Paint Township (part 12 of 14)

A call for volunteers being made, Mrs. Dr. Dennis, Mrs. Hopkins, Mrs. Getz, Mrs. Blakemore, Mrs. Gardner, and Mrs. Johnson, added their names. Mrs. J. L. Vandeman and Mrs. D. McLean were appointed to lead the procession, and Mrs. George Carpenter was appointed captain and reader of the appeal. Mrs. A. E. Pine was elected to lead the singing, and Mrs. M. V. Ustick was elected secretary.

And now came the most interesting moment of this meeting. More than forty of the best women in the communit}^ were to go forth on their errands of mercy. There was much trembling of hearts, much taking hold on God, much crying, and supplication in prayer. Such a scene was never witnessed in Washington. Down the central aisle of the church marched these women to their work, while the brethren continued^ in prayer to the Almighty, that he would be with these people as they went from place to place, with Christian song and prayer, to appeal, face to face, in their various places of business, to those men who were at work selling liquor, the tolling of the church bell keeping time to the solemn march of the women, as the}^ wended their way to the first drug store on the list.

The number of places within the city limits where intoxicating drinks were sold was fourteen - eleven saloons and three drug stores. Here, as in every place, they entered singing, every woman taking up the sacred strain as she crossed the threshold. This was followed by the reading of the appeal, and prayer; then earnest pleading with the saloon keeper to desist from his soul-destroying traffic, and sign the dealers' pledge.

The novel procession created the wildest excitement on the streets, and was the subject of conversation to the exclusion of all others. The work of the ladies was thoroughly done. JS"ot a den escaped. Into the front door, filling both the front and back rooms. Pra3^er, followed by Bible arguments, was the answer to the excuses of these men. Down into the cellar, everywhere, they went with the same eloquent plea: " We pray you to stop this!" "We mean you no hurt!" "We beg you to desist!" In tears the mothers, wives, and sisters, pleaded for their cause.

Thus, all the day they went from place to place, without stopping even for dinner or lunch, till five o'clock, meeting with no marked success. But invariable courtesy was extended them; not even their reiterated promise, "We will call again," seeming to offend.

No woman who has ever entered one of these dens of iniquity on such an errand, needs to be told of the heart-sickness that almost overcame them as they, for the first time, saw behind those painted windows or green blinds, and entered the little, stifling "back room," or found their way, down winding steps, into the damp, dark cellars, and realized that into such j^laces those they loved best were being landed, through the allurements of the brilliantly lighted drug store, the fascinating billiard table, or the enticing beer gardens, with their siren attractions. A crowded house at night, to hear the report of the day's work, betrayed the rapidly increasing interest in this mission.

Saturday morning, December 27th, after an hour of prayer, an increased number of women went forth again, leaving a number of men in the church, who continued in prayer all day long. Every few moments the tolling' bell cheered the hearts of the crusaders, by pealing forth the knowledge that another supplication had ascended for their success, meanwhile notes of progress being sent by the secretary to the church from every place visited.

On this day the contest really began ; and at the first place the doors were found locked. With hearts full of compassion, the women knelt in the snow upon the pavement, to plead for the divine influence upon the heart of the liquor dealer, and there held their first street prayer-meeting.

At night the weary, but zealous workers, reported at mass-meeting the various rebuft's, and the success, in having two druggists sign the pledge not to sell, except upon the written prescription of a physician.

' The Sabbath was devoted to union mass-meeting, with direct reference to the work in hand; and on Monday the number of ladies had increased to nearly one hundred. That day (December 27th) is one long to be remembered in Washington, as the day upon which occurred the first surrender ever made by a liquor dealer of his ^stock of liquors, of every kind and variety, to the women, in answer to their prayers and entreaties, and by them poured into the street. Nearly a thousand men, women, and children, witnessed the mingling of beer, ale, wine, and whisky, as they filled the gutters and were drank up by the earth, while bells were ringing, men and boys shouting, and women singing and praying to God, who had given the victory.

But on the fourth day the campaign reached its height, the town being filled with visitors from all parts of the county and adjoining villages. Another public surrender, and another pouring into the street of a larger stock of liquors than on the previous day, and more intense excitement and enthusiasm.

Mass-meetings were held nightly, with new victories reported constantly, until on Friday, January 2d, one week from the beginning of the work, at the public meeting held in the evening, the secretary's report announced every liquor dealer unconditionally surrendered, some having shipped their liquors back to wholesale dealers, others pouring them in the gutters, and the druggists having all signed the druggists' pledge.

Morning prayer and evening mass meetings continued daily, and the personal pledge was circulated till over one thousand signatures were obtained. Physicians were called upon to sign a pledge not to prescribe ardent spirits when any other substitute could be found, and in no case without a personal examination of the patient.

A prop'erty holder's pledge was also circulated - pledging men not to rent or lease property to be used as saloons, nor to allow any dealings of the liquor traflic to be carried on upon any premises belonging to them. This pledge was generally signed by holders of real estate.

answer to that call on Monday, January 12, a committee consisting of Profs. Morehonse and Dean, and Mrs. M. G. Carpenter, Mrs. Judge McLean, Mrs. Judge Priddy, and Miss Annie Ustick went to Ilillborougli, spent the evening in attendance upon a mass meeting there, and next forenoon in prayer and conference with the workers, returning in time to attend the mass meeting at home, bringing with them encouraging words.

By this time, the new method of fighting whisky began to attract the attention of the press and people in surrounding places, and meetings were announced to be held in every village and school district in the county ; committees of ladies and gentlemen were sent out to assist in these meetings. Committees were also sent, by request, into all adjoining counties, the meetings being constantly kept up at home and all the while gaining in interest. Early in the third week, the discouraging intelligence came that a new man had taken out license to sell liquor in one of the deserted saloons, and that he was backed by a whisky house in Cincinnati, to the amount of |5,000, to break down this movement. On Wednesday, the 14th, the whisky was unloaded at his room. About forty women were on ;the ground and followed the liquor in, and remained holding an uninterrupted prayer meeting all day and until 11 o'clock at night.

The next day - bitterly cold - was spent in the same place and manner without fire or chairs; two hours of that time the women being locked in, while the proprietor was oft' attending atrial. On the following day, the coldest of all the winter of 1874, the women were locked out and stood on the street holding religious services all day.

Next morning a tabernacle was built in the street just in front of the house, and occupied for the double purpose of w^atching and prayer through the day, but before night the sherift' closed the saloon and the proprietor surrendered; thus ending the third week.

A short time after, on a dying bed, this four days' liquor dealer sent for some of these women, telling them their songs and prayers had never ceased to ring in his ears, and urging them to pra3' again in his behalf; so he passed away.

About this time came word from Columbus that the Adair Liquor Law was in great danger of being repealed ; consequently the following communication was sent to ever}^ known temperance organization throughout the state :

" Dear Sister - By order of the entire body of our Temperance League, we send you an urgent request that you immediately appoint a committee of not less than six of the most earnest and effective workers, who shall be ready at an hour's notice to respond to the call embodied in the following resolution :

" Resolved, That the secretary of this meeting be requested to correspond with the ladies in all places where the temperance movement is now, or may be progressing, asking the same to appoint a delegation to appear at Columbus when called, if any action of the legislature threatening the safety of the Adair Liquor Law may be contemplated."

" I reached Washington at noon, of January 20, and seeking a beer garden in the vicinity, found the owner in a state of terrible nervousness, as the ladies had spent the forenoon in front of his place. He evidently regarded me as a spy, but was much molified when assured that I was only a journalist, and made voluminous complaints in ' High Dutch ' and low English :

' I got no vitnesses. Dem vimens dey set up a shob on me. But you don't bin a 'bitual drunkard, eh ? l^o, you don't look like him ; veil, coom in, coom in. Vat you vant, beer or vine? I dell you dem vimins is shust awful. Py shinks dey puild a house right in the sthreet, and stay mit a man all day a singin, and oder voolishness. Bud dej- don't git in here once agin, already.'

" In obedience to his invitation, I had entered by the side door - the front was locked and barred - to find four customers indulging in liquor, beer, pigs feet. One announced himself as an ' original Granger,' a second as a retired sailor, while the others were noncommittal. They stated that two spies had just applied for admission - ' men who would come in and drink, then go, and swear they were habitual drunkards under the Adair Law ' - and that accounted for the proprietor's suspicion of me.

" The Adair law I find everywhere to be the great horror of saloon-keepers. It allows any wife or child, or other relative directly interested, to prosecute for the sale of liquor to husband or father ; and almost any one may prosecute for the sale of liquor to an 'habitual drunkard.'

"Whether such a law be just or constitutional there is much dispute ; but it is evident that it gives great opportunity for fraud and blackmailing. It is, however, just now the strong rock of defense of the Ohio temperance people ; and it may be that by its enforcement, some saloon keepers have been driven out of the business who >vould have withstood the prayers of an archangel and all the tears that sorrowing pity ever shed.

"At the saloon just referred to, the house was kept open nearly all night; the sounds of revelry were plainly heard, and in the morning several drunken men came into town, one of whom tumbled down in a livery stable, and went to sleep on a manure pile, from which he was carried to the lock-up. Matters were evidently coming to a crisis, and I went out early, but the ladies reached there in force just before me. I met the proprietor hurrying into town to consult his lawyer, or, as he phrased it, ' to see mein gounsel venn I no got a right to my own broperty.'

" The main body of the ladies soon arrived, and took up a position with right center resting on the door-step, the wings extending each way beyond the corners of the house, and a rearward column along th'e walk to the gate. In ludicrous contrast the routed revelers, who had been scared out of the saloon, stood in a little knot fifty feet away, still gnawing at the pigs feet they had held on to in their hurried flight; while I took a convenient seat on the fence. The ladies then sang -

The effect was inspiring. I felt all the enthusiasm of the occasion, while the pigs feet party, if they did not feel guilty, certainly look- ed so. The shiging was followed by a prayer from Mrs. Mills Gardner, who prayed for the blessing of God on the temperance cause generally, and in this place particularly ; then for the saloon keeper and his family and friends, his house, and all" that loved bira ; and closed with an eloquent plea for guidance in the difficult and delicate task they had undertaken. In one respect the prayer was unsurpassed; it was eminently fitting to the place and the occasion. As the concluding sentences were being uttered, the pro'- prietor and his ' gounsel ' arrived. The ladies paid no attention to either, but broke forth in loud strains :

" I should need the pen of an Irving and the pencil of a Darley to give an adequate idea of the scene. On the one side a score of elegant ladies, singing with all the earnestness of impassioned nature ; a few yards away, a knot of disturbed revelers, uncertain whether to stand or fly; halfway between, the nervous proprietor, bobbing around like a case of fiddle-strings, with a hundred pounds of lager beer fat hung on them, and on the fence by the ladies a reporter scribbling away as if his life depended on it. It was painful from its very intensity.

The song ended, the presiding lady called upon Mrs. Wendels, and again arose the voice of prayer - so clear, so sweet, so full of pleading tenderness, that it seemed she would, by the strength of womanly love, compel the very heavens to open and send down in answer a spark of divine grace that would turn the saloon-keeper from his purpose. The sky, which had been overcast all morning, began to clear, the occasional drops of rain ceased to fall, and a gentle south wind made the air soft and balmy. It almost seemed that nature joined in the prayer.

'Now, ladies, I have a word to say hefore this performance goes any further. This man has employed me as his attorney. He can not speak good English, and I speak for him. lie is engaged in a legitimate business, and you are trespassing on his property and right. If this thing is carried any further you will be called to account in the court, and I can assure you the court will sustain the man. lie has talked with you all he desires to. He does not want to put you out forcibly; that would be unmanly, and he does not wish to act rudely. But he tells you to go. As his attorney I now warn you to desist from any further annoyance.'

" Miss Annie Ustick followed with a fervent prayer. After consultation the ladies decided to leave the premises, and take a position on the adjoining lot. They sent for the ' tabernacle,' a rude frame building they had used in front of Slater's saloon. This they erected on an adjoining lot, put up immense lights to illuminate the entrance to the beer garden, and kept up a guard from early morning till midnight."

For two weeks religious services were held in the tabernacle day and night, and the women were constantly on duty. At the end of that time an injunction was granted the saloon keeper, and the tabernacle was taken down. Suits were then in progress against the two beer sellers, under the Adair Law, and judgments were being obtained in various amounts ; the ladies appearing in force in the court room during each trial, thus giving their moral support tp. their suffering sisters.

On Friday, February 6, another man opened a beer saloon in a new locality. The ladies immediately visited him by committees, and thus spent the day. Next day, however, they took up their stand in front of his door, continuing their services until late in the evening, at which time their force was increased by the entire congregation at mass meeting, who chose to conclude their services with the watchers in front of the saloon.

Monday morning, February 9, all the business houses were closed from 8 to 9 o'clock, to attend the business men's prayer meeting. Large delegations were present from adjoining villages at that early hour. At the meeting, there come a messenger from this man, stating that he would give up his business, which announcement was received with cheers. It was then decided that all who were not enjoined from so doing, should march out to the beer garden before referred to. They were met at the gate by the proprietor, and after a brief consultation with a committee appointed for that purpose, he publicly announced : " You gomes so many I guits. I vill never sell any more beer or whisky." Again the crowd gave vent to their feelings in cheers. Messengers were dispatched to the women, who remained praying in the church, to join them. All the bells commenced ringing, and the procession, numbering two hundred strong, started out to Sullivan's beer house, now the only remaining saloon in the township. Marching up Court Street, the number increased, and amidst the most profound silence the men and women pursued their journey. About halfway there the man in question was met and interviewed. He asked two days to consider, which was granted. The procession then returned, the bells all the time ringing out their chimes upon the crisp morning air. Meetings, morning and evening, continued with unabated interest, and at each came the cry from other points: " Come and help us."

On Wednesday morning, February 11, at mass meeting in the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Sullivan came in and publicly pledged himself to " quit /orei'er the liquor business." A general rejoicing and thanksgiving followed this surrender of the " last man."

As Dr. Dio Lewis had signiiied his intention of again visiting Washington on Tuesday, February 17, that day was appointed as one of general rejoicing and thanksgiving. Accordingly arrangements were made for a mass meeting to be held in Music Hall at 2 p. M. At 1:30 a thousand people were gathered at the depot awaiting the arrival of the train. Promptly at the hour. Dr. Lewis, accompanied by quite a corps of newspaper men, alighted from the car, and was greeted with music from the band and cheers from the vast concourse of people. The address of welcome was made by Mrs. M. G. Carpenter, and after the response by Dr.

Lewis, the remainder of the afternoon was spent in general speech making. The evening was occupied in listening to a lecture by Dr. Lewis, and the day fitly closed by an informal reception given the orators of the occasion, at the home of one of the crusaders.

At the spring election for mayor and city council, temperance was made the issue, and from motives of policy the temperance men brought out conservative candidates. The other party did the same thing. The whisky party were successful, and emboldened by that success, many of the former saloonist gradually reopened their business. Since that time, five of these men have gone to render to God an account for their violated vows.

"The word of the Lord is true from the beginning, and he that being often reproved, hardeneth hie neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedyr"

The summer was given up to the defeat of the license clause in the new constitution, which was to come before the people on the 18th of August.

Mass Temperance picnics were a prominent feature of the season, and the untiring zeal of the workers was crowned with success on election day.

During the intervening years, weekly Temperance League meetings have been kept up by the faithful few, while frequent Union Mass Meetings have been held, thus keeping the subject always before the people.

To-day, the disgraceful and humiliating fact exists, that there are more places where liquors are sold than before the crusade. Does any one ask the result of all this labor, and if the movement was a failure? We answer to the first question of results: The idea that women are to take an active part in the great conflict between Religion and the Rum power, was evolved by this very crusade. None saw quicker than the women themselves the weak and strong points of the movement, and these praying bands have be- . come thoroughly organized Women's Christian Temperance Unions; and reform clubs, reading rooms, coflfee houses, and friendly inns are the outgrowth of these " Unions." Other countries have felt the impulse, and the best women of Europe and Canada are being organized into" " Leagues " and " Unions."

Another result was the great International Women's Temperance Convention, held June 10th to 12th, and World's Congress on the 13th day of June of the centennial year, in the land that gave the crusade its birth, where were convened representatives from our own kind, from every country in Europe, from the Sandwich Islands and Japan, to pray and plan together as to the best means for carrying forward this great work.

Was this movement then, a failure? No ! N'o! The long list of reformed lives, the restored happiness and prosperity of once desolated homes, the still longer list of our noble young men, who were arrested in their first downward steps in the path of intemperance and ruin, and whose upright and useful lives will be standing monuments of good for years to come ; who dares to compute such results? The improved public sentiment, banishing the wine cup from the social circle, from the sideboards and cellars of respectable homes, the awakening and uniting of all Christian hearts in one grand work for God and humanity. All these are the outgrowth of a reformation which has since belted the world - the most farseeing being utterly unable to grasp its results.

During the winter of 1876, a grand banquet was given the Ohio General Assembly, Judiciary and Military ofiicers, by some of the prominent citizens of our capital city. No labor or expense was spared in ministering to the comforts or pleasure of the guests, yet no wine was to be found in all that banquet hall. One of the hosts of th*e evening remarked, that " before the ' Women's Crusade,' the giving of such an entertainment without wine would have beeri impossible."

A failure? No! Eternity alone will unfold the glorious success of that work. To have banished liquor from the land, as at first the movement seemed to promise, would have been a miracle, and God does not now work in such manner, and the work we feel he meant to do in this crusade, was to rouse up his people to a sense of their duty, to awaken his church which seemed to be strangely indifferent, and asleep to this terrible evil. Thus he crowned the movement with success, and while his followers believe and trust Him, the good work will go on to completion, for - cade of years has liitted by, and where are we now in this great reform, in wliicli tlie citizens of Fayette County have so much reason to rejoice in their' having led the van. For while Dr. Dio Lewis inaugurated a similar movement in three other places during the same winter before it was started here, it would have been classed as the idle vagary of a bewildered brain, but for the nuirvelous success which attended it lirst in Washington, and gave it a " local habitation and a name " which struck fire there, and has been answered by tiarne upon every hill top in almost every state of 'our land.

Among the later outgrowths of the crusade was the Murphy movement, which counts its reformed men by the thousands ; and the Reynold's movement of almost equal proportions - waves of reform which have swept across the nation from Maine to the sunny Pacific slopes, and brought happiness and comfort to untold thousands. But above all, stands our thoroughly organized " Women's Christian Temperance Union," representing twenty-seven states and thirty-one thousand six hundred and thirty earnest, devoted Christian women, pledged to the cause for life. This mighty host of workers are making themselves heard and felt on our platforms, in our pulpits, through our legislative halls, and all over our land ; and must be a great " power behind the throne " of our law makers.

They are moving in every direction ; introducing temperance lessons in Sabbath-schools, and scientific temperance into public schools and colleges, forming juvenile temperance schools ; inducing corporations and employers to require total abstinence in their employes ; scattering temperance literature broadcast in the land, infiuencing the spirit of the press, working in our jails, prisons, among foreign population, Indians, and colored people ; establishing drawing-room meetings, reading rooms, and friendly inns to save the unfortunate victims of this cause, by reaching out a helping hand and to bind the work together by . publishing a sprightly organ, " Our Union," which should be in the hands of every temperance woman. In many of these lines of work, Fayette County is showing herself worthy of the spirit which could inaugurate so wonderful a movement.

At the last annual convention held in Boston, October, 1880, there gathered such numbers, such eloquence and power, such devotion to God and temperance, and such faith in the triumph of bur cause, that the proud old city felt her pulses stirred, and her soul quickened with such an awakening upon this subject as she had never felt before. On the Sabbath immediately following the close of convention, twenty-four Boston pulpits were filled by members of that convention, who spoke to crowded audiences in earnest, burning words. Upon this all important theme, later, during inaugural week in our capital city, our gifted President, MissWillard, honored herself, and the great body she represented, in presenting to the nation the portrait of Mrs. Hayes, who will always be " honored among women" as having first banished the fateful cup from our national home, America's highest social pinnacle; thus setting an example to all other lands.

We are saddened when we recall the old crusade days as we find so many vacant places, and long for the touch of vanished hands, and the sound of voices that are still.

We are indebted to Mr, M, Herbert for the following exhaustive account (with very slight changes) of the newspapers and newspaper men of this county. Not only does his excellent article embrace these, but much matter of great historic interest is also incorporated :

Of the pioneer press of the county, we have found it impossible to procure necessary material or information wherewith to compile such a record as would enable us to present to our readers a clear and succinct summarizing.

Of the earlier newspaper publishers, none are left to enlighten us as to their varied experience, by detailing the many perplexities and annoyances which encompassed and surrounded them in prosecuting their. labors. Their brightest thoughts and chief chroniclings lay buried with them.

But a few fragments of pioneer journalism remain - but a few scattering numbers of the many and different newspapers published here "in the long ago" can now be found - and relics historic they are truly! serving forcibly to remind us that we of to-day are also makers of history, and that they who come after us may regret that we did not better keej) and store the record.

Freedom S Advocate

The lirst newspaper published in Fayette County, was issued here on Saturday, February 21, 1829, by Joel S. Bereman. It was styled Frcedorii's Adoocate. Mr. Bereman came here from Ilillsboro, in the adjoining county of Highland, where he had studied the intricacies of "the art preservative." Through the columns of his jourual, he promulgated and advocated Whig doctrines and principles. We have seeii but one copy (No. 13) of the paper, which is now in possession of one of his daughters, Mrs. M. V, Logan, of this place. It is considerably frayed, and presents an aged appearance. Mrs. Logan prizes it highly. It is encased in a frame, under glass, so that both sides may be read without danger of further mutilation in handling and perusing.

In the Advocate of date mentioned, there is published a portion of a letter from one of the engineers of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, who was then sojourning in England in the interest of that great thoroughfare, the letter bearing date Liverpool, February 4, 1829, and in which the writer mentions having traveled on the Stockton and Darlington Railroad. The distance (twelve miles) between the points named, he says, was traversed in about an houi* and a half, the locomotive engine and "wagons" in the train weighing about eighty tons. In those days, with such a load, that was considered rapid transit! The letter writer further says that "the snow had just been scraped off the rails, so that they were not in the best state for locomotion,'' and that experiments made before snow fell, on a down grade of ten feet per mile, iifteen miles per hour, with a load of about seventy tons were made. The engineer closes his letter by saying : " Upon the whole, we have every conlidence that we shall succeed with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad." The letter was tirst published in the Baltimore Auierican, which journal still has existence.

Mention is made of a steam canal boat, a packet called the " Enterprise," which had then commenced running between Cincinnati and Dayton, at speed-rate of four miles per hour! The cabin contained, twenty-seven berths, and two cords of wood were used as fuel in making the trip, as stated by the Dayton Journal at the time. It was also stated that George Washington Adams, son of Ex- President John Q. Adams, was- lost overboard from the ship Benja- mill Franklin, on the morning of April 30, 1829, while the vessel was on her way to New York - from what port not mentioned. Among the Advocate's selections is a chronological list of the principal officers of the United States Government under the constitution, from 1789 to 1829. An interesting compilation for tjie time.

From the advertising columns we learn that Joseph Bloomer was sheriif of this county in 1829, and that Samuel Millikan was deputy clerk of court. A. Johnson and H. L. Akin were hotel keepers here then, the former being landlord of " Washington Hall," and the latter of the " Washington Hotel." Andrew Holt was engaged in the business of wool-carding here, and John Messmore at Isaiah Pancoast's factory, on Deer Creek. Benjamin S. Yeoman announces that he has commenced the Windsor chair-making business at the shop formerly occupied by Samuel F. Yeoman, in Wayne Township. Samuel Lydy and Joel Bohrer publish notices of partnership dissolution, Mr. Lydy stating that he would still continue to sell groceries and liquors at the old stand. Thomas Rickey was then conducting the tailoring business here.

The Advocate of date referred to contains but one local news item, and that of an advertising character, while there is but one original general news item in the issue - brief mention of a fire in Cincinnati ! Such a newspaper, nowadays, would be of brief existence. Yet, when it is understood that rags, feathers, beeswax, tallow, flour, sugar, bacon, oats, wheat, and deer-skins, were taken in payment of subscription (two dollars per annum), editorial labor was doubtless but poorly recompensed then.

Some time in 1831, as we are informed, Arthur Critchfield became proprietor of Mr. Bereman's establishment, and issued therefrom the People's Palladium, a Democratic journal. We have fiiiled to procure a copy of the paper.

Washington Herald

In the fall of 1832, the office, we are told, passed into the possession of S. F. Yeoman and S. Lydy, who commenced the publication of the Washington Herald, the tone of which was Democratic, Mr. Yeoman, as our informant states, "furnishing the brains" in its editorial conduct.

We have before iis four copies of the Washington Herald and Fayette County Bcgister. The first (No. 35 of Vol. 1) is dated Friday morning, May 31, 1833. The name of S. Lyd}^ appears as proprietor, and that of William Hill as printer and publisher. In his published prospectus the proprietor announces that '-the columns of the paper shall be open to all well-written essays, either on politics, morality, literature, or religion ; but at no time shall anything like personal vituperation or political invective be encouraged or inserted." In. the announcement of terms of publication, notice is given that " all persons whose names are on the subscription list of the People's Palladium will be considered as subscribers to the Herald nwXW notice to discontinue deli ver}- shall be given;" and that "any person who has been taking this paper, as published by Yeoman k Lydy, wishing to withdraw, will be so good as to give immediate notice."

The Herald above mentioned does not contain a news item of a local character; but the publisher apologizes for its non-appearance at the usual time, "in consequence of having the list of forfeited lands to publish, together with other inconveniences which we (the publisher) have labored under!" From its advertising columns we learn that James Ilenton was auditor, and William S. WiUiams sheriff of the county, in 1833. Daniel McLean and Henry Blystone, jr., were then operating a wool-carding machine here, Mr. Blystone attending to the practical part of the business. The Siamese twins were then on exhibition here, at Stockdale's inn.

The Hercdd of date Wednesday, June 25, 1834, gives the names of Hill & Baird as its publishers, and champions the Whig cause. It contains the proceedings of a Whig meeting held at the court house here on the 21st of that month, on which occasion Dr. T. McGarraugh was appointed president, Benjamin Rodgers, vicepresident, and H. C. Stewart, secretary. The meeting was addressed by Robert Robinson, General W.Vance, William Edwards, and J. S. Bereman. William Vance, Jesse Millikan, sen., and W. A. Ustick, were appointed a committee to report names of delegates to the nominating convention of the then seventh congressional district, to be held in Chillicothe on the 3d of July following. Delegates were chosen as follows: For Union Township, J. S. Bere-

The county auditor (James Henton) publishes a list of receipts and expenditures in the Hcrahl of above date, by which it appears that the total expenditures for the year ending on the last Saturdayin May, 1834, were |4,301.57. Among the listed contingent items, we notice that Samuel Lydy was paid $99 " for publishing list of forfeited lands, expenditures, and notices, in 1833;" and he was. also paid $57 "for publishing list of delinquent lands in 1833, and notices to school clerks." Three dollars and sixty-one cents were paid for paper, pasteboard, chair, etc., for use of auditor's and commissioner's office. The quantity of stationery used in the public offices here in those days must have been immense, and the furniture and fixtures therein at the time quite elaborate ! The latter is simply gorgeous now ! The account of the county treasurer (Benjamin Henton) shows the total receipts for the year to have been $8,845.19.4, including balance in his hands at June settlement in 1833 ($1,368.72.7). The total disbursements for the year were $(3,- 983.88.7, which left a balance in treasurer's hands of $1,861.30.7. Among the receipts we notice that $52 was paid for tavern license, and $215 for horse license. Jesse Millikan was clerk of court here in 1834, and postmaster also.

October 22, 1834, the names of Baird & Lydy appear as publishers of the Herald. The issue of 'that date closed the second volilme of its existence. On that day, however, but a half-sheet was printed, for which the publishers apologize, assigning as cause therefor the failure to receive paper in time for that week's issue. In speaking of the election news, the Herald says " the returns come in gloriously from all quarters," portending victory for the Whigs. Notice is given that flour, corn meal, corn, potatoes, wheat, oats, hay, tallow, hog's lard, pork in proper season, and fire-wood at all times, would be received in payment of subscription to the ]3aper.

The Herald of November 13, 1834, (No. 3, of third volume,) presents the name of Robert R. Lindsey as the printer and publisher. Through the advertising columns, Messrs. Baird and Lydy give notice that they have disposed of their interest in the office, and call upon those indebted to them for the last year's subscription, or part thereof, to settle their dues at the Herald office. Notice is also given that a petition would be presented to the State Legislature, asking for the creation of a new county to be taken off the counties of Ross, Highland, Adams, Pike and Fayette - Bainbridge to be the county seat. But that quiet village still nestlescosily among the hills of Ross ! Editorial mention is made that " an Englishman by the name of Thompson, in addressing an anti-slavery convention in Augusta, Maine, used language and preached doctrines, which were so offensive to the citizens that a committee of their appointment requested him to leave the place," which request he complied with, but asserted however, that he had " as good a right to lecture on our internal alfairs as we had to send missionaries among the heathen." N. F, Jones, as secretary, notified the board of directors of the county agricultural society, to meet at th^ court house on the 15th of November, 1854. L. P. Reid was the landlord of the " National House," and Joshua Holmes was caterer in " Washington Hall," previously known as " Stockdale's Hotel," in which latter building Jesse MiUikan preceded William Stockdale as hostelry keeper. The Herald, under Mr. Lindsey's management, disseminated Whig doctrine.

Genius Of Liberty

We have also before us three numbers of the Genhis of Liberty, a Democratic journal, printed and published here, in 1834, by J. M. Morgan. The first (No. 14, of volume 1,) bears date Saturday, November 1, 1834, and is but a half-sheet, from which issue the publisher apologizes, making mention that it is the first occurrence of failure to print a whole sheet, " a number of circumstances preventing the appearance thereof." It chronicles the destruction of "the splendid mansion of President Jackson," near Nashville, Tennessee, by fire, on the 14th of the preceding month. Its news columns contain nothing of a local character, but the delinquent tax list occupies nearly an entire page (four of the five columns) of the paper.

The Genius of November 8th, glorilies over the result of the election returns ; the prominent issue then pending being the re-charteriug of the United States Bank, which was favored by the Whigs and opposed b}' the Democrats. The editor says : " The late elections have spoken in a loud voice. The bank and its advocates can not but have heard that voice. It is to them a warning voice. The people have spoken. They have been true to themselves; and by their united efforts, they have rescued their country from the wideextended jaws of a hydra-headed monster."

The Genius of November 15th, after indulging in further exultation over the election returns, gives us an idea as to what was then the method of conducting a partisan newspaper. " And now," says the editor, " come on all the evils that are incident to printers. After battling for many months one party strikes a decisive stroke. That done, all is over * * * To gain so many and such triumphant victories are bad things for a party, but far worse for the printer. While the success of one party lulls them asleep the other is silenced by defeat ; so the printers have nothing to write about nor think about. * * * Q for an election every month ! (cries the editor in conclusion,) that the people might feel and know that they are still in existence ! "

And so the meager mention - the almost total neglect, in fact - of matters local, may be accounted for in those days, politics being then the all-absorbing " stock in trade," especially of the village press. But journalism has changed since that time : The spirit of enterprise has long since crept into and taken control of its direction and management. The " home newspaper " of to-day which does not give special notice to local affairs, is deemed unworthy the patronage and support of the comnmnity wherein it is published. The journalist who takes note of and chronicles, with encouraging word and well-timed encomium, our advancement in the march of progress and improvement is a benefactor ; for he thereby effectively aids in the accomplishment of benelicial results and achievement of mighty deeds.

The prurient newspaper conductor is but a cankerous incubus on journalism ; the slime and filth which he uproots and scatters, proves but pestilential and injurious to the well-l)eing of society, and his noxious ebullitions should be summarily and effectuall}' discountenanced. The journalist who, by decorous use of the pen, causes evil to vanish and righteousness prevail is a moral teacher.

whose good works and wholesome endeavor slionld be fostered and cherished. The political" writer, too, who falsifies in statement and perverts truth, is but a driveler whose frothings should be swept up and carted away as rubbish ; while he who manfully combats misrepresentation by clear citation of fact is to be commended for his candor, and rewarded for his uncompromising advocacy of and adherence to right.

We have been favored with a cop}' of the Genius of Liberty and Democrat RepvMican, (JSTo. 33 of volume 1,) of date Saturday, May 16, 1835. Beneath its lengthy title, the Genius sports the motto : " Unawed by the influence of the rich, the great or the noble, the people must be heard, and their rights vindicated." The names of J. Jamison and W. Loof bourrow are given as its proprietors, and that of William Hill as its editor and printer. It was Democratic in tone.

Editorial mention is made of the issuance by Governor Robert Lucas of proclamation, convening the legislature in special session on Monday, June 8th, then next ensuing, for the purpose of settling difiiculties between Ohio and the then territory of Michigan, relative to the locating of what was termed our northern boundary line. For a time affairs looked warlike, the governors of the state and territory (Lucas of Ohio and Morrow of Michigan^ having each marshalled armed forces in support of their positions and views, as to the adjustment of the question pending - and Buckeye and Wolverene in hostile array confronted each other. The case was peaceably settled, however, by congressional interference in favor of Ohio.

In a local and advertising way, the Genius announces that W. Loof bourrow, one of its proprietors, was appointed a delegate to the National Democratic Convention, which was to meet in the city of Baltimore on the 20th of May. James M. Baird notifies all persons who know themselves to be indebted to the former proprietors of the WashirigtOH Herald, (he being one of said proprietors,) for advertising, subscription, etc., to call immediately and settle with him. Judging from the tenor of his notice, some other party or parties mnst have supposed themselves to be entitled to receive such funds. A conflict had evidently arisen as to who was justly entitled to receive the ducats. Joshua Holmes, landlord of the hotel known as Washington Hall, died on the 7th of May, of typhus fever, in the twenty-fifth year of his age.

The bank of Cliillicothe, (J. Woodbridge cashier,) gave notice that it would furnish sight checks on New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, at premium of half per cent; and that notes of most of the banks in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky would be received in exchange, subject, of course to current discount charge. D. Mc- Lean advertises his wool-carding and fulling establishment for rent. Joseph Bell announces the purchase, by him, of the stockof goods of S. F. Knight & Co., and that lie would continue the general mercantile business at the old stand. Mrs. Robert Wilson was then engaged in the millinery business here. Having a supply of leghorns, she was "-prepared to alter and do up bonnets after the latest fashion." She had on hand boys' silk and Circassian caps ; and would make girls' bonnets, etc., to order.

Matthew J. Ivy then conducted a shaving, hair-cutting and renovating establishment here, in the room formerly occupied by J. L, Millikan as a store. In making the announcement, he says :

" In trimming hair it wanteth taste, To suit the person and the face ; And scraping chins, that tender part, To do with ease requireth art. With scissors sharp and razors keen, 'Tis I can scrape your faces clean ; And last of all, to serve you well, I'll from your clothes the dust expel."

S. A. Smyth was then engaged in the tailoring business here, one door east of L. P. Reid's National House. The prospectus of the Phrenological Journal, the initial number of which was to have been issued on the 1st of August, 1835, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., appears in the Genius of May 16th. Among the news gleanings, under the caption, " Gratifying news from France - favorable report on the American indemnity question," the New York Evening Post states that by packet-ship Sylvie de Grasse from Havre, French papers of March 30th and 31st had been received, which contained the highly gratif3ing intelligence that the committee of the chambers had reported in favor of an appropriation of 25,000,000 francs, being made to comply with the terms of the treaty of July 4, 1831, between the King of the French and the United States.

Political Hornet

In 1836, there was published liere a campaig-n paper styled tlie Political Hornet, wliich advocated the claims of W. H. Harrison for president. The Hornet, we learn, had " numerous contributors," among them Robert Robinson and J. S. Bereman. M. V. Rawlings, now a resident of Missouri, executed the mechanical work on the paper. Mr. Rawlings commenced the study of the printing business here in 1832, in the office of the People's Palladium, under A. Crihfield. We are informed that "the county, up to 1836 had been Democratic ; but that year, by the assertion of many truths and some lies, the Whigs elected the entire county ticket." We have not found a cop}' of the Hornet, but wish we could obtain one. It was, no doubt, a spic}' political sheet.

The Circulator

Saturday, January 6, 1838, Elisha Williams Sexton issued here the first number of a journal styled the Circulator. It was printed in this place, and, as we learn by the third number, dated January 20, 1838, Avas "published simultaneously in Washington and London, in the legislative district composed of the counties of Fayette and Madison," being delivered in London, by private express, on the day of its issue. At that time, according to the published prospectus, there was no other paper " in course of publication within the limits of the district." In the prospectus, Mr. Sexton says : " It is not our intention to publish a strictly neutral journal, inasmuch as we hold the right of expressing our humble opinions too sacred to l)e dispensed with ; yet we will endeavor to make it (the CArcidator) so decorous and mild in its course that the most violent partisan may not take umbrage at it. Our sentiments, (says Mr. Sexton,) in the modern acceptation of the term, are decidedly Whig."

By the Circulator of the date last mentioned, we learn that the Mexicans were about to invade Texas; and Mr. Sexton, in alluding thereto, says: "Hurra for Texas!" The postmaster-general of Texas, it is stated, had appointed Mr. Samuel Ricker, jr., of New Orleans, agent for the post-ofiice department of "that republic." Letters destined for "that country," post-paid to New Orleans and directed to his care, would be forwarded by the regular mails. The phrasiiigs quoted, that repahUc and that coimtry, sound strange now. The closing part of President Van Buren's proclamation relative to the Canadian difficulties then pending, (insurrectionary movements began there in 1837,) and which the Circulator, in publishing, says is just what it anticipated, and as it should be, reads as follows: " Now, therefore, to the end that the authority of the law^s may be maintained, and the faith of treaties observed, I, Martin Van Buren, do most earnestly exhort all citizens of the United States, who have thus violated their duties, to return peaceably to their respective homes ; and hereby warn them, that any person who shall compromit the neutrality of this government, by interfering in an unlawful manner with the neighboring British provinces, will render themselves liable to arrest and punishment under the laws of the United States, which will be vigorously enforced ; and, also, that they will receive no aid or countenance from the government, into whatever difficulties they may be thrown by the violation of the laws of their country, and of the territory of a neighboring and friendly, nation."' The proclamation bore date January 5, 1838.

Some statistics of Fayette County, as compiled from the report of the auditor of state for 1837, are published in the third issue of the Circulator. The number of acres of land in the county is given as 236,265 acres; value of same, including houses, $356,212; value of town lots, including buildings, $33,258; number of horses, 3,565; value of same, $142,600; number of cattle, 5,753; value of same, $46,024; merchants' capital and money at interest, $35,727; number of pleasure. csCrriages, 27; value of same, $1,779 ; tax on physicians and lawyers, $24 ; total amount of taxable propert}^, $615,580; amount of tax paid into state treasury, $7,397.

Other items of interest, of like character, contained in the report, are also published. The greatest amount of tax paid by a single county, during 1837, was by Hamilton, $156,437; the least by Henry, $1,056; greatest number of acres of land in one countj^ was in Trumbull, 556,296 ; least in Wood, 2,956 ; most horses in Richland, 9,141 ; least in Henry, 180 ; greatest number of cattle in Trumbull, 24,107 ; least in Henry, 510.

George Mantle, Samuel SoUars, and James Kirkpatrick, surplus revenue Fund Commissioners of Fayette County, publish a statement, dated January 6, 1838, relative to the condition of said funds, as used in this county. The total amount thereof received from the state was |14,485.92, and it was h^aned to individuals at the rate of 7 per cent, per annum, on personal security. The amount loaned in each township was : Union, |4,350 ; Paint, |4,650 ; Jefferson, |2,350 ; Madison, $1,000 ; Concord, $500 ; Wayne, $1,400 ; Green, $250. The amount due and not in suit was $300. Of the annual income of tlie fund ($1014.01.4) $724,29.6 was appropriated for school purposes, $126.21.8 for county purposes, and $163.50 to defray expenses of management.

In 1835 the United States was out of debt! An occurrence which has hut once (at that time only) transpired in our national history ; nor is it likely ever to occur« again. The funds in the national treasury then increased and rapidly accumulated in excess of the expenditures.

S. F. Yeoman, in a communication to the Circidator of January 20, 1838, defines his position on the question, "Would a well-regulated national bank advance the prosperity of the United States?" Mr. Yeoman took position on the affirmative side of the question. In closing, he says : " I have only to say in conclusion, that ' men change, but principles never.' And I most unequivocally declare that I hold the same principles now that I did prior to the election of General Jackson. I then thought the administration was corrupt, and believed the public good required a change ; and I now think the administration equally corrupt, and most conscientiously believe that the policy recommended by Mr. Van Buren will, if carried into operation, produce a state of unexampled embarrassment in public business, and of general distress to the community."

As to what the mail facilities of Washington then (January, 1838) were, may be inferred from the following published " mail arrangements ": Eastern mail arrives every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, and closes at 9 o'clock p. m. ; Western mail arrives every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday night; Chillicothe mail leaves every Tuesday and Friday at 12 m., and arrives Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p. m. The mail from Washington to Decatur, via Hillsboro, leaves every Friday at 12 m., and returns every Monday at 12 m. ; Columbus mail departs every Tuesday at 5 A. M., returns every Thursday at 8 p. m. ; Centerville mail arrives every Wednesday at 10 a. m., and departs same day at 1 p. m. S. A. Smyth was then postmaster, and L. J. Wood was coroner of the county.

From the Circular of April 14, 1838, we obtain some information of a general and local character. By it we learn that eighty thousand copies of a speech delivered by Mr. AVebster, on the subtreasury bill, had been printed. Also, that Whig meetings were being held in all quarters of the state, and that it was thought the then ensuing 31st of May convention would be a very large one. Foreign wheat, it is stated, was then " again pouring into the country." The Baltimore American, at that time, stated that one vessel, the Prussian brig Frederick, had just brought a cargo of 17,000 bushels from Wolgast. Four or five other cargoes, then afloat, had also arrived ; and that some parcels previously received had gone into store. Wheat was then sold in Baltimore at $1.60 to to 11.67 per bushel.

Wade Loofbourrow, William Edwards, and David Creamer, were then county school examiners, having been so appointed under the then new law, by the court of common pleas. At that time, it is stated, there were twelve hundred newspapers in the United States. The Circular says : " Printers are so scarce in Indiana that some of the editors are learning their little girls to set type. We have had a female apprentice in our office for some time."

The proceedings of a Whig meeting, held in the court house here, April 7, 1838, by " citizens opposed to the (then) present administration, for the purpose of appointing delegates to the state convention," to meet at Columbus on the 31st of May following, appear in the Circulator of April 14th. Colonel Samuel Myers was chairman, and E. W. Sexton secretary of the meeting. A committee of one from each township Avas appointed to nominate suitable persons as delegates to the state convention, which committee was composed as follows : From Paint Township, J. L. Myers ; Madison, Major J. Leavel; Union, R. Robinson ; Wayne, Benjamin Rodgers: Green, John King; Jefferson, D. Creamer; Concord, R. Burnett. Delegates to the state convention were named aud appointed as follows: For Wayne Township, Jackson Rodgers, William Gormley, and William Edwards^ Paint Township, John Hays, Thomas Green, and Samuel Myers; Jelierson, Membrance Blue, John Barrett, and David Creamer; Concord, Peter Brown, Henry Burnett, and Charles Williams; Green, Robert Eyre, Jacob Todhunter, and John King; Madison, Batteal Harrison, William Pinkerton, and Shreve Pancoast; Union, Joseph Bloomer, John Rankin, and Wil-

The delegates, in the discharge of their duties, were instructed to use all honorable means to promote the nomination of General W. H. Harrison for president; but that they should at the same time assure their associates in the convention that their constituents would "give their undivided support to Mr. Clay, or any other nominee." The delegates were also instructed to use their exertioii to secure the nomination of General Vance for governor. By resolutions, "the work of pohtical reform so earnestly begun in other portions of the United States," was commended, and the disorganized state of the country at that time deprecated - our country's " paralyzed commerce, and her depreciated currency, were brought about by a malignant and unwise course of public policy, pursued by those Avho administer the aiiairs of our national government. Instead of giving us a golden currency, wherewith every 'substantial farmer' would have an abundance, we have a currency the most worthless in the world."

The " act to abolish imprisonment for debt" in the State of Ohio is published in the Circulator of April 14, 1838. In business line -here then, we notice that Olds & Yeoman were engaged in mercantile pursuit, Benjamin Bowers in chair-making, and C. Parvin in tailoring; and Sanders & Millikan published notice of business dissolution. Daniel McLean, as executor, advertised that he would sell on the 21st of April, 1838, the effects, real and personal of N. F. Jones, deceased, including two hundred and forty acres of land, at late residence of deceased, in Jefferson Township. Nicholas Hay, as administrator, notified those indebted to, and having claims against estate of Christopher Milltir, deceased, to call and settle.

In the Circulator of October 6, 1838, W. II. Creighton and William Palmer, rival candidates for the State Legislature, in district composed of the counties of Fayette and Greene ; having been questioned in reference thereto, defined their position as to the civil rights of colored persons, at that time, in Ohio - the colored man's status, as they understood it to be fixed by law, state and national.

What a grand glorious work was consummated, and triumph achieved when we forever wiped out the foul blot of slavery from our national escutcheodi! Truly, an all-seeing eye, an overruling providence must have guided and controlled our destiny, when and while the terrible coiillict was being waged. Ah I in that gigantic struggle, vice and error on the one side did menacingly stand, while truth and right did boldly confront, and in battle's dread gauge were victor.

Says the Circulator of above date : " No man can, henceforth, be heard through our columns unless he be a yearly sul)6criber. Some of these times we shall publish a communication precisely as it is sent to us." That policy adhered to, a mighty host of would-begreat ones, would speedily be extinguished. Micajah Draper 'was appointed, October 1, 1838, assistant treasurer of the Goshen, Wilmington and Columbus Turnpike Company, the stock subscription books for construction of which thoroughfare were then open. Eight death notices were in the Circulator of October 6, 1838 : Catherine Millikan, consort of Curran Millikan, on the 1st of that month; same day, in Paint Township, John Wilson, sr. ; Arseneth, youngest daughter of S. F. Yeoman, on the 2d ; George Rodgers on the 3d ; same day, near this place, Mrs. Carr, consort of Jehu Carr ; a few days before, Mary Elizabeth, eldest danghter of

By the advertising columns of the Circulator, above date, we learn that Webster, Melviu k Co. succeeded the firm of Plumb & Webster in general merchandizing here ; Daniel McLean was dealing in produce, provisions, and patent medicines ; E. H. Crow was tailoring opposite the court house, in the room formerly occupied by M. Blue as a tavern; Mrs. Susan Henkle was conducting business as seamstress; Robert Wilson was engaged in the saddlery business; and J. L. Millikan #as running a tan-yard adjoining Wade Loof bourrow's premises, immediately south of the court house. While Richard Millikan was " off on the high seas rolling," he was legally notified (in the Circulator) to "plead, answer, or demur," within sixty days after August 25,1838, to a petition in court here, he being an interested party in partition disposition of certain real estate in notice of partition referred to, and of which Jesse Millikan was stated to have died seized. Dr. A. A. Morrison then tendered his professional services to the public, and announced that he would adhere, in practice, to the "principles taught at Worthington College, prohibiting the use of mercury and all its preparations; antimony, arsenic, and all minerals of a poisonous and corrosive nature." Office at Cissna's hotel. Dr. F. II. Jennings, at the same time, announced that he would leave Washington, and advised those indebted to him that they would confer, a lasting favor by settling their accounts. Eneas F. Yeoman then appealed to his fellow-citizens to elect him county assessor, having been, early in the spring, afflicted with white-swelling in one of liis legs, which incapacitated him for active work, and rendered him a cripple for life. Wade Loofbourrow was postmaster here then, and John B. Webster county treasurer.

The Circulator of March 10, 1838, contains an obituary notice of the death of JSTorman Fennel Jones, who died here March 1, 1838. He had served as county auditor, and had been elected justice of the peace for many successive terms. He was born in Pittsfield, Vermont, August 28, 1796. His mother died when he was in his fifth, and his father when he was in the sixteenth year of his age. Shortly after his father's death he went to the State of New York, and while there learned the saddlery business. After residing in that state about seven years, he came to this place, and subsequently acquired considerable property. Soon after he came here he united with the Presbyterian Church. In May, 1819, he married Mary McLean, sister of Judge D. McLean. He is spoken of by his biographer as having been a kind and affectionate husband and father - one who, as a neighbor, was beloved by all, and as a public servant commanded general respect.

The Ciridator above alluded to mentions having learned, the evening previous to the date, of its publication, through the Ohio Statesman, of Columbus, that J. S. Bereman had been appointed associate judge for this county.

For Congress, to represent seventh district, composed of the counties of Ross, Scioto, Jackson, and Fayette - Colonel W. K. Bond, Allen Latham.

Fayette Republican

A copy of the Fayette Repahluan (No. 4, Vol. 1; R. R. Liudsey, publisher) ; dated Washington, January 11, 1840, has been handed to us. It was printed in Wilmington, Clinton County. The number before us contains nothing of special local interest to readers in this county; even the advertisements (that of C. Parvin and F. H. Tomlinson, tailors, excepted), are those of Wilmington business houses, etc. By it we learn that R. S. Beeson (now engaged in the hardware business here) was then engaged in general merchandising in Wilmington, on South Street, opposite the court house. The surplus revenue fund commissioners of Clinton County, at that time (William Walker, Ezekiel Haworth, and David F. Walker), publish a statement relative to said fund, by which it appears that Clinton County received from the state treasury, of that fund, $19,926.55.

President Van Bureu's message, of date December 2, 1839, appears in the RepuhUcan. The Columbus Statesman having spoken of it as a " second declaration of independence," the Repahlk-an said "the Statesman must certainly be crazy," and pronounces the n^essage " the lamest production that ever emanated from the chief magistrate of this nation. It is," says the Republican, " the distillation of loco-focoism ; and the doctrines therein advanced breathe the spirit of a monarch."

The Bcpahlican prints, as "true Whig doctrine," the embodiment expression of Governor Barbour, of Virginia : " One presidential term; the integrity of the public servants, and safety of the public money; and the general good of the people." It also announces that " Mr. Pendleton, of Ohio, stated in the convention that it was the wish of General Harrison, if elected to the presidency, to serve only one term."

Mention is made in the RepiMican above referred to, that the publication of a new paper, to be called the Whisky Barrel, was then soon to be commenced in Louisville, Kentucky, the object being, through its columns, "to make war upon all temperance laws and temperance societies." Wesley Roberts & Co., it was stated, were "to preside over the bung-hole and spigot." Its line of argument must have been of an ardent, stimulating - we might say intoxicating - nature. And its array of figures in jjroof were, doubtless, somewhat fab'lous.

The Washingtonian

The first Q^o. 3 of Vol. 1), of date August 22, 1840, issued under the editorsliip of J. S. Bereman and E. W. Sexton, the latter gentleman l)eing announced as publisher, contains a " plan of the standing army of two hundred thousand men (militia) submitted to congress by the secretary of war, and recommended by the president of the United States." The WasJiingtoiiian editorially opposes the measure. It says : " The power it gives to the president is such as illy becomes a republican people, and as is only to be found in the most absolute despotisms of Europe. This is the strong feature of the bill. The concentration of power in the hands of the executive is what all Democrats oppose. It is what they opposed in Jefierson's day, and to which they still stand opposed."

Samuel Pike must, at the date above mentioned, have been engaged in publishing a paper here, as we find in the Wasliingtonian a "proposition" submitted, that if he would publish in his journal (alluded to as the Democrat), from that time until the election, tlie annual expenditures of the general government, from 1824 until 1840, exclusive of payments on account of the public debt, the WashiDgtonlan would publish a like amount of matter, to be submitted by Mr. Pike, provided that it should be suitable to appear in print.

The following ticket, surmounted by a log cabin, with " hard cider" barrel alongside, and captioned " Democratic- Whig nominations," is printed in the WashuKjtotiian of date above mentioned :

The "Harrison and Tyler" central committee for Fayette County was constituted as follows: Samuel F. Yeoman, Robert Robinson, Robert Cissna, Daniel McLean, J. S. Bereman, Samuel F. Kerr, James N. Wilson, Samuel Lydy, Joseph Blackmore.

Z. W. Heagler was county treasurer in 1840. R. Robinson and B. Martin were then associate partners in the practice of law here, and Richard Smith & Co. were engaged in general merchandising and manufacture of " patent brooms."

In the Washingtonian of Saturday, August 22, 1840, is announced the marriage, on Thursday preceding, by Rev. J. C. Eastman, of Mr. Elisha W. Sexton, junior editor of that journal, to Miss Margaret Sutherland, of this vicinity.

In the same number (3 of volume 1) is also published, with caption " the People's Ticket," an aphorism of Patrick Henry : " Who can save the liberty of the country when the purse and the sword are united in the hands of the executive ? "

District Electors

4th District, Joshua Collett, of Warren. 5th " Abram Miley, of Clermont. 6th " Samuel F. Vinton, of Gallia. 7th " . John I. A^anmeter, of Pike. 8th " Aqnilla Toland, of Madison. 9th " . Perley B. Johnson, of Morgan.

The same paper of Saturday, September 19, 1840 (No. 7 of Vol. 1), says: " AVe have just returned from the great Harrison convention held at Chillicothe, the ancient metropolis. We have only time to say, as our paper is going to press, that it was emphatically a coming together of the people - a^ turn-out of the western democracy in their strength. We can scarcely form a conjecture of the number present: estimates were from sixty to eighty thousand. H< * * On Thursday General Harrison addressed the vast multitude for more than two hours in a strain of eloquence that would have done credit to the best orator of the Grecian age, and in a voice that Avas heard distinctly by at least fifty thousand."

The same paper of above date exults over the result of the election for otlicers of the new township of Marion, the Whigs having, the Saturday previous, elected A. Lloyd and G. Mantle justices of the peace, and W. Penniwell and E. Griffith constables; in connection with which we are led to infer that there must have been published here, at that time, a Democratic campaign paper styled the Pojp-gun^ which having suggested the advisability of the Tippecanoe Club sending a log cabin to "young Marion" before the holding of the above election, the Washingtonian subsequent thereto says : " This was rather a premature j^op of yours, Mr. Pop-gun. * * h< Suppose you vad again, and give us another pop for 'young Marion' in anticipation of the October election?"

an election on the second Tuesday of October (13th day of month) then next ensuing, for the purpose of choosing a governor for the State of Ohio, a representative in congress for the seventh congressional district of Ohio, three representatives to represent the counties of Fayette, Highland, and Adams, in the house of representatives of Ohio, one sherilf for the county of Fayette, one auditor, two commissioners, one assessor, and one coroner.

The paper mentions the destruction by fire, on the 11th of September, of the woolen factory of Mr. Bush, on North Fork; and chronicles the death of Henry Snyder, at Greenfield, Highland County, on the 17th of the month, after a long and painful illness. Two of his tjrothers and his father from the same cause (typhoid fever), died about the same time. W. II. H. Duun, successor to L. Campbell, was then conducting the saddlery business here.

The Washingtordan of January 16, 1841, publishes what it styled " a new idea," wdiich was advanced b}' a writer in the Ohio Confederate. It was " that the appointment of postmasters be subject to laws to be enacted by the states respectively ; that the people in the several townships, villages and cities of the Union be permitted to choose their owni postmaster - to be responsible to the head of the department for the faithful performance of the duties of the office. This plan, simple and singular as* it is, (says the writer in the Confederate,) would certainly prevent the department from becoming that huge eno-ine of power in the hands of the executive that it has been for the last ten years."

James Pursell was secretary of the " Tippecanoe Club," here, in 1841. William McElwain & Co., successors to Yeoman k Rawlings, (S. F. y., and M. V. R.,) Shivers k Melvin, successors to Tulleys, Melvin & Co., and Henry Robinson, successor to Lydy & Rankin, were then engaged in merchandising here ; and E. P. Haigler was then conducting the saddle and harness business - shop on north side of Court Street, adjoining McCoy's hat store.

The Washingtonian of January 16th, also contains the intelligence brought by the ocean vessel Arcadia, that Queen Victoria, of England, on the 21st of November, was safely dehvered of a daughter. In connection Avith w-hich the London Globe, of the last mentioned date, says: " Her Majesty's marriage, it will be remembered, took place on Monday, the 10th of February, nine months and eleven days since." By the same vessel it was learned that the remains of Napoleon Bonaparte, from St. Helena, (where he died in cap- tivity, May 5, 1821,) had arrived in France, the French King, Louis Philippe, having procured the assent of the British government to their removaL December 15, 1840, the remains were deposited in the Hotel des [nvalides.

The Wask'mgtonian of March 20, 1841, (edited by J. S. Bereman,) contains the inaugural address delivered March 4th by President Harrison. Referring thereto, that journal says ''it is a plain, sensible document; and will serve as a political text-book well suited to all republican governments." Alluding to the inauguration ceremonies, that paper says : " We have no room for even an epitome of the proceedings of the inauguration. It was a grand aftair. If the reader will call to mind the Dayton or Chillicothe gatherings, last fall, he can form some idea of the parade." Speaking of the corporation election, then about to take place, the Washingtoviav says: "On this occasion we hope the citizens will determine definitely their wishes in regard to the continuation of whisky shops, and their attendant advantages in our village. If we are to have these conveniences entailed upon us by party supremacy, why then we ought to know it, that we may enjoy the blessings to be conferred in moderation." By the advertising columns, we learn that Lenox Campbell was then engaged in the saddlery business here, and that Robert Cissna had succeeded Robert and Charles Cissna therein ; in general merchandising, J. C. Bell and Samuel McElwain were conducting business here, and J. M. Willis in Bloomingburg. Samuel Sollars, George Mantle and Daniel Mc- Lean, were then surplus revenue fund commissioners for this county.

The Washmgtoniav last mentioned announces that Elisha W. Sexton, its junior editor, died on the 16th of March, 1841, aged twenty-five years. It says that he learned the art of printing in the city of Washington, under the tuition of General Duff Green, who in 1828 conducted there the United States Telegrcvph., at that time said to have been the principal journal of the Democratic party.

At a meeting held here on the 4tli of March, 1841, "the following ticket was agreed upon to be supported by the Democrat- Whigs of Union Township," at the then ensuing spring election :

Some years ago, a disease known as " milk sickness" prevailed hereabout to an alarmingly fatnl extent, and a Dr. Drake wrote and caused to be published a book, treating on the disease and its cause. In the Washingtonian of the 29th of May, 1841, appears a lengthy editorial relative thereto. The editor differs with the doctor as to the cause of the disease ; the ^loctor attributing it to cattle browsing on a vine technically called " rhus toxicodendron," familiarly known in southern Ohio as "poison oak;" while the editor, writing, as he says, " trom observation," and " arguing from cause to effect," attributes the prevalence of the disease to cattle eating the " eupatorium." In closing, the editor (Mr. Bereman) says: "In peculiar diseases, experience must be combined with scientific knowledge to give a proper understanding."

In the Washingtonian of date last mentioned appears the announcement of marriage, by Rev. John Jenkins, of Mr. James Pursell to Miss Margaret Ilartsell, both of Washington.

L. P. Reid, at the " Little Store," (" in Sanders' store room adjoining the tavern,") announced in the Washingtonian above referred to, that he still superintended that establishment, and that he would at all times give " cheap bargains" in goods line, for cash or " farmers' currency," such as bacon, eggs, chickens, feathers, rags, butter, and all kinds of " truck." He said that as he worked for his board, he sold goods without regard to profit! Mr. Reid also announced himself as a licensed auctioneer, and that he' would prosecute any of whom he might obtain knowledge as acting in that capacity without authority. By the same issue of the Washingtonian, we learn that J. H. Jones was to have opened a school here on the 17th of May, " for instruction in the English branches, at the brick school house on Main Street."

The Washingtonian of September 16, 1843, (Harvey C. Blackman, editor,) has at its "mast-head" the name of Henry Clay, of Kentucky, for president, and that of Elias Florence, of Pickaway, for congress. The following October election " Democratic- Whig ticket" is published in the Washingtonian of September 16 :

The WasJt!)H/to)d(ni of November 11, 1843, (printed and pulJished by Harvej C. Blackman and John W. Poii' - Harvey C. Blackmau, editor,) contains a eulogistic notice, from Allen Trimble, of Ilillsboro, of the Gershom Perdue nursery, in Martiusbnrg* this county. James Pursell was county auditor in 1843.

Under date of June 2, 1822, the People's PaUat/linn, Democratic in tone, (A. Crihlield, editor and publisher,) announced its preference as to standard-bearers, as follows :

The "Democratic-Republican Convention," wliich met in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 21st da}' of May preceding, having nominated Martin Van Buren, of New York, as candidate for the office of vice president, the PaUadium immediately acquiesced therein, and pledged support to the nominee. The vote in convention, on first ballot, stood 208 for Martin Van Buren, 49 for Philip B. Barber, and 26 for Richard M. Johnson; which result being made known, "the convention, by resolution, unanimously concurred in the nomination of Mr. Van Buren.

It may seem strange to many of our readers that the Palhidhiw did not receive intelligence from the convention until twelve days after it had convened. But there was no railroad then by which the x>apers from Baltimore could have been, at express speed, wliirled along in Uncle Sam's mail-bags; nor was tliere any telegraph line then thought of and projected to span the Alleghanies.

Those were coach days, when " a good whip," with " four-inhg,iid," afforded to the traveler inland passage, with "good cheer" at the wayside inn.

The paper of the date mentioned does not contain a news item of a local character - no, not one. From its advertising columns, however, we glean something which may he of local interest to our readers just now. The "town dads" must then have had some trouble in managing and controlling John Barleycorn, judging from the tenor of the following resolution, adopted by the town council. May 5, 1832 :

Besoli-ed, by the Town Council of the town of Washington, That they will not license any person or persons to retail spirituous liquors, from and after the first day of July next."

Mrs. Louisa Head was then engaged in the business of " tailoring and mantua-malving, together with all other plain sewing." Peter Wendel advertised for information as to the whereabouts of his brother, Daniel Wendel, tailor, who had then " lately come to America from German}'," and requested editors in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and jSTew York, to make mention thereof."

The paper also contains an account of " another attempt at assassination at Washington," as detailed by the Saturday Evening Post, of Kew York. The Post, in referring thereto, says : " Again the Washington papers are filled with another attempt to assassinate a member of Congress. The situation of affairs at that city is horrible and appalling. The place resembles more the haunt of banditti than the seat of government of a free, virtuous and intelligent people. What is our country coming to ? Is there not a remedy within the reach of the people, and if so, will it not be applied?" The bludgeon, pistol and sword-cane were the weapons used on the occasion alluded to - the assaulter using the two first, and the assaulted the latter. A Major Heard was the offensive, and a Mr. Arnold of Tennessee the defensive party. The rencounter arose from words spoken in debate by Mr. Arnold, who, we judge, must have been a rather expert swordsman, for he quickly disarmed Heard of his bludgeon, whereupon the latter immediately drew an eight-inch barrel duelling pistol, carrying an ounce ball, and fired at Arnold, lacerating his arm; after which Arnold succeeded in knocking his adversary down with his sword-cane, and the scab- bard flying off", would liavo pierced liim with tlic sword, liad not his arm, in making the tlirust, been arrested by General Duncan, of Illinois. The account says that there were more than a hundred members of Congress within range of the ball when the shot was fired, the house having just adjourned, but Mr. Arnold was the only person injured. It was the second assault ujion Heard by Arnold.

S. F. Yeoman publishes a card denying certain allegations circulated by a part}' named Baker, concerning a case of crhii. con. wherein Mr. Yeoman should have been officially connected. In closing, Mr. Yeomau cautious those interested to be a little more careful what liberties they take with his name. " I am," he says, " willing to put up with anything in reason; but there is a point beyond which they shall not proceed with impunity."

We are informed that subsequent to the death of Mr. E. W. Sexton, (in March, 1841,) Bereman & Butler, (Joel S. Bereman and David Butler,) became associate publishers of the Washingtordan; and about the same time John O. Truesdell published a Democratic paper here. Some time afterward, Mr. Butler having died, I*off' & Deterline, (John W. Poff" t*c E. H. Deterline,) we are told, run the Washhigtonian for a season, and that- subsequently Mr. Pott' alone published that journal for a time. The office changes about that time were frequent - the continuous proprietorship being of quite brief duration ; the title of the paper, {IVashingtonian,) however, was continued several years.

Star Spangled Banner

The Star Spangled Banner, of date Friday, December 17, 1847, (No. 2, of volume 2,) W. H. II. Thompson publisher, office over McElwain & Stuckey's store, opposite the postoffice, contains a short review of Henry Howe's " Historical Collections of Ohio," (then not long issued from the press of Derby, Bradley & Co., Cincinnati,) which is styled " an interesting volume on the Bucke3'e State." Tlie reviewer says : " This book is not made up like most historical works of our day, from the libraries of the land ; but it is the result of close personal observation in every part of the state, the author having made, for this purpose, the entire tour of Ohio, spending more than a year in traveling through it, everywhere taking sketches of our towns, historic localities and objects of in- terest, and deriving an immense anion nt of information from the lips of pioneers and men of intelligence. * * Several pages of the above work are given to our own county, among which is an elegant view of the court house (old ' pea-green ') and public buildings. A line view of Sanders & Jenkins' store-house is also given - history of the settlement of the county, and names of some of the earlj' settlers."

The Banner says : " Mr. Poif having relinquished the publication of the Washingtonian, in this place, offers his printing material for sale. We have partially bought him out, and made arrangements to receive his subscription list and advertisements." Mr. Poff, according to this paper, went to Convenience to engage in mercantile pursuit ;" and it stated that he contemplated opening a hotel there, and would be sworn in as postmaster under James K. Polk.

The Baltimore Patriot, in its Washington City news of December 8, 1847, (republished in the Banner,) says : " The house of representatives has at last been organized. All its elective officers have been appointed; and the result is a Whig speaker, a Whig clerk, a Whig sergeant- at- arms, a Whig door-keeper, and a Loco-foco postmaster."

In its news from the State Legislature, this paper says : Mr. Olds offered a resolution providing for an alteration in the election law, so as to allow volunteers in Mexico, who are qualified voters in Ohio, to vote at the annual election for state and United States officers." This paper makes mention that Secretary Walker has accepted, in behalf of the General Government, the munificent gift of a whole square, made to it by the first municipality in New Orleans, for the site of a custom-house. The edifice, it was stated, would be built of Quincy granite, and occupy the entire ground.

Drs. A. Worley k A. W. Brown, office in the drug-store of Brown & Worley, annoiincecl that they were " fully prepared to treat diseases of aM kinds, both chronic and acute, on either the botanic or mineral system," Their store, called the " Fayette Drugstore," was one door east of Rawlings & Smith's store. Richard Smith was then landlord of the hotel, here, known- as the "Virginia House;" and E. W. Turner was then conducting the " National House" hotel, opposite tlie court house. Stewart & Osborn were engaged in the tailoring business - shop in Wade Loof bourrow's brick building, opposite McElwain & Melvin's store. John Lewis & Joseph Allen were manufacturing tin, copper and slieet-iron ware; and announced that they would sell stoves "at Cincinnati prices, with the addition of expense of hauling."

The Fayette New Era

The Fayette New Era, of date June 13, 1850, (No. 14, of volume 2, George B. Gardner, editor and publisher,) contains the " act to amend the ' act to incor})orate the State Bank of Ohio and other banking companies, passed February 24, 1845,'" which enactment, of date March 9, 1850, applies specially to the extension, for tliree years, of privileges of the original act to the Clinton Bank of Columbus - the capital stock of said bank to be entered upon the duplicate of Franklin County for taxation, for all purposes, state, municipal, etc., and taxes aforesaid, " in lieu of the tax upon the profits, as provided by the act to which this is amendatory," and to be subject to any general law which might thereafter be passed altering or changing the mode of taxing bank capital.

In the same issue is also published the " act to amend the act entitled 'an act fixing the rate of interest, passed January 12, 1824,' and all other laws on that subject," which last-mentioned act was passed March 15, 1850, to take effect on the first day of May following. It legalized interest rate of ten per cent, if expressed in bond, bill, note, or other instrument; but provided that no incorporated banking institution of the state should "be entitled to receive more than the rate of interest specified in its charter, or, if no rate be specified, more than six per cent yearly upon any loan or discount whatever." Interest upon judgments or decrees, too, to be computed till payment at rate specitied in bond or instrument as aforesaid ; in case no rate was specified, then, as before stated, six per cent to be the rate charged. ,

The NeAO Era above mentioned contains a letter from California, written by Thomas Burnett to his father, then residing near here (but both are how dead). The letter is dated "North Fork, American River, April 6, 1850;" and in it, as was his wont, Mr. Burnett in cheery, bright-sparkling, poetical imagery. In his opening paragraph he says:

" Dear Father : - With thankfulness to Divine Providence, I have the pleasure to inform you that I am in good health and tine spirits; and trust that you, and all my relatives and friends in Ohio, are yet on the shores of Time, and in the enjoyment of Nature's choicest blessing, health."

Speaking of the ruling market prices for provisions, etc., there then, Mr. Burnett said they fluctuated greatly, varying with the season and situation. Within one mile of his then present location flour was selling at 50 cents per pound; pork, 90 cents; beans, 67 cents; saleratus, $2 per pound; molasses, |5 per gallon; sugar, 50 cents per pound; and everything else in proportion. He says that he i^aid |139 for seventy-flve pounds of pork during the winter preceding. Doctors then charged, for professional services, one to two ounces of gold per visit; one ounce for all calls out of tent, distance not exceeding one mile; for extracting teeth, one ounce each. Mr. Burnett speaks of having seen there, from this region, during the month of August preceding, George Buckner, Messrs. Delaney, Sunderland, Millikan, Cornell, and H. C. Bell, during September; S. N. Yeoman, and Marshall and Theodore Ogle, in October.

The New Era says that the county commissioners, on the 8th of June, 1850, levied a tax of two mills on the dollar for the purpose of planking that portion of the Circleville and Washington, and Goshen, Wilmington and Columbus turnpikes lying within this county. Notwithstanding the opposition to the measure, and attempts made to delay action, "the editor regarded the movement as the best thing that could have been then done for the general interests of the county, and expected that all whose prejudice was not more powerful than their reason, would be of the same opinion before tax-paying time.

our local history, as found recorded in the county newspapers. If the legal requirements had heen complied with (and they unquestionably should have been), an immense amount of really interesting and valuable information, which can not otherwise be obtained, Avould have been readily accessible. The act referred to provides " that the county commissioners of each county in this state be, and they are hereby, authorized and required to subscribe for one cop}' of the leading newspapers of each political party printed and published in each county, and cause the same to be bound, and filed in the auditor's office, as public archives, for the gratuitous inspection of the citizens of such county."

No bound files, as authorized, can be found in the auditor's oflice here of date previous to 1866 ; nor is the filing complete since that date. During the interim subsequent to the passage of the law and that period (1850 to 1866), history of great importance, chrouiclings of vast enterprises and gigantic achievements, rapidly accumulated, and note was doubtless taken thereof, and record made by the county press; but we are, in consequence of dereliction on the part those whose duty it was to take, preserve, and keep the archives, as by law contemplated, deprived of an immense amount of information which had been garnered and compiled, through great expenditure of time, thoughtful labor, and money, by those who presented it to us in printed form. It will be impossible, therefore, to obtain accurate and complete information relative to the papers published between the years 1843 and 1866.

Aside from all the. journalizing recorded, within the time alluded to, what pleasure (tliough doubtless not unmixed with sorrowful regret and pain) it would have attbrded our citizens to peruse and read o'er again the record of our "boys in blue!" The recital would not tire; age would but impart keener interest to, and shed brighter luster on the story.

But to repine at or grieve over the loss is futile; we can but hope that in the future, due attention will be given to ^he keeping of our county newspapers, as by law required. ' The cause of its not having been done heretofore, in our opinion, arose from lack of knowledge of the legal requirement. And we would here suggest to the county commissioners the propriety of procuring a suitable case wherein to keep the bound volumes of the journals subscribed for and taken, through them, by the couuty.

course, be permitted to do so; but iu no case, except when required for temporary use in a court of justice, should permission be given to take any of such bound volumes outside of tlie auditor's office; and a penalty for wanton destruction or mutilation thereof should be iixed and imposed. This done, an important step will have been taken toward preserving in best (printed) form a large portion of our local and county history.

United States

Associate Justices - John McLean, of Ohio ; James M. Wayne, of Georgia; John Catrow, of Tennessee: John McKinley, of Kentucky; Peter Daniel, of Virginia; Samuel Nelson, of New York; Levi Woodbury, of New Hampshire; Robert C. Grier, of Pennsylvania.

Corporation Of Washington Washington Mails

By the advertising columns of date above mentioned, we learn that Benjamin F. Baughu was then engaged in merchandising here. Having purchased the stock of goods owned by the firms of McElwain & Stuckey and Burnett & Jenkins, he united the same, and opened the " Union Store," in the room formerly occupied by Burnett & Jenkins, on Court Street, two doors below the "Fayette Drug Store." Richard Millikan's book store was then located in a room on " Sander's corner." AVillard & Jones (L. D. W. and D. M. J.), were then engaged in the practice of law here.

The issue of February 5, 1852, contains editorial mention of the death of Judge Wade Loofbourrow, and also proceedings of the members of the bar in reference thereto, at a meeting held in the law office of Robert Robinson, of which meeting Mr. Robinson was appointed chairman, and D. M. Jones secretary. Mr. Loofbourrow died on Tuesday, February 3, 1852, at his residence in Washington, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. He was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania; came to Washington in 1811, and commenced the practice of law; had been a resident of this place nearly forty-one years, and was prominently identified with the early history of the county; was editor of the Genius of Liberty, a Democratic organ, the publication of which was commenced here in 1834. He is spoken of, when in the prime of life, as having " ranked among the great men of the state, and was known as one of the oldest lawyers in Ohio."

The same issue also contains an account of the burning of the old state house at Columbus, about four o'clock on Sabbath morning preceding. Loss to the state, account says, not great. It was then thought that the new state capitol might be occupied in the winter of 1853-4. Temporarily, the senate would meet in the United States court-room, and the house in Odeon Hall, at the capital.

The issue of February 26, 1852, publishes an account of the death, on the 14th of that month, of Richard Douglass, in the sixty-seventh year of his age, at Chillicothe. He commenced the practice of law in Cliillicothe in 1809. At the time of his death it was stated that he was the oldest lawyer in the Scioto Valley. lie was a native of JSTew London, Connecticut. In early life he had "followed the ocean," in the whaling service, and had done military duty in the war of 1812.

Richard Millikan was postmaster here in 1852. In tlie same issue we learn, too, that AVilliam Robinson had, in ISTovember, 1850, purchased the saddle and harness establishment of A. M. Ogle, and " removed to J. C. Bell's brick building, opposite J. L. & I. C. Van Deman's store," where he would conduct said business. Z. W. Ileagler was then engaged in the insurance business. C. H. Bell & B. F. Thompson succeeded James C. Bell in general merchandising. Baughn, Burnett & Baughn (B. F. Baughn, A. Burnett, G. W. Baughn), were also conducting like business ; they "bought out the firm of Blodget & Smith."