Washington, situated where Cincinnati now is. He landed at Columbia on the twenty-third day of October following. At that time there were but two hewed-log houses in the town. They stood near the bank of the Ohio River. One of them was occupied by Major Benjamin Stites, the other by John S. Gano. Gano was captain of the militia, and Ephraim Kibby was lieutenant. The company consisted of about seventy men, good and true, who were willing to risk their lives for the defense of the country.

At that time General Harmar was commander-in-chief of the military forces of the country, and John Cleves Symmes, the proprietor of the Miami country, was chief magistrate and head of the civil department. At the time Daniel Doty landed at Columbia, General Harmar was out on his expedition against the Indians, and returned to Fort Washington with his army about ten days afterward. A number of his men were wounded, among whom were George Adams and Thomas Bailey. During the years 1791 and 1792 the country was in an almost continual state of alarm on account of the Indians. Three men were killed and scalped by the Indians near Covalt's Station, on the Little Miami River, about ten miles from Columbia. Their names were Covalt, Hinkle and Abel Cook. Daniel Doty and some others went from Columbia to the relief of the station and guarded the graves while the dead were buried.

In the latter part of December, 1790, the Indians made an attack on the fort at Colerain, eight miles from Fort Hamilton, killed two men, and took some horses and cattle. An express was sent to Columbia, and the company to which Mr. Doty belonged got ready immediately and started on the run. When they got over to Fort Washington, the commandant of the fort ordered Lieutenant Kingsbury and twelve private soldiers to join them. That evening they marched four miles and encamped on Mill Creek until next morning, when they continued their march to Colerain, but upon reaching the place found the enemy gone. About two weeks after this the fort was attacked by a large body of Indians, supposed to consist of three hundred or four hundred warriors, and who invested it closely for three or four days, then withdrawing without doing much injury.

Mr. Doty was instrumental in bringing the second minister of the Gospel into the Miami country. The first preacher was the Rev. Daniel Clark, a licensed minister of the Baptist profession, who came from Pennsylvania in the Spring of 1791. The second preacher who came was the Rev. James Kemper. He lived near Danville, Kentucky. Daniel Doty and a man named French were chosen by the people to go and bring him and his family to the country. They proceeded on their- way with rifles primed, their only road being a bridle-path

Source changes here: from Centennial History of Butler County, Ohio, by Bert S. Bartlow, W. H. Todhunter, Stephen D. Cone, Joseph J. Pater, Frederick Schneider, and Others, published 1905; 53,793 words in this source stream.

Middletown City

St. Paul's Evangelical Protestant church, of Middletown, Ohio, was organized in 1876, when a church edifice was erected,* but it was not finished until 1890. The congregation elected G. Rothman, president; William Sebald, secretary; Jacob Borger, treasurer, and D. Fisch. Philip Latterner, William Schultz. Stephan Newbrander and Jacob Gradolph, trustees. The church building is a fine structure, costing eleven thousand dollars. The ground floor is used for Sunday-school purposes and the second story is the auditorium for preaching services. A large pipe organ was purchased by the congregation in 1892. The pastors who have served the church since its organization were: 1867-77. Rev. C. A. Hermann; 1877. Rev. P. Stempel; 1878, Rev. Mr. Koestling; 1880, Rev. Mr. Bauer: 1882, Rev. Mr. Sprankel; 1883-4, Rev. Mr. Schilling; 1884-7, Rev. Mr. Schroeder; 1887-90, Rev. Mr. Mueller; 189T-5, Rev. Mr. Wittich; i895"i9°i, Rev. Mr. Hoffmann; 1901-4, Rev. Srohne: 1904, Rev. E. G. Kuenzler. The pastors of this church served the St. John's church at Trenton during their pastorate at Middletown. There are at present connected with St. Paul's church ninetyfive families. The Sunday school has an attendance of one hundred and sixty-five members and the Ladies' Aid Society numbers fifty-five members. The congregation also owns a parsonage.

Evangelical Church

This congregation was founded in the year 1892, August 13th, by the Rev. C. A. Hermann, because a number of citizens of the East Hamilton Syndicate wished to have a German Protestant church, the population being largely German. The first trustees of this congregation were Oscar Geiger, Peter Bittner and John Nichol. On October 9, 1892, the corner-stone was laid for the new church, for which the East Hamilton Syndicate had offered two building lots. The church was dedicated in the spring of 1893. The congregation was incorporated December 5, 1892. Rev. C. A. Hermann served the congregation until the year 1901, when the congregation elected Rev. Tessmer upon the recommendation of Rev. C. A. Hermann. This gentleman served the congregation two years. After his resignation the congregation severed their connection with the Free Protestant church and united with the German Evangelical Synod of North America by calling the Rev. F. L. Dorn as their pastor. Rev. Dorn took charge of the congregation June 1, 1903. Since then the membership has increased from ten to fortyeight families and the congregation is now in a prosperous condition. The Ladies' Society numbers fifty members ; the young people's society, thirty-eight; the Sunday school has an enrollment of one hundred and

Centennial History Of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Middletown

Bethlehem Lutheran church of Middletown, located on Broadway street, was instituted August 6, 1854, by Rev. E. A. Shultz, Hiram Henkle, Frederick Siebert, Frederick Beck and Adam Heiland. A small church building, back of the present church site, built in 1829 by the Presbyterians, was used as a place of worship, and Rev. George H. Trebel was the congregation's first pastor. Besides Air. Trebel, the only charter members of the congregation living in 1904 are Frederick Siebert, Mr. and Mrs. N. Rushard, C. Latterner and Nicklas.

During the fifty years of the congregation's existence it has had eight pastors : Rev. George H. Trebel, who preached the semi-centennial sermon in August, 1904, had served the church as pastor from 1857 t0 1867; Rev. G. H. Buchholtz, Rev. Thomas Jaeger, Rev. J. H. Kuhlman, Rev. H. G. Schmidt, J. A. Schultze, J. G. Theiss and Carl Huebner. During the half century of its existence as a church eight hundred and fifty-nine persons were baptized, four hundred and sixty-nine confirmed, two hundred and thirty-six couples married and two hundred and thirty-one persons buried. The present handsome church, the corner-stone of which was laid in 1882, and the new Sunday school building was recently dedicated; while the membership now consists of six hundred names. This, with the ups and downs that usually attend the growth of all organizations, has been the highly successful result of fifty years' work. The church celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 1904. The jubilee committee consisted of Martin Raab, August Wenzel, Chas. Latterner, Matthew Lixt, John Nicklas, Mrs. W. K. Rhonemus and Miss Anna Metzler.

German Evangelical Protestant St

The German Evangelical Protestant St. John's church, of Trenton, Ohio, was organized December 26, 1867, by Rev. C. A. Hermann, of Hamilton, Ohio. The first seven members were Michael Baldwin, Conrad Schmidt, Adam Ebel, Henry Schmidt, Dr. A. Wannewetsch, George Petersohn, Sr., and George Petersohn, Jr. The elders were Conrad Schmidt, secretary, Michael Baldwin, Adam Ebel and Dr. A. Wannewetsch, treasurer.

In 1868 the congregation purchased two and one-fourth acres of land on which to build a church and to establish a cemetery. The corner-stone of the new church was laid by Rev. Mr. Hermann, June 28, 1868, and on Noveniber 9th of the same year the church was dedicated to the service of God by Rev. Hermann, of Hamilton, and Rev. Groell, of Cincinnati. The congregation of late has l^een served by the pastor from St. Paul's Evangelical church, of Middletown, Rev. E. G. Kuenzler.

The St. Peter's Protestant church, of Trenton, was built in 1880. The congregation has a fine church edifice and a good parsonage adjoining. The congregation is in a flourishing condition under the pastorate of Rev. Hoelle.

Reformed Church, Of Millville

The Reformed church, of Millville, Butler county, Ohio, was organized with fifteen members, and they built a church in the year 1853. The bell and organ was presented to the church by Elder John Brosier. The church was remodeled in 1879 an<^ again in 1901. The services are and have been held in both the German and English languages. The only living charter member in 1904 is Elder George Muskopf. It has been served by the following pastors : 1853 to 1857, Rev. Mr. Bowman (deceased) ; 1857 to 1869, Rev* G. Z. Mechling, of Hamilton ; 1870 to 1878, Rev. W. F. Berleman (now residing in Philadelphia) : 1878 to 1881, Rev. W. F. Hortsmeier (now of St. Louis) ; 1881 to 1882, Rev. J. L. Schatz (retired, now living in Cincinnati, Ohio) ; Rev. W. H. Fennemann served at two different times, 1883 to 1891, and again in 1894 to 1903; he died shortly after his retirement, in Hamilton. Ohio, in 1904: 1891 to 1893, Rev. A. W. Krampe (now of Buffalo, N. Y.), served the church. The present membership is one hundred and fifteen. Rev. Mr. Sauer is the pastor.

The Mennonite Church In Butler

In 1819 Christian Augspurger came from Europe, accompanied by five other families. In the following years a few more Mennonite families came, so that by 1824 there were ten families settled in Milford township, and they organized into a church. The first minister to take charge of this congregation was a Rev. Krehbiel, from Canada. He, being quite aged, stayed but a few years and then went to live with his son in Iowa. For a year or more the congregation was without a minister, but in 1828 Rev. P. Naffzicker, from Canada, was induced to come and carry on the work. After two years, the work becoming burdensome for him, the congregation elected Jacob Augspurger to the ministry to assist him. In 1832 there was an immigration of Hessian Mennonites who differed from those already here in that they had musical instruments and wore modern clothing. They were accepted into the congregation, but these differences caused so much strife that in 1836 the congregation was divided, Jacob Augspurger taking charge of the conservative part and P. Naffzicker continuing with the Hessian congregation. In 1844 Mr. Naffzicker moved to Illinois and Jacob Miller, who in the meantime had come from Germany, became his successor. In 1856 he also went west and Daniel Holly, P. Kennel and Joseph Augspurger, who died in 1896, became his successors. The conservative congregation was ministered to after the death of Jacob Augspurger by Nicholas Augspurger and Peter Imhoff, who died in 1897. In 1864 both congregations built churches. Lip to this time they had assembled every two weeks in the homes of the members. In 1892 the Hessian congregation being in need of a minister and not being able to elect one out of their midst, extended a call to Rev. H. J. Krehbiel, of Summerfield, Illinois, which was accepted and he is still with the congregation as their minister. For many years there was a gradual approach of the two congregations and in 1897. after the death of Rev. Mr. Imhoff, the remainder of his congregation united with the other, so that there is at present but one organization. As a number of the ministers, so also did many of the members of the congregation, go to seek homes in the western states, so that in the churches in Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska people can be found who were once members of the congregation in Butler county, Ohio. The congregation now numbers about two hundred and fifty members, some being at Collinsville, the others in and about Trenton.

The Mennonites are the direct descendants of the Waldenses of the twelfth century, who, during the time of the reformation, were called Anti-baptists and were persecuted alike by the Catholic and the Lutheran churches. In the sixteenth century those scattered by persecution were gathered and again organized into congregations by Menno Simon, since which time they are known by the name Mennonites. The tenets in which they differ from other Protestant denominations are the following: They administer baptism only upon confession of faith; they are opposed to secret societies; following the instruction of Christ. Matthew 5 :34_37> they affirm instead of giving an oath; they are nonresistant, being opposed to war as incompatible with the teaching of the New Testament. The Mennonite church in Butler county has existed for nearly eighty years and the members being peaceable and industrious people it has been a great help in the development of the county.

History Of

streets, in the old John Traber building, Sebastian Fromm, father of Joseph A. and John Fromm. He was a clockmaker by trade, and was the owner of a large out-lot in the south part of the village, on which he subsequently built a one-story' brick residence. In the summer time he divided his time between his chosen calling and gardening. Still later he collected, by subscription, a large part of the money that purchased a frame building on Dayton street, for church purposes. This building was located on the present site of St. Stephen's church. It was dismantled and tom down in 1854, to make way for the present magnificent church edifice. To Mr. Fromm the cross was a holy sign and he was filled with that zeal which characterized the votaries of that faith alike under the suns of Palestine or amid the wilderness of the new world. The Catholic missionaries who came into northwestern wilds were certainly remarkable men. They labored for posterity in a sense to which we can lay no claim. They worked without a prize in sight. It sprang from a manly, Christian impulse.

At the above date, 1830, there were but a small number of Catholics in Hamilton and Rossville. It was not until 1847-48 that foreign-born citizens began to locate here in any considerable number.

Mr. Fromm was a pious ma^n and in his house the Catholic religion was first cradled in Hamilton. He called in a few of the faithful, and they made known to the head of the church in Cincinnati that they desired church services held in Hamilton. The request was complied with and a priest was sent here at least once a month, and frequently every two weeks, who Kbld services in the Fromm residence for several years.

Catholics of Hamilton and Rossville, many of whom attended the church services in the place above stated: John Tabler, Theodore Tabler, Henry Tabler, B. Rohmann, Barney Wessel, Daniel Butler, Connor Mc- Greevy, M. C. Ryan, E. Boettinger, John Connaughton, John Conbov, Patrick Burns, John Ruhl, John Huff, James Lenehan, Michael Costello, Patrick McArdle, George Buelter, Joseph Seegers, Philip Hurm, M. Haberbeck, Robert Allstatter, Sr., Peter Black. Frank Knauss, Theodore Westbrook, Fred Oberbrecht. Gerhard Pater, Bernard Kettman, Patrick Gordon, Sr., and B. H. Krieger.

Quite a number included in this list frequently went to Cincinnati to attend church service, going and returning on foot. All of these veterans in the Catholic faith save one, Patrick Burns, have passed over the border line to receive their heavenly reward. They were firm, believers in the immortality of the soul ; that it was not all of life to live nor all of death to die. They received inspiration from that beautiful thought contained in Holmes' "Chambered Nautilus" :

The old adage: "Little beginning and great ending" may well be applied to this parish. As far back as 1825 we find traces of Catholicity in the hamlet of Hamilton. The few Catholics were occasionally attended to by some missionary priest from Cincinnati, Ohio, who conducted services in some private house and there administered the holy sacraments to the faithful. In the year 1832 some kind-hearted citizens, seeing the good will of the Catholics to do all in their power to erect a church of their own, came forward to the rescue of the poor people and offered them a site for the new church, provided they would at once begin to build. This offer was accepted by the Right Rev. Bishop Fenwick, then at the head of the diocese, and the erection of a neat little church on the corner of Second and Dayton streets was begun at once. To complete it was no easy task, but, trusting in God and nobly assisted by the citizens of Hamilton, irrespective of creed, the building soon was under roof, and the interior, although plain, was worthy of the house of God.

A school building soon followed, which also served as pastoral residence. The year 1840 brought great happiness to the new parish, for in this memorable year the first pastor, Rev. Thomas Butler, took up his residence at St. Stephen's church. Under his kind administration the congregation increased most wonderfully, and even more under good Father Hallinan. But the difficulties of a mixed congregation soon began to show themselves and in the year 1848 the Germans separated from the Englishspeaking members, and, with the consent of the authorities, paid out three thousand dollars to the English, who at once began the erection of St. Mary's church, the Germans keeping the old St. Stephen's church. After the separation the congregation was entrusted to the care of the Franciscan fathers, of the province of Cincinnati, who have ever since watched over the welfare of St. Stephen's parish with such wonderful results.

M-, the first pastor, so many German Catholics came to Hamilton that it was found necessary to begin a new church, the cornerstone of which was laid in 1852 amid great solemnities. In the following year it was completed by Father Pirmin Eberhard, the pastor. For nine years this great and able man had worked hard for St. Stephen's, when an attack of pneumonia made it necessary to retire from active work. We now see in succession as pastors of St. Stephen's the Rev. Lawrence Osterling, the Rev. Francis de Paul Kolb, and the Rev. Dennis Abarth, all of the order of St. Francis. In 1869 Rev. Lucas Gottbehoede, O. F. M., took charge of the parish and succeeded in getting for the schools the noble Sisters of Notre Dame, that have proved such great blessing to the parish ever since. He also erected the parsonage on the east side of the church and made many valuable improvements in church and school. He was succeeded by the Rev. Jerome Kilgenstein, who paid great attention to the spiritual affairs of the parish and did splendid work among the church societies, especially the sodalities. He was succeeded by the Rev. Clement Steinkamp, Daniel Heile, Nicholas Holtel and Accursius Beine, whose memory is highly honored for the good work they have done for the church.

In 1887 the Rev. Raphael Hesse was made pastor. He began the erection of the present large school in 1889 and in 1893 completed the addition to the present church, making it cruciform and of such great dimensions that it ranks with the largest churches of the diocese. The present St. Stephen s church has over twelve hundred seatings. thus enabling all the children of the schools to attertd the solemn services with the adults. The church is richly furnished, and complete in all its appointments. The eight altars of the church, the confessionals, the organ and the fourteen stations are objects of art and in keeping with the architecture of the church. The addition to St. Stephen's cost about ten thousand dollars, which sum was collected from house to house by the Rev. Angelus Hafertepe, O. F. M., the zealous assistant of Rev. Father Raphael. In 1898 the congregation celebrated its golden jubilee under the direction of Rev. LTbaldus Webersinke, the successor of Rev. Father Raphael. He was ably assisted by the Rev. Father Guido Stallo, who is still well remembered by the people of St. Stephen's.

Since 1901 the church has been in charge of Rev. Father Pius Niehaus, O. F. M., who has done much to beautify the interior of the church and has greatly reduced the debts on the church property. His assistants are at present the Rev. Ignatius M. Wilkins and Rev. Prosper Stehmann, O. F. M. The schools comprise six classes and are attended by four hundred children. Two brothers of the order of St. Francis have charge of the boys, and the other classes are conducted by the sisters of Notre Dame.

The Franciscan fathers have also for a long time attended to Middletown, and still have charge of the parishes in Trenton, and of New London, now Shandon, along the Cincinnati. Chicago & Louisville Railroad. some twelve miles southwest of Hamilton.

Thus the mustard seed has grown and become a tree of blessing to all the citizens of Butler county, who once so nobly planted the seed under great hardships and difficulties. May God bless their noble work and preserve it for the benefit of our glorious country !

In 1848 this congregation purchased St. Matthew's Episcopal church, which was used as a place of worship until 1856. At the commencement of the work of erecting a new church not a cent of money was in the church treasury, but as the congregation contained a great number of artisans, each of whom contributed labor in building, this seeming obstruction was removed, and, when finished, the edifice was truly a work of art and a labor of love. In 1867 the congregation purchased a tract of land from the estate of William Hunter, situated between Hamilton and Symmes Comer, for a cemetery. The first parochial school was established in i860, in the basement of the church, and continued there until 1890, when possession was taken of the new school building.

The following pastors have been in charge o*f the congregation since 1848 : Revs. T. Hallinan, Joseph Kearney, E. P. Corcoran. A. O. Walker, Charles F. Hone. M. L. Murphy, J. H. Bonner, P. A. Quinn. J. O'Donohue, Henry Anderson. Joseph Shea and M. J. Mulvihill.

St. Joseph's Catholic church, situated on South Second street, between Washington and Hanover streets, was founded in 1865. As early as 1864 the Catholic families living in the southwestern portion of the city had started to agitate the question of building a church closer to the place of residence. In 1865 Rev. J. C. Albrinck, at that time pastor at Reading and afterwards vicar general of the diocese of Cincinnati, was appointed bv Archbishop J. B. Purcell, of Cincinnati, to inquire into the matter and see what could be done. At a meeting which he held in St. Stephen's school rooms, it was unanimously decided to organize into a new parish under the title and patronage of St. Joseph, and to begin work immediately on the erection of a new church edifice. For this purpose Messrs. William Beckett, J. E. Owens, John M. Long and Robert Allstatter donated a plot of ground two hundred and fifty feet by two hundred and fifty feet on South Second street between Washington and Hanover streets. These gentlemen likewise contributed two thousand five hundred dollars toward the building fund. In the spring of 18 66 work began on the church and school buildings. In June of the same year the corner-stone was laid by Bishop Rosencrans, of Columbus, Ohio. The young congregation, consisting of but a few families, had a very hard and trying struggle in the beginning, but by dint of hard work and noble generous sacrifice they managed to have the church finished by September, 1867. The church, a beautiful structure, sixty by one hundred and twenty-five feet, built in the Romanesque style, was dedicated Sunday, September 15, 1867, by Archbishop J. B. Purcell, of Cincinnati, assisted by Bishop A. M. Toebbe, of Covington, and a large number of priests. Even at this early day the members of the parish realized the great importance of having a parochial school where the knowledge of God and the doctrines of His church would be taught together with the secular knowledge. So they immediately set to work to erect a new school building. At first but two rooms were built, but when in 1867 the number of pupils grew to one hundred and forty they were compelled to enlarge the original structure by adding two more rooms. Whilst these buildings were in progress Rev. J. C. Albrinck was in charge. In May, 1867, Rev. George P. Steinlage took charge, and it was due to his able and energetic work that the buildings were completed. He remained until 1873, when Rev. Joseph Resell was appointed pastor. He remained until July, 1875, when the Franciscan fathers took charge. Rev. A. Beine, O. S. F., 1879-83; Rev. Clemens Steinkamp, O. S. F., 1883-7; Rev. Pacificus Winterheld, O. S. F., 1887-8. In November, 1879, the parish suffered a great loss. A tornado tore down the church steeple, wrecking in its fall the bells, the organ and roof of the church.

In 1888 the parish was again placed in charge of the diocesan priests, Rev. Francis Varelman being appointed pastor. Under his careful and able pastorship the new steeple and present magnificent rectory were erected. An addition to the school was also made under his direction. He left St. Joseph's to take charge of St. Elizabeth's church, Norwood, Ohio. In October, 1896, Rev. A. E. Druffner came to take charge until September, 1897. He was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Holthaus, its present able and beloved pastor.

In 1900 the parish had increased to such an extent and the work had grown so heavy, that it became necessary to have a resident assistant pastor. Rev. F. Veil, July 1, 1900, to September, 1900; Rev. H. Schuer, July 4, 190L to May, 1902; Rev. C. Diener, July 1, 1902, to June, 1903; Rev. Oscar William Gerhardus, July, 1904, the present assistant.

wonderful progress. A new life as it were has been infused into the congregation. When he came to take charge he found the church sadly in need of repairs, carrying a thirty-one-thousand-dollar debt. But he went to work with a will and undaunted. Since then he has practically remodeled and renovated the entire church building. The first and most needed repairs was the placing of a new slate roof over the church, together with a small tower to the rear of the church serving as an ornament and ventilator. Next he turned his attention to the interior. New stained glass windows (made by C. G. Reardon & Co., of Cincinnati), each of which is a work of art, were placed in the church. All these windows are donations of individual members of the parish. Then came the interior decoration of the ceiling and walls. The entire interior is artistically and beautifully painted in oil. The ceiling especially is noteworthy, being a master work (done by Gruber Bros. & C. Svendson, of Cincinnati). It has been pronounced by competent artists to lie the finest interior church painting in southern Ohio, and it is estimated to have a value of eight thousand dollars. Hardly had the painting been completed when he started another regular series of improvements. Space allows us to mention but the principal ones. The erection of a new baptistry, a small but ornate building adjoining the church and connecting it with the parsonage; rebuilding of the organ; securing a new pulpit; two new confessionals; a new crib with figures; twenty new artistic statues; a small but very handsome altar, enshrining a copy of the miraculous picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Help ; a handsome new vestment case built of solid quar- ter-sawed oak, and the painting and gilding of all the altars; furnishing the church with a new steam heating system, and an electric light system consisting of more than seven hundred and fifty single lights. All in all, the improvements and repairs aggregate a value of more than eighteen thousand dollars. Besides this the debt was reduced from thirty-one thousand dollars to sixteen thousand dollars.

Nor has the spiritual welfare and progress of the people been sacrificed for the sake of the material. The former has more than kept pace with the latter. From two thousand two hundred communions in a year the same has increased to nine thousand in a year. Various sodalities and societies for the young men and young ladies have been founded. The membership in already existing societies has been more than doubled, so that now there is hardly one family that does not belong to at least one society.

The schools have also had its closest attention and care and are now in a flourishing condition. From two hundred and twenty-five children, they have increased to four hundred and twenty, divided into seven grades (with the eighth now forming) and employing seven sisters of Notre Dame as teachers. Plans and specifications for a new school building to cost forty thousand dollars are now in the hands of the pastor. If we consider this great progress, both of spiritual and material and accomplished in the remarkably short time of seven years, surely we can not but congratulate both pastor and congregation : pastor for having such a generous and willing flock ; congregation for having such a prudent and self-sacrificing priest for pastor, through whose labor and efforts St. Joseph's has grown today what it is, one of the finest in southern Ohio.

The prayers and hopes of a large following among the Catholic laymen of the city of Hamilton, and especially in the first ward, found their realization in the beautiful edifice known as St. Peter's church, on Prospect Hill. The corner-stone was laid October 14, 1894, by the Very Rev. Vicar General J. C. Albrinck. and the dedication took place June 23, 1895, by the Most Rev. William Henry Elder, D. D., archbishop of Cincinnati.

The dimensions of the church building are fifty-nine feet and five inches by one hundred and five feet and eleven inches. The four class-rooms measure nineteen by thirty feet, and the tower has an altitude of ninetytwo feet. The church is prominently located upon a beautiful eminence, and its spire at once catches the dawning glories of the rising sun and reflects the mellowed splendors of the dying sunset.

With the recurrence of each anniversary a decided progress must be recorded in every branch of the workings of the church. An able and excellent staff of teachers is at the head of the schools, and well do the members appreciate and take advantage of this opportunity which they have of giving their children a thorough Christian education.

The various societies, both for the young and for the old, which are affiliated with the church, are constantly increasing in membership and are, indeed, proving them- selves to be the bulwarks of the congregation. With that determination and good will so characteristic of that noble band of fifty-five sturdy men who knew no difficulties and who saved neither time, labor nor expense to found and to build up a church in the first ward, for which they and their venerable sires had wished and prayed for a score or more of years, the neat sum of twenty-five thousand dollars was contributed in less than nine years, so that at the present time the debt of St. Peter's church is reduced to almost a minimum. Rev. Henry Proeppermann is the beloved pastor of the parish.

In the year 1890 a land syndicate, called Improvement Syndicate of East Hamilton, was established, of which Messrs. L. Kahn. O- V. Parrish and M. Mosler were trustees. This syndicate was organized to make Hamilton greater, to draw outside factories and also families to East Hamilton. There were about fifteen Catholic families living in East Hamilton in 1894, the place was growing and had good outlook to become a splendid suburb of Hamilton. The Catholics at that time belonged to St. Joseph's parish, but for the most it was very inconvenient to attend to their religious duties in that church. The above-mentioned syndicate offered to Rev. Francis Varelman, pastor of St. Joseph's church, to Joseph J. Pater and other prominent Catholics of St. Joseph's congregation and to the Catholics in East Hamilton twelve lots situated on Shuler avenue west, and Kahn avenue east, between Beckett avenue north and Bender avenue south, under the condition that a church and other improvements of five thousand dollars' worth must be made thereon to be used for

Catholic religious purposes for twenty years, and after the elapse of this time the land, etc., should belong exclusively! to the future Catholic congregation in East Hamilton. This offer was accepted and the deed was recorded in January, 1894.

After several private meetings in St. Joseph's parsonage, a public meeting under the auspices of Rev. Francis Varelman, - Messrs. Joseph J. Pater, Bernard Pater, Jacob Martin, Fred J. Meyer, George J. Woelfel and other prominent Catholics of St. Joseph's congregation, took place in Wabbeler's Hall, East Hamilton, on Sunday, January 28, 1894. Rev. F. Varelman opened the meeting and explained to those present the purpose of calling this meeting, viz. : to build a Catholic church in East Hamilton on the foresaid grounds. It was subsequently agreed upon that the following gentlemen, who were chosen in the first meeting January 28, 1894, to act as a building committee, should remain in this office, viz : Messrs. Joseph J. Pater, George J. Woelfel, Philip Becht, Fred Mueller and Jacob Martin. The contract for excavating room for the cellar and for building the foundation for church and school was awarded to S. Wysong. Daugherty Bros, then built the church.

On Sunday, June 3, 1894, the foundation stone was laid by Rev. John Albrinck, vicar general. At the end of August, 1894. the building of church and school had made such progress that instruction to children could be given. Therefore the school started September 4, 1894. Two sisters of Notre Dame were teachers and started to instruct twenty-eight children in two rooms in the first floor of the building (the second floor was designated to be the church).

the following gentlemen were chosen first trustees pro tem : George J. Woelfel, Philip Becht and Fred Mueller. On the first Sunday in Advent, December 2, 1894, the first holy sacrifice of mass was offered in St. Veronica church by the Rev. Henry Proeppermann. On May 5, 1895, the church was dedicated by the Most Rev. Archbishop William Henry Elder. At the solemn high mass coram episcopo the Very Rev. John Albrinck, V. G., was celebrant, Rev. Francis Varelman, deacon, Rev. Guido Stallo, O. F. M., subdeacon, and Rev. Henry Proeppermann was master of ceremonies. The cost of church and school complete with furniture, etc., was about five thousand two hundred dollars.

Rev. Francis Varelman is the founder of St. Veronica's congregation, who handed over its administration and affairs to Rev. Henry Proeppermann December 2, 1894. Rev. Henry Proeppermann remained pastor till July 13, 1895, and became the first pastor of St. Peter's church, West Hamilton, which congregation he had organized and built. July 13, 1895, Rev. George Franz was made pastor of St. Veronica church, and besides acted for about a year assistant pastor at St. Joseph's church, where he also boarded. Rev. George Franz left East Hamilton September 9, 1897, and became pastor of St. Anthony's church, Madisonville, Ohio, and on the same day Rev. George Geers took his place as pastor. He boarded for six months in St. Joseph's parsonage, but started building a house on the grounds of St. Veronica's property, northeast comer Beckett and Kahn avenues, at a cost of eighteen hundred dollars, which was completed and occupied in March, 1898, by Rev. George Geers. He left the congregation

October 26, 1899, being called to be pastor of the congregation "Mary of Perpetual Help,'' Sedamsville, Cincinnati, Ohio. On the same day Rev. Henry G. Kues was sent by the most reverend archbishop to be pastor of St. Veronica church.

In the year 1903 the church was enlarged, an addition of fifty-five feet was built to the old church, tower was raised twentysix feet, and three new bells, twenty new painted windows, three new altars, two new school rooms, all at a cost of ten thousand dollars. April 1, 1903, this new addition was started and November 1, 1903, was dedicated by the Most Rev. Coadjutor Archbishop Henry Moeller.

St. John's Catholic church, Middletown, Ohio, was built in the year 1872. The first important meeting for this purpose was held in Theodore Ritter's harness store, No. 82 Third street, on the 28th day of January, 1872. In this meeting it was resolved by the German Catholics of Middletown, Ohio, to build a new church where the word of God would be preached to them in their mother tongue. The site chosen for the new church and school was the lot on Young street, a little below Third street, on which the present church and school stand. The lot was purchased from Mr. John Schafor for the sum of five hundred and fifty dollars.

The corner-stone was laid by the Most Rev. John B. Purcell, archbishop of Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 25th of August, 1872. Rev. John Mackey, at present writing the pastor of St. Peter's cathedral, Cincinnati, Ohio, preached the sermon on this occasion. A large concourse of people from Dayton,

Theodore Ritter, John Kaeser. John Ritter, Matthew Hepting, Frank Luibl, Peter Geiber, Nicolaus Graff, Philip Lindauer, Robert Weishaar and John Strieker. Matthew Hepting presided over the first meetings, with Theodore Ritter as secretary.

The new congregation was placed in charge of the Franciscan fathers and Father Leitner, O. F. M., acted as first pastor of St. John's church. Fathers Jerome, Daniel, Carl Schoeppner, Stanislaus and Gabriel Lipps, all Franciscans, attended to the spiritual wants of the new parish and also to the Catholic congregation at Trenton, Ohio.

St. John's church, Middletown, was only a mission. The priest did not live there. His home was in Hamilton, from where he came at stated times to visit his parish. A house in the rear of the church lot. which served the double purpose of parsonage and school, was built by Father Carl Schoeppner, O. F. M.. a short time after the church was finished.

Father Stanislaus, O. F. M., first brought the sisters of St. Francis from Oldenburg, Indiana, to take charge of the parochial school in the year 1880.

Before Father Gabriel Lipps took charge of the congregation, several Franciscan fathers attended to the place during the short interval, namely. Fathers Heitman, Havertepe, Kreke, Angelus and Hoelscher. In the year 1882 Father Gabriel Lipps took charge. He remained as pastor for ten years and did a great deal to build up the congregation. He enlarged the school, adding two large school rooms and a large hall with stage for entertainments. He also added another room to the sacristy which he used as his office and sleeping room whenever he was obliged to stay over night. He was .well liked by all and many regretted his leaving Middletown.

With him the charge of St. John's church passed from the Franciscan fathers into the hands of the secular clergy in 1892. The Most Rev. Archbishop William H. Elder appointed Rev. F. H. Bene as his successor, who then became the first resident pastor of St. John's church. His rooms were the two sacristies in the rear of the church.

The question of a suitable parsonage at once presented. It was debated pro and "con" for a time until, after mature deliberation, the congregation decided to purchase the adjoining property, which was the large and beautiful estate of Edward Jones, for eleven thousand and fifty dollars. A great venture it was, to load down a small congregation, which was still in debt to the amount of two thousand five hundred dollars with an additional burden of over ele\en thousand dollars. The keen foresight of Father Bene proved correct in the end. Today (1904) the congregation is receiving the congratulations of friends for their beautiful church property and also that they have paid their debts in full.

In the fall of 1896 Father Bene was succeeded by Rev. A. M. Gerdes, who had for nine years been assistant to the Rev. Augustine M. Quatman, of St. Francis de Sales church, East Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio. With patience and good will lo all, he tried to win over the people and to wake up the dormant powers of the con gregation. How well he succeeded is shown in the facts that the congregation has nearly doubled the number of its communicants, the debts that so heavily weighed on the congregation have now been entirely obliterated and instead there is now a handsome fund which forms a nucleus for a new school. During his regime ( 1897) the congregation celebrated its silver jubilee with great pomp in the presence of the Most Rev. Archbishop William H. Elder, prominent clergy and city and county officials. In October, 1902, the church was frescoed and many articles were bought to beautify the church and make it as much as circumstances would allow, a fit abode for the living God. The beautiful and spacious lawn surrounding the church makes this church property one of which not merely members of the congregation but also every citizen of Middletown may be justly proud.

Some facts: First baptism - Anna Kelly, daughter of Cornelius Kelly and Apolonis Luibl, born February 4, 1874, baptized April 26, 1874, by Father Leitner, O. F. M. First marriage - Frank Waller and Mary Kaeser, married February 26, 1878, in church. Father Carl Schoeppner, O. F. M. First funeral - Maxmillian Pale, age fortysix years, husband of Elizabeth Pale (nee Gross), buried October 12, 1875. - Father Carl ScnoErrxER. O. F. M.

The Medical Profession

Prior to 1802 Butler county had no resident physicians. The first one to locate in the county was Dr. Squire Little, a native of New Jersey, who, after fitting himself for the practice of medicine, emigrated to the Northwest Territory about 1800 and located in Cincinnati. A year or two later he removed to Butler county, and located at Trenton, then called Bloomfield, where he practiced until some time in the forties.

About the same time a Dr. Sloan came to Fairfield township and boarded with the parents of Celedon Symmes. It is not known how long he practiced here, nor is it known where he located after leaving this section.

The first physician to locate at Hamilton was Dr. Jacob Lewis, also a native of New Jersey, who came here about 1802. He never practiced much, and in later years removed to his farm, where he died in 1851 of apoplexy.

The first regular physician to practice in Hamilton for a long period was Dr. Daniel Millikin. He visited Hamilton in 1804 and in April, 1807, he and his two brothers, John and Samuel, left their home in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and departed for Hamilton, where they arrived May 7, 1807. Here Dr. Millikin, located and soon acquired an extensive practice, which continued for nearly forty years. His professional career was not only protracted, but it was excessively laborious and severe. As there were but few physicians. Dr. Millikin had an extensive practice, that led into the adjoining counties. For continuous months his services were so much in demand that his average imperfect rest did not exceed four or five hours out of the twenty-four. Besides he was subjected to great exposure, being obliged to travel over the bad roads on horseback, and in the most unpropitious weather. Dr. Millikin, however, was of a cheerful, genial temperament, and submitted to the hardships and discomforts of his professional life with but little complaint, though in his last years he suffered severely on account of the exposure endured in the earlier years of his practice. Dr. Robert B. Millikin, a brother of Dr. Daniel Millikin, commenced the practice of medicine in Hamilton about 1817 and devoted himself to it for many years. Afterward he engaged in the drug business in Rossville.

Dr. Slayback practiced in Hamilton for several years prior to 1818. Dr. Weily came here about 1819. Dr. Henry Baker and Dr. Samuel were here as partners in 1823. About 1822 or 1823 Dr. John C. Dunlevy came to Hamilton from Lebanon, Warren county. He was a very highly educated physician and occupied a leading place in the profession. He practiced at Hamilton until 1834, when he returned to Lebanon. Dr. Alexander Ramsey and Dr. Green located in Hamilton about 1819. Dr. L. W. Smith came in 1824, and about the same time Dr. Jeremiah Woolsey. In 1826 Dr. Loammi Rigdon, a native of Pennsylvania, and a graduate of the Transylvania Medical College, located in Hamilton, and became associated in the practice with Dr. Dunlevy. After the removal of Dr. Dunlevy to Lebanon, Dr. Rigdon took into partnership Dr. Cyrus Falconer.

Dr. Joab Hunt, of New Jersey, a graduate of Jefferson Medical College,' arrived in Hamilton in 1831 and for two years was the partner of Dr. R. B. Millikin, of Rossville, after which he removed to Mississippi. Just before the advent of Dr. Hunt, Dr. Richmond Brownell, who had studied medicine with Dr. R. B. Millikin at the same time as Dr. Cyrus Falconer, removed to Paducah, Kentucky.

Dr. Jacob Hittell came to Butler county in 1839, and after spending three years in Trenton and Rossville, removed to Hamilton, where he practiced with great success until 1865, when he abandoned his profession and moved back to his old home in Pennsylvania.

Dr. William Kelley, who had studied with Dr. R. B. Millikin, practiced several years, probably from 1834 to 1836, and then removed to Mississippi.

Dr. Luther Jewett, a native of New England, came to Trenton in 1834, and formed a partnership with Dr. Littell. Later he engaged in business on his own account. Dr. Schoenfield and Dr. James Graft are at president the resident physicians of Trenton.

Dr. J. M. Williamson was located in Basin street, Hamilton, in 1846. Dr. Francisco Ciolina, "formerly private physician of Prince Louis Napoleon," practiced in Rossville in 1846. Dr. S. Braden, in Rossville, in 1846 and Dr. McFarland in 1839. Dr. Riddell located in Rossville in 1838. Dr. Andrew Campbell came to Hamilton in 1848, but lived only a few years. His office was located in the Hamilton House. Drs. Baldridge and Goodall were practicing in Rossville in 1848.

Dr. W. H. Scobey located in West Hamilton, then known as Rossville, in 1842 and followed his profession until 1884, when he retired. Drs. William Huber, Cyrus Fal- coner and Hanbury Smith were old-time practitioners in Hamilton. Dr. Alexander B. Luse located here in 1854. His office was on South Second street, opposite the present site of the Central high school building. Dr. Luse remained in Hamilton only about three years, when he removed to near Mt. Healthy, in Hamilton county, where he gained an extensive practice. He died in 1892.

Dr. Henry Mallory came to Hamilton in 1849, during the choleya epidemic, and practiced continuously and successfully until a few weeks prior to his death, which occurred December 21, 1904. Dr. Mallory, just prior to his death, bore the distinction of being the oldest medical practitioner in Hamilton.

The following is a list of the physicians and surgeons of Hamilton in 1866: W. W. Caldwell, Henry Mallory, George Dick, Cyrus Falconer, J. W. Gale, William Huber, Henry Krone, Jacob Hittle, Christian Forster, J. B. McDill, F. W. Major, J. S. Mc- Neeley, J. M. Dudley, C. Markt, S. H. Potter, J. M. Parks, Max Schaller, W. H. Scobey, Alanson Smith, George Wyman and S. B. Wolf. During the interim between 1866 and 1880 the following physicians began practicing in Hamilton: Lee Corbin,

Dr. Daniel Millikin is one of Hamilton's oldest and most popular physicians. He studied under the tutorship of the late Dr. Cyrus Falconer, and in 1875 graduated from the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, and at once commenced the practice in Hamilton. His professional record is full of hard- won victories and rich in their attendant rewards.

Dr. George C. Skinner read medicine under the tutelage of Dr. H. Beauchamp and later under Dr. Daniel Millikin, and after graduating from the Miami Medical College began his professional career in Hamilton. He is located at Third and Buckeye streets and enjoys an extensive practice.

Dr. Herbert Twitchell came to Butler county in 1878, and located at Darrtown, where he remained until 1885, when, after taking a special course of lectures in the Miami Medical College, he removed to Hamilton, where he has won a deserved place among the leading practitioners of the city.

Dr. C. N. Huston located in Hamilton in 1887 and enjoys a successful practice. Before coming here he was a druggist and practicing physician at Pulaski, Ohio.

Dr. S. M. Schell is one of Hamilton's oldest physicians, having been a practitioner here since 1869. He is a graduate of the Western Homeopathic College, of Cleveand, and has an excellent practice.

Dr. J. L. Kirkpatrick practiced medicine here from 1867 until shortly before his death, in 1901. He was a graduate of the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, and a member of many medical societies. He was a skilled surgeon, and an enlightened and public-spirited citizen.

Dr. James H. Roll graduated from the Ohio Medical College in 1872. He located in Hamilton in 1887 and has acquired a wide and lucrative practice.

Dr. Frank M. Fitton is one of the popular physicians of Hamilton, having commenced practicing in 1888. He is a specialist in surgery and enjoys an excellent practice.

came to Butler county in 1886. He located at Somerville, where he practiced until 1893, when he removed to Hamilton. He has had a very successful career since coming here, and is one of the representative physicians of the city.

Dr. Frank M. Barden is one of the most successful physicians locating at Hamilton in recent years. He is a graduate of 'the Ohio Medical College, of the class of 1890, and has had a wide and valuable practice from the beginning.

Dr. W. H. Cherry holmes is a graduate of the Bellevue Medical College of New York. In 1889 he began studying and assisting at the Ophthalmic clinics of Dr. F. B. Loring and Dr. Swan M. Burnett, two of the most eminent oculists in America. After two years he went to Europe and became a pupil of the great Hirschberg at Berlin ; subsequently he was in the Royal London and the Royal Westminster Ophthalmic Hospitals, two of the greatest institutions in the old world. In 1892 he returned to America, and located at Hamilton, where he has acquired a large and lucrative special practice.

Dr. Littell came to Butler county in 1808, and located in the neighborhood of Venice where he practiced with his son as partner. The Littells were considered able physicians. After the death of the elder Littell the son married a Miss Cone, of near Venice, and removed to Miamitown, where he embarked in agriculture.

Dr. Benjamin Clark came to Venice from New York, in 1814. He laid out the town of Venice, calling it at that time Venus. He continued to practice until his death, which occurred in 1826.

Another physician, a contemporary of Dr. Clark, was Dr. John Wood, who emigrated from New York in 1816. He was very popular, and had a flourishing practice. It is said that he was a firm believer in the efficacy of large doses of calomel and the lancet. He abstracted blood with a lavish hand, and made it his practice to bleed his acute cases daily. He removed to Illinois in 1828.

His successor was Dr. Blackleach, a native of Warren county. He practiced at Venice until 1839, when he was succeeded by Dr. Prather, who had a turbulent career with competing doctors. He sold out to Dr. R. P. Lamb in 1853, and removed to Indiana. Dr. Lamb practiced there until his death in 1847.

During the early 'forties Drs. Bam ford, Cogley and Haines practiced at Venice. In 1847 E)r. Scott located there. In 1851 he removed to Paddy's Run, where he practiced

In 1854 Dr. Waterhouse located at Venice. Soon afterward he turned his attention to the study of theology, and some time later entered the Cincinnati Conference as a Methodist preacher.

In 1858 Dr. Stevens, of Lebanon, Ohio, located at Venice, and remained there until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he entered the service as a surgeon. After the war he practiced for a few years at Princeton, in Liberty township, and later was located at West Chester, in Union township.

Immediately after the close of the Civil war Dr. Morris located in Venice. He had been an army surgeon, and in his practice he performed many hazardous operations. He built up a large practice, and sold out in 1871 to Dr. Joseph Iutzi. The latter remained at Venice until 1878, when he removed to Richmond. Indiana, where he achieved great success and enjoyed a lucrative practice until his death, which occurred in 1902.

Dr. S. K. Hamer also located at Venice in 1871. He had had experience as an army surgeon, and enjoyed a large practice in the neighborhood of Paddy's Run. In the spring of 1880 he removed to Denver, Colorado. where he entered the real-estate business.

The first physician to locate at Jackson- - burg was Dr. Ellis. He left in 1820 and located in Indiana, where in after years he was elected auditor of state.

His successor was Dr. Otho Evans, who remained at Jacksonburg from 1821 to 1827. At that time Middletown had two physicians, Hamilton three or four, Trenton one, Oxford one, Camden one, Eaton- two, Germantown one and Franklin two. During the six years that Dr. Evans was here the Miami and Erie canal was commenced, and Ohio inaugurated the free-school system. Roads were very bad and there were but few bridges in Butler county. The following were students of Dr. Evans: Lewis Evans, Johnson I. Phares, John C. Fall. John P. Haggott and Pliny M. Crume. Dr. Otto Evans in 1827 removed to Franklin in Warren county, where he practiced until 1839 and then removed to Hamilton and entered upon a large practice. He died about 1848.

Dr. Pliny M. Crume located at Astoria, in Madison township, whence he went to Eaton, Ohio, where he died in 1869. Dr. Crume was professor of obstetrics in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery for several years. Dr. John P. Haggott was located at West, Chester, from 1828 to 1830, and later removed to Franklin, and formed a partnership with his preceptor, which continued for twelve years. Later he removed to Sidney, Ohio, and edited a newspaper until the breaking out of the war in 1861, when he was appointed surgeon of the Fifty-seventh Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. Immediately after the battle of Shiloh he was stricken with camp diarrhoea, and was removed to St. Louis, where he died, April 30, 1862.

John C. Fall located at Lewisburg. Preble county, where he practiced successfully for a quarter of a century. He died' in 1876, at Xenia, Ohio. In 1834 Dr. William Miller located at Jacksonburg, where he remained until 1855, when he removed to Minnesota and died in 1876. In 1837 Dr. Lurton Dunham located here, but later removed to Camden, where he amassed a fortune by his successful practice. Dr. Smiley came in 1845, and bought a farm in section 20, Wayne township. He combined both professions, and in after years removed to Piqua, Ohio. Dr. Ayers located on Gregory's creek, where he died some time in the seventies. In 1848 Dr. Lowder came to Jacksonburg, but died of cholera the next year. The same year Dr. Hibbard died at Seven-Mile of cholera. In 1850 Dr. John Corson opened an office here, remaining until 1863, when he removed to Middletown.

April, 1862, W. A. McCully became associated with Dr. Corson, but after a few months was appointed a surgeon of a colored regiment. After the war closed he located for a time at Trenton. April 1, 1862, Dr. J. B. Owsley succeeded to the practice of Dr. John Corson, and he has had a successful career there ever since. Dr. Owsley is an able physician, and enjoys a most extensive practice.

Dr. Carlton Waldo was the pioneer physician of Middletown. He located there ' soon after the war of 1812, and practiced there until shortly before iiis death in 1831. Dr. Andrew Campbell located at Middletown in 1831. He was born at Franklin, and was a student of Dr. Otho Evans, of that place. Dr. Campbell was a successful physician, and had a most lucrative practice, which he retained until his removal to Hamilton in the fall of 1848. He was the father of James E. Campbell, recently governor of Ohio. Soon after locating in Hamilton, Dr. Campbell suffered a loss of his health, and died September 5, 1851. Dr. Peter Van Derveer located at Middletown in 1819. He was a native of New Jersey. He was an allopath, and enjoyed an extensive practice. He continued his practice at Middletown until his death in 1861.

Physicians who have practiced at Middletown in recent years are : Dr. John Corson, Dr. T. A. Dickey, Dr. John T. Sutphin, Dr. D. P. Bundy, Dr. Thomas Reed, Dr. S. R. Evans, Dr. George Lummis, Dr. George Evans, Dr. Bryan Sharkey, Dr. S. L. Stewart and Dr. A. Wannewich.

One of the earliest physicians at Monroe, in Lemon township, was Dr. Joshua Stevens. He located there in 1820 and remained until 1847, when he removed to Lebanon.

Dr. James Macready came to Butler county in 1859 and for a short time practiced at Bethany. At the outbreak of the Civil war he entered the army as assistant surgeon. In February, 1864, he located at Monroe, where he has now an extensive practice. His son, Dr. John L. Macready, a graduate of Miami University, is practicing in Cincinnati.

One of the first physicians in Oxford township to practice for a considerable period was Dr. James R. Hughes. He located there about 1818 and practiced for more than twenty years. He died August 8,

1839. The next in order was Dr. James M. Corey, who lived at Oxford and practiced his profession while educating his children at Miami University.

Then came, for a short time. Dr. Pliny M. Crume, Dr. Joel Fithian and Dr. Edward Shiel. Between 1840 and 1850 the following were located there : Dr. Thomas Boude, Dr. Waters, Dr. Joseph Waterman. Dr. Benj. M. Corey, Dr. A. McDill, %Dr. James Garver, Dr. Alex Porter, Dr. C. G. Goorich and Dr. J. H. Morrison. From 1850 to i860 there appeared Dr. R. C. Huston, Dr. Henry Saunders, Dr. H. Bodman, Dr. E. L. Hill, Dr. A. Barnett. Dr. R. Brooks, and Dr. John Parks. In the decade from i860 to 1870. Drs. Hugh Gilchrist and Judah Hinkley, Dr. Dan Trimbley, Dr. John Garver, Dr. George Munns, Dr. Pinkerton and Dr. Smith. After 1870 Dr. James M. Saunders, Dr. James B. Porter. Dr. Bradley and Dr. H. D. Hinkley practiced there for several years. Those now practicing at Oxford are Dr. W. S. Alexander. Dr. Z. B. Campbell, Dr. J. A. Culler. Dr. D. D. De Neen. Dr. S. B. Goode. Dr. H. M. Moore, Dr. C. O. Munns, Dr. H. H. Smith and Dr. David D. Borger.

At College Corner, Dr. W. H. Scobev. late of Hamilton, was located as early as 1836. In 1841 Dr. Huston first went there and in 1842 he took as an associate Dr. R. D. Herron, who later removed to Millville. In 1851 Dr. A. D. Hawley located at College Corner. In later years his son became associated with him, and he- now continues the business with great success. Dr. R. O. Campbell located at College Comer about 1897, and has gained an extensive practice.

Millikin and Dr. Greenlief being among the number. Dr. Andrew King, from Ireland, was the first practicing physician to locate in the township. His residence was near Indian creek in the northern part of the township, on a farm now owned by his son, Samuel King. Dr. Corey, of Millville, practiced in the township as far back as 1820 to 1830. In 1840 Dr. Kerr resided in the town of Reily. Dr. Gilchrist succeeded him and practiced for about fifteen years, when he removed to Oxford, where he died. Dr. Hamer came next, and after a few years removed to Paddy's Run. Later he located at Venice, whence he went to Denver, Colorado, and engaged in the realestate business.

In 1866 Dr. James N. Robinson came to Reily, where he practiced until his death, which occurred in 1882. For several years Dr. J. W. Bell, of Morgan township, was associated with Dr. Robinson. I11 1880 Dr. Bell removed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Dr. Dill succeeded him as the partner of Dr. Robinson. Dr. David D. Borger practiced in Reily from 1876 to 1896, when he removed to Carroll county, Indiana, from whence he came to Reily twenty years before. Recently Dr. Borger returned to Butler county, and resides on his farm near Oxford. Dr. John M. Trembly practiced at Reily for a short time before the Civil war, but soon retired to his farm, located two miles east of the village, where he resided until his death, in 1903. In 1886 Dr. Harry H. Smith succeeded to the practice of Dr. Dill, and had a most successful career until his removal to Oxford in 1904, where he enjoys a lucrative practice. His nephew. Dr. Walter J. Smith, succeeded him, and is meeting with marked success in his profes-

Little is known of the early physicians that practiced in Morgan township. It is probable that physicians from Venice, Millville and other points were called on to give attention to the sick during the earlier years. One of the first physicians to locate in Morgan township was Dr. Benjamin Morris. He resided near Okeana as early as 1847, and practiced there for nearly thirty years. One of his pupils was Dr. Eli Parkhurst, who removed to Cumminsville about 1876, where he died in i88t. Dr. Armstrong practiced there in the early eighties, and a little later Dr. Newton, from Mt. Carmel, Indiana, located there. About 1885 Dr. Scott practiced there for a short time. He was followed by Dr. H. H. Smith. About 1892 Dr. Frank J. George located there, and has won an extensive practice. Dr. Bertinshaw, of Drewersburg, Indiana, has also practiced in that neighborhood for many years.

At Scipio, Dr. A. B. James was for many years a practicing physician. He resided on the Indiana side, but had an extensive practice in Ohio. Dr. Chitwood and Dr. Boyd resided there in the forties. In 1838 Dr. Carnahan, a steam doctor, resided there.

One of the first physicians to locate at Shandon was Dr. Thomas. Later Dr. Scott practiced there for several years. About 1896 Dr. Hull located there, and has acquired an extensive practice.

At Millville Dr. James Corey located as a resident physician as early as 1825. Dr. Lot Cooper went there in 1828, Dr. Kingslee a little later, and Dr. Arbuckle in 1840 and remained for many years. Dr. Herron succeeded Arbuckle and later on Dr. Battenburg located there for a short time. I11 the seventies Dr. W. B. Hair and Dr. A. Hancock located there. Dr. Hair removed to Cincinnati some years later. Dr. Hancock continued his practice until his death. A few years before his death his son, Dr. W. D. Hancock, became associated with him and he is now the oldest resident physician in Ross township. Dr. Dodd practiced at Millville about 1882. Abot;t 1896 Dr. Long located there and remained for several years. Dr. Corcoran is at present practicing there.

Dr. Silas Roll was among the first physicians to practice in Hanover township. More than sixty years ago he located near the present site of McGonigles Station. He was a contemporary of Dr. A. Hancock of Millville and both enjoyed an extensive and lucrative practice throughout their professional career. Dr. James Roll, a nephew of Dr. Silas Roll, practiced in Hanover township for several years after the close of the Civil war, but he is now located at Hamilton. The early physicians practicing in Fairfield township were usually residents of Hamilton, though there have been resident physicians at Jones' and Symmes' Corner for many years. At the former place Dr. R. C. S. Reed has practiced for nearly half a century. Dr. Will Reed is also located there and has an extensive field of practice.

At Svmmes' Corner Dr. Elbert Armstrong located in 1876 and practiced for several years. Dr. Richardson and Dr. Haggott were among the practitioners at West Chester three-quarters of a century ago. In later years Dr. A. S. Stevens. Dr. John Reed and Dr. Bishop were located there.

The first physicians to locate at Collinsville were Dr. Robinson. Dr. Kline and Dr. Smiley, none of whom remained for any considerable time. Dr. E. C. Wooley was the most prominent of the early physicians. He removed there from Svmmes' Comer and was a wagonmaker by trade. In after years he removed to Paris. Illinois. While residing at Collinsville a son, now the Rev. John G. Wooley, was born, who was the Prohibition candidate for President of the United States in 1900. Dr. Yeaman was the first physician to locate at Darrtown. He went there in 1825 from Hamilton, but after two or three years he removed to Crawfordsville, Indiana. Dr. Wilson, from New England, was here in 1833 and remained five years, removing to Rushville. Indiana. Dr. Cruikshank, from near Cheviot, Ohio, located at Darrtown in 1832, remained about eight years and sold out to Dr. Mack, who practiced there for about twenty-five years. Dr. C. R. Shafer, now of Hamilton, was there until a year or two ago. The present resident physician is Dr. A. B. Wilkie.

Dr. Brown was the first physician to practice in the locality of Somerville. As early as 1825 Dr. Williams located at Somerville. He remained for eight years. Dr. Waugh located there in 1828 and remained for three years. Dr. Adams and Dr. Mendenhall came later. In 1840 Dr. Easton came from Cincinnati. Other physicians there after the war were Dr. Creighton, Dr. Simpson, Dr. Miller, Dr. Brown and Dr. Cook. Dr. Ferguson and Dr. Hair were also early physicians. Dr. O. P. McHenry, of Hamilton, practiced here before 1894. Since that time his brother. Dr. J. L. Mc- Henry, has been here.

The first medical society in Butler county was organized at Hamilton January 1, 1836. Dr. Daniel Millikin was elected president, Dr. J. Fithian, vice-president, and Dr. G. W. Riddell, secretary.

December 26, 1848, the society reorganized at the office of Dr. Cyrus Falconer. It was called the Hamilton Medical Society, and officers were chosen. On February 1 7. 1849, the next meeting was held, and the code of ethics of the National Medical Association was adopted as the code of the society, together with a fee-bill reported by Dr. C. Falconer and Dr. S. Millikin. President Dr. L. Rigdon read an address on the "Races of Men and Their Geographical Distribution."

On October 3. 1849, the Society decided to hold quarterly meetings. At the yearly meeting in January, 1850, the following officers were selected : President, Dr. L.

On April 3CV Drs. Falconer and Millikin were selected delegates to the National Medical Association. January 1. 1851. Dr. Rigdon was re-elected president, and Dr. Scobey was made vice-president. In September of that year Drs. Huber, Wyman and Millikin were appointed a committee to draft a petition to the legislature, praying for the erection of two additional lunatic asylums, one to be located at Hamilton. Drs. Scobev, Huber and Rigdon were appointed a committee to report on the influence of the dams of the Miami river on the health of Hamilton and Rossville.

In 1865 Dr. Loammi Rigdon. president of the association since 1848, died. The society adopted a suitable memorial, and elected Dr. J. A. Coons president. In 1867 Dr. Falconer was made president to succeed Dr. Coons.

In July. 1867, the society accepted an invitation to meet with the Union Medical Society at Oxford in October. This association consisted of the societies of Preble county. Ohio, and Fayette and Union counties, Indiana. This meeting was held and proved to be of such interest and advantage that district meetings of the character have been continued ever since.

In 1868 the Butler County Society withdrew from the Ohio Medical Society on account "of gross incivility shown" and "in defiance of its own rules and all courtesy." Later the state society made proper amends and the former amicable relations were restored.

In 1876 the meetings were changed from quarterly to monthly, and for several years thereafter the meetings were held regularly and the prosperity of the society varied with the interest and enthusiasm manifested by its members.

Wednesday evening of each month at eight-thirty o'clock. This arrangement, however, was soon found to be inconvenient to many of the members, and on January 15, 1896, the society returned to the old custom of holding its meetings at three o'clock in the afternoon. In 1898 the meetings were changed from monthly to quarterly.

In 1902 the society was reorganized to conform to the provisions of the National and State Societies, and the by-laws were amended so that any physician residing in Butler county who is legally qualified and registered as such, is eligible to membership.

The following are members of the Butler County Medical Society : Hamilton - F. M. Barden, S. L. Beeler, Walter Brown, Edward Cook, George M. Cummins, F. M. Fitton, John Francis, L. H. French, John

A. Graft. G. A. Hermann, C. W. Hodges, F. G. Hornung. C. N. Huston, W. C. Huston, Leon Iutzi. M. M. Jacobs, Henry Krone, Jr., Otto Mayer, Wm. C. Miller. Mark Millikin, Dan Millikin, J. H. Roll, J. C. Scheel, August Schumacher, C. A. Shaefer, Thomas D. Sharkey, E. C. Sill, George C. Skinner, A. L. Smedley, J. E. Torrence, J. F. Trump, H. H. Twitchell, C. C. Wasson. Georgetta Williams. Mary Manning and Louis Frechtling. Homeopathic - Prudence Fennemann, Jas. W. Overpeck, S. H. Schell, W. Z. Kumler, J. M. Clark and J. D. Marshall. Eclectic - O. P. McHenry, John A. Burnett, L. C. Bell, C. Markt and A. H. Nesbitt. Middletown - T. A. Dickey. George Lummis, D.

The Butler county fair is an institution of the people. It was founded by the people and has ever been fostered by them. With it have been connected many of the most prominent men the county ever knew. Men who had the interest of the county at heart. Men who sought no financial aggrandizement but were impelled only by a desire to further the agricultural and industrial interests of the county, and by a spirit of friendly competition to bring the people together, year by year, in mutual intercourse and to thereby stimulate the county's development and posterity. As far as it is possible, from all the sources available for information, the history of the fair has been carefully compiled and its progress from an humble beginning to its present high standard is a story of much interest and instructiveness.

While the distinction of having the pioneer fair of Ohio does not belong to Butler county, it was one of the first to award premiums for the exhibition of farm products. The first agricultural society or ganized in Ohio, was in February. 1819, and was called "The Agricultural and Manufacturing Society, of Washington county, Ohio, and Wood County, Virginia." A little later, in the same year, "The Cincinnati Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, Manufacturing and Domestic

Economy" was organized, with William Henry Harrison as president. In a few years these societies began the custom of giving exhibitions of farm products, cereals and stock at the county seats of their respective counties. The term "fair" had its origin from the French "foire," meaning market place, as the market place was usually at the county seat, in the public square, and the products were displayed much the same as they are in the market places of today, such exhibitions came to be called fairs. Sometimes the court house served as the floral and art hall for the limited display in those lines of culture, and the streets surrounding the public square were used to display the farm products.

The first fairs held in Butler county were pigmies in comparison with the modern "Greatest Fair on Earth." The agricultural resources of Butler county had reached nothing of the development of later years. The farm implements employed then were of the very rudest character. The wooden mould-board plow was the most highly perfected piece of farm machinery then in use, and the primitive hoe. grain cradle, scythe and sickle were the common implements employed. The products of the farm displayed at the first fairs of Butler county, produced by these unimproved implements were few and of a less valuable quality than those of today, hence an extended space was not required in which to make the exhibits. For several years the Butler County Agricultural Society followed the custom of other societies, in holding its fairs on the public square. The exhibits were brought in and arranged on wagons, and presented about such a scene as now may be witnessed on any ordinary market day in Hamilton. These fairs usually lasted for two days, and exhibits were arranged during the early morning hours of the first day of the fairs. The fair days were the farmers' holidays, and from far and near the people came in covered farm wagons and on horseback, and by crowds, to witness the* big show. The committee on awards soon completed their work, after which a distinguished orator who had been en&aged lor the purpose entertained the assemblage with an address upon some popular theme. At noon the basket dinner was enjoyed by all. The afternoon of each day was spent in racing, plowing matches and other amusements. East High street was utilized as a race track, and much interest was given to the various kinds of racing. At the horse racing, betting was frequent and the excitement ran high. Thus the day was enjoyably passed, and when the lengthening shadows commenced to appear, with many good wishes, the crowds passed out and went cheerfully homeward.

From this small beginning, nearly seventy-five years ago, the Butler county fair has steadily kept pace with the march of progress in invention and scientific culture and agricultural development until it is one of the most magnificent exhibitions of the character in the country today.

The Butler County Agricultural Society held its first fair in Hamilton on Wednesday and Thursday, October 26 and 27, 1831. The committee appointed by the society to make the necessary arrangements for the fair were John Woods. Robert Hewes, Stephen Millikin, John Knox, C. K. Smith, Samuel Dick and Caleb DeCamp.

A. F. Chittenden, president of the society, on October 15th, appointed the following committees for the purpose of awarding premiums and certificates, to the exhibitors entitled thereto on the productions and domestic animals exhibited : Committee on horses - William W. Phares, Stephen Minor, John Eichelberger. Fergus Anderson, Dr. Peter Vanderveer; committee on neat cattle - Abner Phitlrick, John Sutherland, Jesse Corwin. John Knox, Andrew Millikin; committee on hogs and sheep - John Hall, Alanson Roots. Abner Enoch, Lazarus McNeal, Wilkinson Beatty; committee on domestic manufacture - Caleb DeCamp. Thomas Ken worthy. H S. Earheat, Jonathan Pierson. Joseph Woodruff ; committee on agricultural products - Cornelius W. Hall, Samuel Barnett. Lewis West : committee on ploughing matches - James Comstock, Samuel Dick. Jr., Robert Scott; marshal - John M. Millikin; assistant marshals - John Green, William Anderson.

"We were much gratified with the proceedings of the Butler County Agricultural Society, on Wednesday and Thursday last. Notwithstanding the rain which continued to fall during the first day, a very numerous assemblage of our citizens collected to witness the exhibition. It was said by com- petent judges that the exhibition of brood mares was highly creditable to the farmers, and the cattle which were shown proved that many of them improve their stock by procuring and rearing the best breeds.

"The ladies who favored the society by exhibiting specimens of their industry and taste, received general applause for the excellence of their fabrics, which were all so good that the committee found no little difficulty in deciding which was entitled to the palm of superiority.

"The proceedings of the second day were not less interesting than on the first. The ploughing match excited general attention. We have often seen crowds assembled to hear rival lawyers, or opposing politicians, display their talents and eloquence; but the scene was new to witness a large concourse, watching with lively interest the spirited competition between rival ploughmen.

"The address of William Bebb, Esq., was received with general approbation, and we saw not a few old farmers listening, with kindling animation, to the appropriate remarks of the speaker."

The address was subsequently published, and excited much favorable comment in the newspapers of the country. The New York American Advocate was particularly strong in its praise of the address, and among other things, said: "There is something, to us peculiarly delightful in such a voice from |he West; it speaks volumes for our free institutions. One such solid, substantial man as Mr. Bebb, speaking out in the language of bold, yet well-tempered American feeling, as it reaches the Atlantic shores, comes as from the genius of our country, who, having sought a residence, uncontami- nated with foreign prejudices and predilections, tells only of our own resources in the ennobling pursuits which strengthen every natural feeling of attachment to the natal soil."

Mr. Bebb, who later became governor of Ohio and who was a typical early settler, and who had the good of his countv and the country at heart, spoke in part as follows :

Look at Butler county - her situation, the center of the Miami valley; but half a day's ride from Cincinnati and the Ohio river. Her soil, unrivaled for its fertility, and the ease with which almost every acre of it may be cultivated. Her climate, inferior to none in the United States, or in the world. Her water power, and her facilities of transportation, almost unequaled. Her population, virtuous, hardy and enterprising. No drones in the hive; no lords, no beggars; no haughty masters, no servile slaves.

My native county, thank God, is free from "human nature's broadest, foulest blot." Look at her Miami University, her academies, and her free schools. Look at her resources and her free population, and tell me what you think of her future prospects. Is this a place for a farmer to fold his hands in idleness, and content himself with a barren subsistence, where competency and wealth are knocking at his door for admittance?

Is Butler county the place for weeds to rot fences and briers to take fields? Is the Miami country the place to raise more dogs than Merino sheep, when wool is so much in demand and hydrophobia stares us in the face? I think not; and I hope to see the day when this society shall have awakened every man in the county to a sense of his own true interest.

It is time we should rise in our strength, rally our resources, and march, with a steady step, to the greatness that awaits us. We have but to will it, and the grape will redden in our vineyards, and flocks of Merino sheep, as rich as Saxony can boast, will whiten our hills. We have

We must all remember that we have something to do if we expect to derive advantages from this association. It will avail us little to pay fifty cents per annum, enroll our names as members of the society, spend two days yearly in examining horses, witnessing plowing matches, and hearing speeches; and then go home, having neither communicated nor acquired, one single idea, worth crossing a road for. There is experimental knowledge enough in this county to make our society an honor to the West. Let every member do his duty.

Finally I must express the ardent hope which I entertain that this society will not only arouse public opinion, and concentrate experimental knowledge, but that, so far as its influence extends, it may be instrumental in dispelling the clouds of ignorance and error which have so long enveloped the moral atmosphere of agriculture.

On April 4, 1832, the Butler County Agricultural Society met at Blair's Hotel, in Hamilton, and selected officers for the ensuing year, to wit : President, A F. Chittenden ; first vice-president, William Bebb ; second vice-president, Lewis West; treasurer, Sephan Millikin; recording secretary, Charles Smith: corresponding secretary, John M. Millikin.

The members of the agricultural society were undecided at first just where to hold the fair. When the project was first proposed the members from Oxford and neighboring townships being in control were inclined to select Oxford as the proper location for holding the fair. It was argued, however, that Hamilton being the county seat, the fair should be held there Finally the supporters of Oxford consented to this arrangement for holding the first fair, with the understanding that Oxford should have the fair the following year. As the time approached for holding the fair in 1832, the people of Oxford and vicinity insisted on having it located there, and it appeared that they would control the action of the agricultural society and succeed in having the fair held at the classic village. The farmers east of the Miami river and the citizens of Hamilton were very much averse to having the fair held anywhere else than at Hamilton, and set about just as determinedly to retain the institution at the county seat. They succeeded only by forcing a reorganization of the agricultural society, and by greatly increasing the membership^ from among those who favored retaining the fair at Hamilton.

The fair of 1832, like that of 1831, was held in the streets of Hamilton. Annually for several years thereafter this custom prevailed, but sometime in the late forties the annual exhibition was removed to a commodious lot lielonging to the late Dr. Jacob Hittle, at the southeast corner of Dayton and Fourth streets.

On November 25, 1850, a public meeting was held in the court house for the pur pose of reorganizing the Butler County Agricultural Society, under the then exist ing state law. Aaron L. Schenck "as chairman and Richard McGee secretary.

The following named gentlemen were appointed a committee to prepare rules and regulations for the society: John M. Mi likin, William Sheelev, A. P. Miller. Daniel Hendrickson, Frederick Hansel, J. Hartley. Richard McGee. Fergus Anderson and Jo n Cox.

On January 1, 1851, the above mentioned committee and a general meeting o people met at the court house and reorgan ized the Butler County Agricultural Society. The first fair, under the reorganiza- tion, was held October 2, and 3, 1851, in a scrub oak grove on the north side of the old Hamilton canal basin, extending east from the present plant of the Hamilton Gas Light and Coke Company to a point where Eighth street is now located.

The display at this fair consisted of a small number of horses and cattle tied to the fence and trees. Of field crops but few entries were displayed; an excellent showing was made in swine. There was a fine collection of domestic fabrics, fancy articles, paintings, etc.

The plowing match took place at 2 130 o'clock P. M., in Hon. L. D. Campbell's field on the north side of High street, opposite the fair grounds. The judges, all of whom were practical farmers, after a full, fair and critical test, awarded Wilkinson Beaty the first premium for being the best plowman in Butler county. William Vaughn was adjudged the second best plo\wman in the county.

In 1852, more space was needed to meet the phenomenal growth of the association. The fair of this year was held in the old Bigham grove - then located in what is now known as the east addition to Greenwood cemetery, where the annual exhibits of the society took place until 1856.

The annual fairs of 1853 and T^54 were held under favorable auspices, and rapid strides were shown in the agricultural development of the county. On November 3, 1854, Hon. Absolom Dunn, president of the society, died and was succeeded by Daniel Hughes. In 1855 feir was for three days, on September 12, 13 and 14. In 1856 the fair had outgrown its quarters, and another move became necessary. Early in this year the society purchased thirty-nine and eight-tenths acres of land in section 22, Fairfield township, for three thousand seven hundred dollars, which was the nucleus of the present fair grounds where the society has continued to hold its annual fairs ever since. The fair for this year was a grand success, and surpassed all former ones. The following note was made by Lewis D. Campbell and attached to the report of the awarding committee :

The awarding committee report [and the board of directors approve and confirm the recommendation] that they find themselves unable to decide by mere inspection between the "Iron Harvester" manufactured by Long, Black & Allstatter and the "Ohio Harvester." That they believe they are both No. 1 machines and destined to be the leading reapers and mowers of the West, and commend both to public favor. That they believe each ought to receive a premium of five dollars, as a combined machine, without dividing the premiums offered between mowers and reapers and mere reapers.

The display of horses and other stock was large; of agricultural productions the specimens exhibited did credit to the farmers of old Butler, and showed the productiveness of the season. The fruit and floral hall departments were full to overflowing.

The fair of 1861 was not so well attended on the first two days as the corresponding days of i860. Considering that a great Civil war was upon us, and other adverse circumstances, the fair was a success.

The entries for the fair of 1864 were quite large. The only department in which any falling off could be noticed from former years was in fruit. However, one pomological curiosity was displayed in the shape of a collection of eighty varieties of apples from the same orchard - that of William Hunter, of Union Center. Ohio.

Near the west end of the art hall hung an interesting Revolutionary war relic, a dress sword, carried by Colonel John C. Symmes. in T776, and by General William Henry Harrison, in 1812.

In 1865, the annual festival of the farmers and mechanics of old Butler was largely attended. It was a creditable exhibition of the resources, products and manufactures of this county.

The number of people who attended the annual Butler county fair held in 1866 was greater than any previous year, although the weather was not the most favorable.

The fair of 1867 was fully up to the average of former years. The exhibition was complete in every department. The number in attendance on Thursday was estimated at thirty thousand. By three o'clock the grounds were alive with people. The halls were crowded to their utmost capacity; the main ring was surrounded by at least fifteen thousand people.

Ihe 1868 exhibit surpassed anv other county fair held in this state, and was a formidable rival to the state fair of Ohio. In point of entries in the several branches, attendance and general interest manifested.

During the fair of 1868 the ice cream, candy and pop corn privilege was controlled by A. W. Wood, a well-known confectioner of Dayton. Captain Philip Rothenbush superintended the sales; money was plentiful and trade was large. In the manufacture of the candy, conducted on the grounds, fourteen barrels of sugar was made up, averag-. ing three hundred pounds to the barrel and costing eighteen cents per pound. This yielded twelve sticks of candy to the pound, which sold at ten cents straight per stick. On Thursday of the fair thirteen barrels of pop coni were sold, averaging three hundred balls to the barrel. The money tendered in payment was fractional ("shin plaster") currency of that day and on Friday after the fair was over the shin plasters taken in. and which had all been collected, were placed in two barrels and expressed as "pop corn" to Dayton.

The fairs in 1869 and 1870 were very successful. Exhibits were made from Springfield. Dayton, Miamisburg, representing agricultural machinery. Indiana and the neighboring counties vied with the Butler farmers in the exhibition of thoroughbred cattle and hogs.

Everything combined to make the fair of 1871 a glorious success. The crops were good, fruit abundant, and the farmer blessed with a prosperous season.

On February it, 1871, the Butler County Agricultural Society purchased from August flutzelman thirteen and eighty-six one hundredths acres of land, adjoining its grounds, for the sum of five thousand dollars.

closed in a blaze of triumph. The weather was fine, the display good, and the crowd tremendous. Every branch of the stock department was well represented. There were many fine specimens of wheat on exhibition. The corn display was unprecedented: the show of apples and peaches was unusually large.

The products of Butler county made the fair of 1873 a famous one. Its attractions excelled those of adjoining counties and equaled those of the state fair. Our hogs had no superior in the country; our horses and cattle were among the best, and met competitors from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. The display of farm produce and mechanical arts were such that no other county in the state could equal.

In 1874 and 1875 the annual fairs were marked by their large attendance. The displays were not materially different from those of previous years. In June, 1876, the county commissioners submitted the following proposition :

We, the commissioners, agree to lease the Butler County Agricultural Society enough land on the east side of the original fair grounds for a half-mile track at fifteen dollars an acre per year; for road way from Princeton pike twenty-five dollars per annum. We agree to pay the society annually, one hundred and fifty dollars for pasturing the original grounds and the contemplated track, and nine dollars per acre for the ground used for hitching purposes; the lease to run ten years.