Reading Township (part 1 of 2)

Reading Township

Reading township was probably authorized and named as early as 1804 or 1805, but the first record evidence of its organization into a Civil township, is early in the year 1807. It derived its name from Reading, Pennsylvania, and was named by Peter Overmyer, who came to the township in 1802. Reading township was originally a part of Fairfield county, comprised thirty-six sections, and was just six miles square ; but when the new county of Perry was organized, two rows of sections were taken from Richland township and attached to Reading, in order to give the new county the necessary number of square miles, and probably to make the western border of the county a little farther from Overmyertown and Somerset, both of which villages aspired to be the seat of justice for the new county. Reading township is now an oblong, six miles from north to south, and eight miles from east to west. iets. in extent of territory, the empire township of the county, and had no rival in population, until within a few years, in which time Pike, Saltlick, Coal and Monroe have become competitors with it in this respect, and two or three of them now surpass it.

Reading is, undoubtedly, one of the most desirable townships of land in Ohio, and long years of cultivation and care make the greater part of it show to the best advantage. About nine-tenths of it lies on the Hocking slope, and the remaining one-tenth on the Muskingum slope. That part of it which is on the Hocking side of the divide, is drained by West Rush Creek and tributaries, and by some of the tributaries of East Rush Creek. So much of the township as lies on the Muskingum side of the divide, is drained by Hood's Run, and a few other small tributaries of the north branch of Jonathan's Creek, or Moxahala. 'The land on both sides of the dividing ridge is naturally of excellent drainage, and only a very small percentage of stagnant water is ever known within the township limits. Most of the land is undulating, and a part of the southeast region ot the township is hilly. The land is about all arable, and most of it is very productive. Coal is found in the southeastern part in great abundance and of excellent quality. There are two or three seams in a partof the coal district, all of a good, merchantable quality. [ron ore is also very abundant in many places in the southern part of the township. The ore has been mined and shipped, to a considerable extent, and has been used with success in furnaces at Shawnee, Zanesville, Newark and other points. Some of the first coal mined in the county, was in this coal district, and the first coal miner is said to have been a colored man. The coal of this region found a market in early times at Somerset, Rushville, Lancaster and other points adjacent. at wool-growing receive much attention. 'There are also good orchards and vineyards, and the cultivation of many varieties of fruit has been crowned with considerable success.

Many of the early settlers of Reading township were Pennsylvania Germans, but large numbers of persons of Inglish descent, from Pennsylvania and others of the older States, came along soon after, and made permanent habitations. 'The Germans settled principally inthe neighborhood of Overmyertown, while the emigrants of English descent located mostly about Somerset, and in the eastern part of the township. 'There were many exceptions to this, however, and Germans were found near Somerset, and English speaking people in the vicinity of Overmyertown and in the western part of the township. At a little later date, from 1820 to 1830, there was a considerable emigration of

What now constitutes Reading township, was first permanently settled in 1801, in the western part, and it may be that a few other families settled in other parts of the township in the same year. There are reports of men living in the west part of what is now Reading township, in 1799 or 1800, and it is possible that two or three persons did temporarily live there within those years; but this could scarcely be called a permanent settlement, and nearly all trace of these adventurers is lost. What became of them appears to be unknown. Peter Overmyer and Peter Whitmer, brothers-in-law, came to Overmyertown in 1802, and some other families soon followed, constituting quite a little colony. Robert Colborn settled one mile east of Somerset, in 1802, and a few other families came to the neighborhood of where Somersct now is, during that and the following year. Frederick Ileck appears to have come to the neighborhood of Otterbein in 1802, and George Bowman to West Rush Creek in the same year. Daniel Lidey also came to the neighborhood of Otterbein about this time. Thomas Ilammond came in 1802 or 1803, and Fink and Miller, the proprietors of, Somerset, in 1803 or 1804. But there is still an earlier setthement than any of the Cees aron Binckley, Esq., of Reading township, in response to an inquiry on the subject, writes: '*My grandfather's name was Christian Binckley. He came to Ohio in deals 1801, and settled on the farm where I now reside, in section eleven of this (Reading) township. He built a cabin about one hundred yards from where my house is. The land was bought of George Arnold, who entered it a short time before. Christian Binckley came from Washington county, Maryland, near a place called Fankstown. He died in 1832, at the age of ninety-five years."

This settlement by Christian Binckley, in the western part of Reading township, is the earliest permanent one made within what is now Perry county, so far as any authentic information can be obtained. The place where Mr. Binckley settled, was originally in Richland township, Fairfield county, but when Perry was organized, two rows of sections were taken from Richland afd attached to Reading, the section where Binckley settled being included. It will be noted that Christian Binckley was born in 1737, and he was a middle-aged man at the breaking out of the Revolutionary War. Ile was sixty-four years old at the time he emigrated to this part of the country, antl must have been one of the oldest men who ever came to this part of the western wilderness to hew out anew home. Aaron Binckley, the great-grand-son who gives the information, must be about fifty years old, and there are few persons of that age in Perry county, the mortal remains of whose great-grand parents are interred therein. Very few persons ever emigrated to what is now Perry county, Ohio, who were born so early as 1737.

As before stated, the first record of Reading township appears in 1807. The official proceedings of the officers for several years subsequent to that date, show in a better way than can otherwise be done, the growth and progress of the township, and also, to a great extent, the characteristics and peculiarities of the times: 5

The following extracts are taken from the oflicial proceedings of the Township Trustees, as recorded by the Township Clerk. The book is now in possession of the present Township Clerk, Mr. A. A. Finck:

March 26th, 1808 - -Jeremiah Conoway and David Pugh, Trustees of Reading township ; Jacob Dittoe and Peter Overmyer, Grand Jurors ; and Robert Barnes, John Wagner, William Spencer and [Henry Sellers,

For April 2, 1809 - Oflicers of Reading township: Joseph Petty, Treasurer ; Daniel Lidey, Robert Colborn, Supervisors; John Poorman, George Souslin, Overseers of the Poor; Jacob Miller, Jacob Dittoe, Fence Viewers ; Joseph Shefler, Assessor ; Christian Ream, House Appraiser.

April 2, 1810 - Officers of Reading township elected: Trustees, Jacob Dittoe,*Peter Overmyer, Smith Goodin; Township Clerk, John Dittoe; Supervisors, Jacob Miller, John Fink; Constables, William Reed, John Stiers; Appraisers of Houses, John Parkinson, Benjamin sg pyon ; Overseers of the Poor, George Souslin, Ludwig Brand; Fence

August 6, 1810 - George Overmyer came before me, with his certificate from the hands of the County Clerk of Fairfield, that he was qualified a Justice of the township of Reading of said county.

October 20, 1810 - William Spencer and Smith Goodin came before me, with their certificate from the hands of the Clerk of the county of Fairfield, Ohio, and give bonds for the true performance of Justice of the Peace of Reading township. Joun Drrvor, Clerk. |

Met and made settlement between the township and the officers and issued orders on the township Treasurer, John Fink, one order of $6; Jacob Miller, Supervisor of said township, $8; Jacob Dittoe, Peter Overmyer, and Smith Goodin, Trustees of the aforesaid township, one order each, and each one contained $3; and John Dittoe, Clerk of said - township, one order of $4.

April 1, 1811 - State of Ohio, county of Fairfield: At an election held for the township of Reading, the following men were elected for township officers, viz.: 'Trustees, John Vanatta, John Yost, William Spencer; Township Clerk, John Cassell; Treasurer. Joseph Petty ; Constable, Jacob Overmyer; the Trustees appointed the above day: John Collare, Supervisor ; Robert Colborn, Daniel Lidey, Listers ; John

April 6, 1812 - State ot Ohio, county of Fairfield: At an election held for the township of Reading, there were elected for township officers: Clerk, George Ziegler; Trustees, John Vanatta, Wm. Spencer, and John Yost; Treasurer, Joseph Petty ; Constables, John Forsythe and Jacob Overmyer ; Lister of Tax, John Parkinson ; Supervisors, Jno. McLain, Jacob Dittoe; Overseers of the Poor, Peter Overmyer, Jonathan Loveberry ; Fence Viewers, Jacob Miller, George Souslin.

At an election held in the county of Fairfield and the State of Ohio, for the purpose of electing township officers for the township of Reading, the following men were elected: Clerk, John Murray; Trustees, David Beckwith, Christian Deal, Peter Overmyer; Treasurer, Joseph Petty ; Supervisors, Jacob Dittoe, Jonathan Babbs ; Lister, Daniel Parkinson; Overseers of the Poor, Peter Overmyer and John Wagner ; Fence Viewers, Jacob Miller and George Souslin; Appraiser ot Property, David Beckwith. -

April 8, 1813 - At a meeting of the Trustees for Reading township, county of Fairfield, Ohio, they divided the districts to each Supervisor. These bounds the following line shall divide, commencing between the 3d and 4th sections, and running straight through the township.

April 4, 1814 - At an election held in Reading township, for the purpose of electing township officers, the following men were elected: Trustees, John Vanatta, Roswell Mills, William Spencer; Clerk, Jno. Dittoe ; Treasurer, Joseph Petty ; Supervisors, Jonathan Babb, J. Dittoe, and George Trout; Constables, John Middagh and Tobias Ream ; Listers, Daniel Parkinson and John Mains; Fence Viewers, George Souslin and Jacob Miller :,Oversecrs of the Poor, Frederick Ifeck and Crist. Ream. ;

April 16, 1814 - The State of Ohio, Fairfield county, 5.5.5 Mr. Roswell Mills, John Vanatta, and William Spencer, Trustees, by virtue of the power vested in us, by law, have laid out the township into three districts: No. 1 beginning at Richland township, from thence east two

William Spencer

Orders being issued by the Clerk, in favor of John Hammond, for one dollar, for services rendered as judge of an election on April 16, 1814. No. 14. $1. RoswELu MILLs,

Joun VANATTA, WILLIAM SPENCER, Joun Ditrror, Clerk. Trustees. April 16, 1814 - No. 15; Order being issued by the Clerk on the township Treasurer, in favor of Tobias Ream, for one dollar, for services and mileage in summoning the township officers. RoswE.Lu MILI, Joun VANATTA, WILLIAM SPENCER, Joun Dirror, Clerk. Trustees.

March 6, 1815 - At a meeting of the Trustees of Reading township, held at John Fink's, there was made a final settlement with all township officers for the present year: No. 16, George Trout, one year as Supervisor, $3.50; No. 17, Jonathan Babb, one year. as Supervisor, $10; No. 18, Jacob Dittoe, one year as Supervisor, $7; No. 19, William Tait, witness at an electton, $1; No. 20, John Vanatta, Trustee one sheds $4; No. 21, Roswell Mills, Trustee one year, $4; No. 22, John

April 3, 1815 - Poll Book of an election held in the township of Reading, Fairfield county, Ohio, at the house of John Fink, in which poll were elected the following township officers: Trustees, John Vanatta, William Spencer, Roswell Mills; Clerk, John Dittoe ; Constables, John Medaugh, Melshia Gray; Appraisers, Peter Bugh, David Beckwith: Overseers of the Poor, Joseph Shafer, John Wagner ; Treasurer, Joseph Petty ; Fence Viewer, Jacob Miller. a:

March 4, 1814 - -At a meeting of the Trustees of Reading township, Cee were issued to the township officers for the present year, as fol- Ows:

Fairfield county, Ohio, on the first Monday of April 1816, on which day were the following township officers elected: Trustees, John Vanatta, William Spencer, Peter Bugh; Clerk, John Dittoe ; Treasurer, Joseph Petty ; Constables, John Guisinger, John Medaugh; Appraiser, John Cassell ; Lister, David Parkinson ; Overseers of Poor, John Trout, Jacob Theirs ; Fence Viewers, John Yost, Robert Skinner. :

Orders were issued for binding out poor children. No. 32, order to Joseph Shafer of $2.00; No. 33, order to John Wagner of $2.00 ; No. 34, order to Joseph Petty of $1.00; No. 35, order to Roswell Mills of $1.00. Trustees - John Vanatta, Peter Bugh, William Spencer. John Dittoe, Clerk.

April 1817. - At an election held in the township of Reading, Fairfield county, Ohio, the following township officers were elected on the first Monday of April 1817: township clerk John Dittoe ; Trustees, John Wagner, Jehu B. Jones, Peter Overmyer. Constables, John Middaugh, David S. Waters; Supervisors, Samuel Kratzer, David Pughe John Trout ; Appraiser, Jacob Overmyer ; Lister, John Murray ; Overseers of the poor, John Mains, Aaron Rodent Fence Viewer, Andrew Swinehart. :

No. 36, Roswell Mills one order for his services for binding one poor child and for clerking, $1.95; No. 37, John Middaugh tor collecting poor tax $2.00; No. 38, David Pugh services as Supervisor $2.72 5- No. 39, John Dittoe services as Clerk $3.50; No. 40, John Wagner services as Trustee $2.00; No. 41, Jehu B. Jones services as 'Trustee $3.00; No. 42, Peter Overmyer services as 'Trustee $1.47.

August 15, 1818 - Trustees' office Reading township. Trustees met ; present, John Wagner, Roswell Mills, Jehu B. Jones. It is ordered that a poor tax and township tax be laid on this township, in one tax for the present year, and that the said tax be six cents on each head of neat cattle over three years old; twelve and one-half cents on each head of horses, asses or mules, over three years old ; and on town property, one-eighth of one per cent. of the appraised value thereof. David S. Waters is duly appointed collector of the above tax, to pay the above tax into the Treasurer's office on or before the first day of January next. d \

March rst, 1818 - Trustees' office of Reading township, Perry county - - Present, Roswell Mills, John Wagner, Jehu B. Jones. Ordered, that Smith Goodin receive an order for his services as Supervisor for $5.66; No. 46, ordered that Daniel Lidey receive an order for: his' services as Supervisor ot Roads for the past year, $6.32; No. 47; ordered that John Murray receive an order for his services as township Clerk for the year of 1817 of $2.25 ; No. 48, ordered that John Wagner receive

April 5th, 1819 - Poll book of an election held at the house of Mr. John Fink in Reading township, on Monday the 5th day of April, 1819, for the purpose of electing township officers, viz.: Trustees, one Clerk, one Lister, one Appraiser of property, four Supervisors, two Constables, two Overseers of the Poor, two Fence Viewers, one Treasurer. The poll being closed the following officers were declared elected : Trustees, George Trout, Adam Binckley, Daniel Lidey ; Clerk, John Murray ; Supervisors, John Miller, Charles McCormick, John Yost, Mathias Saum; Constables, David S. Waters, Jacob Hundsooker ; Overseers of the poor, Jacob Noles, Leonard. Ream; Fence Viewers, sone Babb, William P. Darst; Treasurer, John Dittoe; Lister, S.

April 17th, 1819 - Trustees present, George Trout, Daniel Lidey, Adam Binckley. Ordered, that the township be divided as follows, viz.: John Yost to have two sections across the township from north to south, on the east end; Mathias Saum, two sections from north to south next to the said Yost; Charles McCormick to have two sections across the township from north to south next to the said Saum's. John Miller that part of Richland now attached to the township of Reading.

July 31st, 1819 - Trustees' oflice of Perry county ; Reading township, July the 31st.* Present, George Trout, Daniel Lidey, and Adam Binckley ; order that a tax be laid to open and repair roads and highways, which tax is the one fourth of one per cent on lots; fifteen cents on horses, mules and asses, and five cents on all neat cattle over three years old.

March 6th, 1820 - Trustees' oflice, Perry county, Reading township, March 6th. Present, George Trout, Daniel Lidey, Trustees; and John Murray, Clerk.

Ordered, that Charles McCormick receive an order for his services as Supervisor for the sum of $8.00; Order 52, that Mathias Saum receive an order for his services as Supervisor of $4.25 ; Order 53, John Miller as Supervisor for $5.65 ; Order 54, that George Trout receive an order for his services as Trustee $3.00; Order 55, that Daniel Lidey rereceive an order for his services as Trustee for the year of 1819, $3.00 ; Order 56, order that John Yost receive an order for his services as Supervisor for the year of 1819, $2.90; Order 57, order that Adam Binkley receive an order for his services as Trustee for 1820 of $2.25 ; Order 58, order that John Murray receive an order for his services 'as township Clerk for the year of 1819, $5.43}.

The foregoing extracts make a clear showing of who were the officers of Reading township from 1807 to 1920, their mode of doing business, and the general expense account of the township. It is enough to say the township officials could not get rich on the salaries in those days. Taxes were light, and there was not very much to tax, compared with the present time. The taxable property of the township, both real and personal, has wonderfully increased since those days, and of course it costs much more to carry on the township government now than it didthen. The township, too, in material aspects, is a garden and paradise compared with what it was in those far away times, when the battle with roots, stumps, and brush was yet going on, and the wild animals and half savage Indians were reluctant to give way to the civilization of the white men from the East. .

Towns. - Somerset, firsttcalled Middletown, because it was the half way point between Zanesville and Lancaster, was laid out in 1810, by John Fink and Jacob Miller. Fink owned the land and kept a tavern at the east end. Miller owned the land aud also kept a tavern at the westend. These taverns were in existence several years before Somerset was laid out, and before there was any village. It was nearly all woods between the two taverns, bears would sometimes prowl, and wolves howl and gnash their teeth, in the woods between these taverns, and elsewhere in the vicinity. There was a noted wild turkey roost near where the Western Square now is, where many a good fat turkey was obtained to grace the tables of the two taverns, as well as other early settler's tables.

An aged gentleman, now residing in Noblesville, Indiana, upon being requested to give the appearance of Somerset when it was a small village, replied that his first recollections of the place were before there was any town: "Only a coupte of Dutch Taverns in the woods, situated about half a mile distant from each other.'"? These were the taverns of John Fink and Jacob Miller, for these men were both of German descent, spoke the German language in their families, and many of those who were accustomed to frequent the taverns were also German.

It is not known to a certainty who erected the first cabin on a lot of the platted village, but it is probable that several persons built during the same season. 'The place grew slowly enough at first, for Overmyertown (now New Reading) was a rival, and an older town, and there was, at that time, nothing in the nature of the locality or surroundings, to cause villages to grow with any great rapidity. Edward Danison, now in his eighty-eigth year, a citizen of New Lexington, has a very clear remembrance of Somerset when it contained only five or six houses. Mr. Danison was a youth of seventeen or eighteen years at that time, and lived with his parents in Madison township. He says the little village of Somerset, for several years, is easily described, as it consisted of a couple of

David Beckwith brought on a stock of goods and opened a store. John Skinner built a blacksmith shop, one of the Reams opened a tailor shop, another Ream opened a hatter shop, a man by the name of Trout started a crockery establishment, other shops were set up, and thus the village began its humble career of growth, which continued steadily until about 1844.

An old and well known citizen, who knew Somerset well in the times of which he writes, contributed a number of articles to the Somerset Press, which seem to give a better idea of Somerset and surroundings in the carly times, than any thing that could be prepared at present, and no apology need be offered for making liberal extracts from them. The writer referred to, over the non de plume ''Senex,"' says:

"'T will-go back a little while to a time that the 'oldest inhabitant' will not be able to reach, except by tradition. The first cabin erected in the village - or rather the territory comprised within the present limits of Somerset, for the town had no existence then - was built by John Fink, who had emigrated from Pennsylvania. It stood on the right hand side of the turnpike, about midway between the school-house and the mill. It was built in 1806, and was built of unhewed logs, and it answered all the purposes of a 'lordly palace' in the lone wilderness, and many were the hospitalities shown by its venerable occupants to the bold adventurers who afterward were seeking homes for themselves and families in the neighborhood. Father Fink's house was a kind of headquarters, not only for those who were locating lands, but as well for those who,on foot and horseback, were working their way further west. (Perry county at this time had no existence, as it was not formed until the first of March, 1818 - the territory comprising it being taken from Fairfield, Muskingum and Washington - and was named in honor of the hero of Lake Erie - Commodore O. H. Perry.)

"Mr. Fink entered a half section of land, and he, with Jacob Miller, who settled in the west end of the village, or where the village now extends, afterwards laid out a portion of their land into town lots, and the village began to spring up. The first buildings were nearly all log cabins. Afterward a few hewed log buildings, and now and then a small frame were erected. These, for the first few years, were scattered halfa dozen rods apart,and the town,of course,had a decidedly 'clapboard' appearance. Afterward many of the hewed log buildings were weather-boarded, and a number of them stood the wear and tear of the times until within the recollection of many of your readers. I am not certain but there area few of the old dwellings still standing, the logs, chinking and mortar being hidden by a cloak of weather-boarding.

After the nucleus of the village was laid, and Mr. Fink had his farm partly opened, and began to have things abundant around him, he built the house that has been in use as a school building at the east end of town. This was a larye log cabin,and was afterward weather-boarded. Here, let us stop awhile, and make a description of the venerable old mansion, as it looked during the decade between 1820 and 1830.

ground, leaving a large open space between it and the house. The large capacious barn stood on the south side of the road, opposite the house, or a little east of it, if any thing. During these years there was a constant emigration from Pennsylvania, Virginia, and other" Eastern States, and as Mr. Fink had gone into the hotel business in earnest, in his fine new mansion, he had about all the customers he could provide for. In addition to the traveling public, teaming was one of the prominent occupations of those days, as the goods purchased in the Hast had to be hauled out to the small stores and groceries in the Western country by wagon. Most of the teams following the road, always made it a point, if possible, to reach Fink's Tavern by sundown, even though the poor horses had to expend a little extra muscle to reach there. Many a time have I seen that large yard literally covered over with wagons - some going east, others west, laden with products for the east, or goods for the west. There are few residents in Somerset,who are able to form any idea of the business done at that hotel, or the constant activity going on there in those days. This house was the general headquarters of Somerset for many years, and nearly its whole activity was centered there. The monotonous silence which now lurks in that vicinity, except in school hours,is a fair type to represent the death of an individual after an active life." +

After a rest of a week, ''Senex"' continues: ''I] am now,as | promised you last week, proudly walking down Main street. 1 have all the elasticity and nimbleness of a boy. In short, | am young again. On either side the forests edge up close to the village, and these abound with squirrels and other game, and a mile or two out I hear the crack of a rifle of the huntsman, who is engaged in furnishing the few dozen of villagers with venison. Perhaps the young reader will say, 'what a simpleton that old fellow must be,who is writing such silly stories. Do you suppose such stories ever took place here?' Yes, young reader, it is quite true. Many a saddle of venison was served up at TFink's Tavern, that had been slaughtered just south of St. Joseph's Church, and many a 'saddle' found a cheap market in the very early history of the village that was captured in the very suburbs. Tow wonderfully times change, and we change with them! 'The scenes and circumstances we are called to pass through in young life, as well as the place in which we had our birth and raising, seem to be nothing to us at the time. They become so commonplace as often to disgust us. But let us recede from them half a century, and then for the first time we begin to know their value. Our hearts begin gradually to cling to them. Memory awakens afresh to our innocent childhood days, and what seemed to us so dry and irksome, now begins to form a halo of glory in our very inmost souls, and aflords us enjoyment we love to cling to with the tenacity we cling to life itself. But now for that down street march.

"The large two-story brick building on the corner of Main and High streets, west of Fink's Tavern, was quite a business house in its early day. The first newspaper Somerset ever had was printed within its ancient walls. It was used for various offices, and was in the heart of the business portion of the early village. It was anciently known as the Ruch House. The brick, if I mistake not, were laid by Henry Sterner, who has long since gone to his reward. Although it has al- ways been represented as being only a nine-inch wall, the masonry has preserved remarkably well, showing that it was a good, honest job. It is one of the oldest standing bricks in the town, and was built with the design of showing the people what could be done in the wilderness, in the way of a magnificent building. It may stand for some years yet, and it is worthy of having its picture taken for preservation.

'At the time I write of, half the lots between High street and the Square were in commons and unfenced. The log cabins and small onestory frames were scattered along on each side of the street, and a little beaten path on either side marked the sidewalks. Jonathan Babbs owned and lived in a little, long, one-story frame that stood where stands the C. L. Griner house, now John Huston's. Then came a vacant space ; then there were two two-story log houses, weatherboarded ~ - one on the lot where Mrs. Chilcote lives, and the other on the next lot west of it. The latter building was one of Somerset's first hotels, and was afterward used by Ensor Chilcote for a carpenter shop. On the opposite side, between Dan Mohler's blacksmith shop and _ the east end of the village, there were, in 1824, only some three or four houses, some of them log. A few years later, Dan Mohler carried on blacksmithing in a shop where the present brick stands, and next lot west of it, his brother-in-law, David Church, followed the same _ business. About the time that Church quit business, C. Poppe was manufacturing spinning wheels, etc., but the business of manufacturing wearing apparel at home, has been done away with, and with it went Poppe's busi. ness. The few houses between this point and the Square, were mostly one-story frames, used as residences; but they gave way gradually from year to year for the present buildings. The brick now known as the Russell house, was one of the first permanent structures on this street. Ata later day it was purchased by John Humberger, who kept a grocery in the corner room next the alley. He died about the year 1832, and his widow afterward married William D. Harper. The house across the ailey, occupied by George Coolman as a residence, and the one west of it, may be termed pioneer buildings; and I seriously suspect that one of them, or perhaps both, are log houses. The corner room of the Coolman house was, in early days, used for a grocery store by George Sanders. Both those buildings played a prominent part in the trade history of Somerset. 'The old Johnny Lentz property on the opposite side of the street, afterwards occupied by Ned Keenan, outstrips my years in age. At least it has been in existence as far back as my memory can reach, and it was not a new building then. This was, for a number of years, the real headquarters for dram drinking. Many a disciple of Bacchus took his first lessons in '* taking on the whisky appetite" in this building; and many were the persons who have stepped out of the door, next to Ream's bank, fancying themselves '' monarchs of aJl they surveyed," provided, always, they were able to survey anything. A small one-story frame building stood on the corner of the alley where now stands a part of the hotel building, which was used, in my first recollection, by Joel Beckwith as a store-house. It was afterward used by different parties, Beckwith having removed his goods to a new house he built on the corner of the square, where Dr. Skinner has his drug store, and which was burned down a few years ago. One of the Daists, I believe, built the east part of the brick hotel buiding, or at least lived there awhile, if he did not build it. The large frame between the corner brick and the hotel, was owned by John Murray, where he carried on the hotel business for many years. On tlie corner lot, on the opposite side, where John Beckwith was engaged, for many years, in the dry goods business, there stood two two-story log houses, weatherboarded, in one of which - the corner one - Beckwith began his mercantile operations. His residence was on the lot next east, and constituted half the brick now standing there.

All around the square there stood almost a continuous row of onestory frames, which constituted the business houses, and the stock of goods corresponded with the buildings. The Peter Dittoe house, now in possession of Martin Scott, is among the ancient brick relics. Dittoe kept the post oflice with his dry goods store, in the corner room, for many years. On the corner, on the opposite side, was a one-story frame, and next door west of it was a weatherboarded, two-story log house. It was used for a hotel, and the first landlord I can recollect of doing business there, was Benjamin Eaton. He had two sons - children then - named Ben and Joe; the latter is dead, and the former is mail agent at Crestline, Ohio, but is growing old and decrepid. A series of small buildings were standing on both sides of the street, west of this hotel, to the Brechbill alley - the only respectable house being old Billy Beard's, and more recently occupied by Dixon Brown as a residence. The old frame, still standing on the alley, on the north side of the street, has ahistorical record. In the corner room, next the alley, Patterson printed, in 1827-28, the Perry /eccord, a paper which took the place of the Western World and Politreal Tickler. On the casing of the front door, if it has not been removed, may be found a hideous ax mark, which was cut by an ax which John B. Orton threw at Bob Henderson, the publisher of the /eecord, in a quarrel that resulted from the famous Mills and Orton war, that had been in progress in the village for several years prior.

"'There are a good many of the old buildings still standing .in the town, in which more thrilling transactions took place, than the philosophy of your present innocent generation is capable of dreaming.

'¢The old Brechbill Hotel is an ancient building, and has been successively run by more landlords than I care to undertake to enumerate. John Mains, Jacob Brechbill (after he quit teaming on the road), and Abraham Hamisfar, successively run it. Henry Clay, Thomas IT. Benton and other celebrities, have dined in this house. -On the lot next to this there was a frame house occupied by Everett Richman; and Caleb Atwater, the antiquarian of Ohio, lived either there or on the lot adjoining. On the opposite side of the street, where the Dan Kelley brick stands, but back from the street a rod or two, there was a famous drinking house kept by old John Opp. As we goa little further west, on the left hand side, next to the alley, there is an ancient two-story brick, snow owned by Joseph Walker. This was erected by Jacob Brunner, but was left in an unfinished condition for many years. The next lot west, across the alley, was where Jacob Noles had his blacksmith shop and residence. The residence part is an old building, but the eastern part is a newer structure, which took the place of the old wooden shop. On the opposite side was the cigar and tobacco factory of George Brunner, who carried on this branch of business there for many years.

Up till 1826-28, or thereabout, Columbus street, running from the Square north, had a fair representation of smal] buildings, mostly onestory frames. The only brick on the entire street, was one that stood where the three-story brick, belonging to D. M. Mathews, stands. This was built by Dr. Louis J. Moeller, and was considered a great ornament to the village. About the time this was constructed, the county erected a neat and substantial brick in the place where the jail stands. The old building was an ornament to the town. 'The uncouth structure that took its place, was, from the beginning, a disgrace, not only to the village, but to the blockheads who drafted it. 'The old stone house,

"north of the alley, adjoining Frederick Mains, was built by Mr. Mains in 1813. On the opposite side of the street, on the ground occupied by the old brick building, where Judge Hood for many years kept his dry goods store, there was a long row of frame buildings, usually occupied by tailors, shoemakers and the like. In one of these John L. Williams set up his first shop, after landing in Somerset in 1836. In one of the buildings was situated, in 1829, the printing office at which was then published Zhe People's Advocate. John FE. Linn had a tailor shop in a small building on the southwest corner of Columbus and North streets, on the vacant space between the two-story log house, weatherboarded, which constituted his residence, and North street. On the corner lot, on this street, occupied by Mrs. burns, old Mr. Trout owned a crockery establishment, where he turned out an immense amount of dishes, crocks, etc. The kiln in which this ware was burned and prepared for the market, stood upon the same lot. This was carried on for some years, between 1820 and 1828. It may have been in existence at an earlier date. The brick in which Mrs. Burns resides, was built by Henry Trout, nof*far from the year 1830. A few scattering buildings, mostly of an inferior class, were standing in 1830, farther north, many of which have been supplanted by other buildings not much superior in size or style. The house that Mrs. Shirley resides in, was owned and built by John Arndt. The next house novth, was a small brick owned by Mrs. Nancy Ream, the noted tailoress of her day. For many years she carried on tailoring there, and did a larger business than any tailor in the village. John Orwig owned and lived in the house now occupied by Mr. H. S. Doubleday. The opposite side of the street was all in commons. On an acre or so of the land comprising the lot and adjoining lots, where Joe Reaver lives, there was a large brickyard, carried on by Felix Cull, who made most of the brick used in constructing 'the earlier brick buildings. 'The vacuums where the earth was dug from, would fill with water in the winter season and freeze, and here the young men, such as James W. Shirley, R. Z. Cassell, Henry C. Filler, George Beeman, George Goodin, George Brunner, S. H. McAfee, Jonathan W. Ream, Joe Elder, and all of that class of boys, graduated in the art of skating. 'The only time the writer of this ever had a pair of skates on his feet, was at one of these ponds, in the winter of 1836. © Buckling on a pair of skates, one evening, and rising to my feet, I at- tempted to make a grand gyration and cut a pigeon-wing, as it was called, supposing it to be an easy thing done. The ice flew up and took me on the head, and I felt unwell for a month succeeding.

'On the lot now occupied by B. Whitmer's residence, and some distance back from the street, stood the old Academy. This was the High School of Somerset. The building was a large one, but was never fully completed. It had been imperfectly constructed, and after standing tor many years, being part of the time in use, the lot was purchased by Thomas J. "Maginnis, 'and the building was takeo down. Immediately north of the Academy, extending from the road at Mrs. McNutt's residence, westward, there was an eight-acre wood lot that was cleared about the year 1839."

"* My earliest recollections come in before either of the brick buildings on the southeast and southwest corners of the Public Square were built. On the lot where stands the building in which the Press is published, Joseph Brown had a hat manufactory, and, on the opposite corner, where stands the storehouse now owned by Isaac Yost, there stood a one story hewed log house, that was used by Benjamin Ream as a hat factory. Hatting business was good in those days, as there were none imported from the East, as now, to compete with the home manufacturers.. This house gave way before 1830, and the present brick building was erected in its place by Henry Dittoe. One story frames lined the street south of the square to the bridge and beyond, with here and there an unoccupied lot. Benjamin Hut had a chair manufactory in a one story hewed log house, that stood on the spot where Dittoe & }ull's rocery now stands. Some of the first Protestant services ever held in Bumeledl were held in that building. William D. [larper had his residence on the hill where the Nunnery was located. He had his carpenter shop in a small building that stood nearly opposite the old residence of Patrick McDonald. In still earlier days, Lawrence Curran, one of the first butchers of Somerset, had his slaughter-house about the same spot. A few of your readers may remember ' Old Larry,' the Irishman. He had his peculiarities, like other men, one of which may be worth relating. In disposing of his meats he had to trust a good deal, but always made it a 'duty to set apart a special day for collections, and he did it so adroitly that it rather pleased his delinquent customers than annoyed them. Ile would place himself on some corner of the Public Square, in the morning, and watch for his delinquents. When he saw one of them, he would hasten in advance of him and remark, in his good natured Irish brogue, 'An' is it me ye are huntin' afther! The customer always Ie what Larry was after, and never failed, if he had the money, to shell it right out. And so he would continue till his collections were made.

'©Of course, many of your readers remember the old jail, situated nearly opposite the residence of Dr. Magruder. 'The first story was built of dressed sandstone, and the second story was carried up with brick. The courts were held in this house for many years, and until the new Court House upon the Public Square was erected. On the sonth side of this building there was a_ ball alley, where the young men used to while away many hours in playing what is termed 'alley ball.' Indeed, for years, the place was a daily resort for all classes of middle-aged men, young men, and boys. Ifthe men were not there, the boys were sure to be. Afterwards the ball alley was removed to the Academy building, in the north end of the village. -

"The ground covered by Dr. Magruder's residence was where George Beckwith had his dwelling, when he occupied the tanyard afterwards run by Law & Moeller, and later by John Law. 'The old brick Methodist Episcopal church stood on South street, nearly opposite the residence of Colonel Spencer. On the corner of the alley, next west, stands a small brick, where John H. Binckley used to reside in an early day. The Methodists used to be a little noisy occasionally, and Binckley, living so near the church, felt himself annoyed somewhat, and so gave to this thoroughfare the name of 'Ilappy Alley,' a name by which it is known to this day. Between the church and the corner brick was a two story hewed log house, in which John 1. Binckley and Samuel Binckley had a paint shop and chair factory. Samuel Binckley was one of the pioneer young men of Somerset, but left, shortly after his marriage, and located at Xenia, Ohio. He is still at Troy, Ohio, hearty and hale, at the age of seventy-six years."

'*As early as 1805, thirteen years before Perry county was organized, the reader may well imagine there was no Somerset, and no other town, in the county. New Reading antedates Somerset by a few years, and was called, by the Pennsylvania Germans, * Overmyerstettle,' and by those who preferred to speak it in English, 'Overmyertown.' I recollect hearing an old lady, who but recently departed this life, often relating an incident of her getting lost on the ground near the heart of the town, in 1807. She lived with her father in a new cabin, a mile or so north of the town, and was sent after the cows toward the close of the day. When she arrived at about the place where the Public Square is located, she became entangled in the underbrush, which was grown over so densely with wild pea vines that she could not see a rod before her. When she had extricated herself, she found that she had lost her bearing, and it was only by a fortunate circumstance that she was enabled to reach her home that evening.

'¢The old men who are in the county, and are able to recollect back forty-five to sixty years ago, cannot help to bring to mind one of the singular changes that has taken place in the streams. At that time they were all running full of water, at least nine: months in the year. Now they are nearly all dry most of the year, and not enough water running in them at any time, except in times of flood, to water a drove of cattle. Many will remember that, half a mile north of Somerset, was situated 'Grandfather Parkinson's' saw-mill, afterwards run by Billy Larue. The water that was gathered from the ravine starting on the summit in the town, with that gathered by a race from the west branch, run this sawmill, fifty years ago, nine months in the year. It cut a great deal of timber, and, being so near the then growing village, it furnished much of the lumber that was called for. The dam in which the water was collected was the 'swimming hole' for the bovs of the village, and for man years it was a favorite resort. Below this, about half a mile, Judge Hood had a gristmill - ' corn-cracker,' it was called in that day - at which he accommodated his neighbors with corn meal, and also furnished a fair article of flour. This mill was a two story log building, situated on the south bank of the creek, near where the nye now crosses above the railroad trestle. The Judge also run a stillhouse in connection with the mill. The water for turning the mill was collected by races. 'The race for conducting the water, on the south branch, started in some four or five hundred yards below the steam mill, et the west bank of the hill; and the one on the west branch started just below Parkinson's saw-mill, and run along the south bank of the creek. The faint outlines of these races may be seen in places vet, but they have been mostly defaced. At the confluence of the Somerset branch and the Berkey run, there was, at one time, a sawmill, the water likewise being conducted by races. About half a mile below this there was a grist-mill, and farther down, Darsham's grist and saw-mill. So that, from 1814 to 1830, there were no less than five mills on that litde stream, between Somerset and Jonathan's Creek, all running by water nearly through the entire year. The stream used to run a large volume of bright, clear water, and it used to abound in lish of pretty good size. It was a yreat resort for the 'town boys,' even so late as 1840. Many atime did the boys of that day - Dan and John ' Parkinson, P. H. Binckley, Walter C. Wood, and others- - - pull out 'chubs' and 'suckers' that weighed a pound.

'If I were to undertake to trace out all the ' old Jandmarks ;' or, in other words, to give the early settlers of lands around Somerset, I should never get through with these letters. But T will mark out, say, a mile square, on either side of Somerset, and give the occupiers of land from about the year 1820 to 1830.

On the north side, Judge Hood was, at that time, a permanent fixture on the farm he so long occupied. The next farm north, now owned by Andy Leach, was entered by a man named Miller. The next farm north of that was the ' Stoker farm,' and the farm still north of that was the Funderburg farm. We will go beck, now, and take another tier. The farm west of Judge Hood, afterwards constituting part of the Gongloff farm, was occupied by John Deal, on the north side of which stood a stillhouse, run, from 1812 to about 1820, by a man named Shunk. Next east, the farm of Conrad Snider, was owned by his father, one of the first settlers. Next east, the farm long owned and occupied by David Church, was owned by David Boyce. On the south side of town, about the year 1825, the farm of John Moore was tilled by Joshua Green, afterwards purchased by John VF. Moeller. 'The Thomas Scallan farm was owned by John Trout. Phe farm farther south - alterwards the Caywood farm - was owned by James McDonald, and a little before that time by Leonard Ream. The farm west of this was the farm of Michael McKinney. The tract of land east of the Scallan farm, on which Mrs. Scallan now resides, was owned by John Beckwith. 'There were still earlier proprietors of most all of these lands, but my recollection cannot reach them." | to_1830, and also contain a number of facts of interest, both earlier and latar than these dates. As early as 1844 Somerset was compactly and neatly built up, in a great measure of brick, and was oue of the frat somest towns of its size in Ohio. It just about held its own, in population and business, from 1844 to 1857, when the Seat of Justice was removed to New Lexington. This did not prove as much of a calamity as was feared, though it had a depressing effect for several years. When the railroad was built, in 1871, the old town revived to a great extent, and quite a number of new and costly buildings have been erected, among them several fine private residences.

'About one o'clock on Wednesday morning, the cry of tire was raised on our streets, and by the time those of our citizens living in the vicinity of the conflagration had reached the scene, the oe roof of the building on the northeast side of the square was enveloped in flames, and the contents of the rooms were being rapidly destroyed. Such headway had the flames made that by the time even a few of 'our citizens got upon the ground, it was impossible to enter the more extensive business rooms of the block, for the purpose of removing the stock, and all that could be done was to exert every effort to confine the fire to the block in which it had originated. For a time this seemed to be a hopeless work, as the wind was blowing briskly to'the eastward, and in the direttion of some greatly exposed Buildings Hard work was required to prevent the fire from communicating with Gallagher's building, and this being the 'key' to the whole situation, our citizens labored with admirable success to stop the progress of the flames at that point. Ilad the fire got under headway in that building it is likely that all that part of Somerset lying east of the square would be in mohed to-day. From the drug store building, the flames spread rapidly into the large frame building on the north, and adjoining the three-story brick residence of D. M. Mathews. From this building the lames soon reached the roof of Mr. Mathews' residence, and that too would have soon been destroyed, but for the indomitable energy of that portion of the volunteer brigade, who held this part of the field. Long ladders were placed against the building. and a number of daring 'men soon took position upon the roof and ladders, and gave the devouring elements the best licks they hadin the shop. And their efforts were crowned with success. r. Mathews' residence was saved, and the fire was' confined to the block in which it had broken out. This was totally destroyed, entailing losses about to the amount ef $15,000. This block was owned by D. M. Mathews,Dr. C. J. Skinner and Dr. E. R. Magruder,and was valued at something like $8,000.

The block was occupied by the following firms: Skinner & Brother, stock destroyed valued at $3,000; M. Bowman, grocer, stock destroyed valued at $1,800; J. W. Graves, boot and shoe dealer, stock saved; Mrs. Burns, milliner, stock destroyed valued at $300 3) H vA. Schwartz, photographer, stock destroyed valued at $1,000; Snow Fork Coal and Mining Company, loss in books, maps, plats, stationery, etc., valued at $500; 'I'. Spencer Stillman, notary, etc., loss in books, stationery. etc., about $200; George Price, Justice of the Peace, H. P. Lentz,

'There are various opinions about the origin of the fire. Those who were first on the grounds, say that the fire originated in the office of the Snow Fork Coal and Mining Company."'

Again in 1875, the town was scourged by the fire fiend, a number of houses burned, and the whole eastern part of the village narrowly escaped destruction. The following account of the fire is from the Somerset Press:

''Our village has again been scourged by fire, this time entailing a loss of property to the amount of $25,000 or $30,000, and rendering homeless a number of families, and throwing out of employment a number of workmen. The story is briefly told. About eleven o'clock, Monday night, Mr. Russell, proprietor of the Russell House, discovered that that part of the planing mill of Bowman, Johnson & Mautz, where the boiler was located, was on fire, and at once gave the alarm. But owing to the vast amount of highly combustible material in the immediate vicinity of the furnace, the flames had made such frightful headway by the time of the arrival of persons upon the scene, that such a thing as extinguishing them, with the means at hand, was at once an apparent impossibility. An-entrance was forced into the show-room of buggies, wayons,carriages, etc., and an ineffectual effort to save it from destruction. . But the moment the entrance was made, a fiery column swept from about the furnace through the building, driving the rescuers from the room. Repeated efforts were made to re-enter the building, but the intense heat rendered them all futile, and it became plain to all that the large planing mill and carriage factory, with all its contents, was doomed. As the fire spread, and'got fairly under way in the large and higher part of the building, the flames roared with a fierceness and rose to a height that appalled the powerless spectators, and at once created fears for the safety of the town. hat the fire originated from the furnace, there seems to be little doubt.

"The flames rapidly spread to the buildings immediately east and west of the factory, and the scene became alarming in the extreme. Then presently Mrs. iller's house, on the opposite side of the street, took fire, and the unorganized and excited people hardly knew how or where to commence the fight ; but that a commencement must be made somewhere, and quickly, too, if the town was to be saved from total de- -struction, was very manifest to all, and keenly appreciated by all. Determined bands of men therefore bent their energies at four different points, to arrest the progress of the fire. :

_ One point was Coolman's frame building across the alley west from the Russell House; another was the frame house owned by O. T. Mohler, and occupied by George Nichols, on the south side of the street ; the third was the German Reform Church, on the same side, and the fourth was Mrs. Chilcote's house, on the north side, and across the alley west from the large frame structure known as the O'Keefe House.

"'At the points named a desperate effort was made to master the fire, and, though it proved successful in the end, there were times during the progress of the struggle,when it seemed that all efforts would prove unavailing.

standing up manfully to the work, and shaming, just a little, the few who were 'too feeble' to do more than stand by and gaze upon the frightful scene and the determined workers it ae called forth.

''The houses destroyed were the planing mill, the dry house, the old exchange, the Russell House, Mrs. Filler's and Mrs. Cody's residences - both the latter on the south side of the street - Mr. John Mautz's residence, Mr. Shower's residence and Mrs. Chilcote's residence, and Bowman & Johnson's blacksmith shop, and Mr. Shower's stable. The occupants of most of the dwellings saved only a portion of their household effects, and some lost about all they possessed of that kind of property."'

Nearly all the space made vacant by these fires has been built upon, and most of the buildings destroyed have been replaced by better ones. With these two exceptions, Somerset, during its entire existence, has been very fortunate regarding fires.

Somerset is very pleasantly situated on the high grounds that separate the waters of Muskingum from those of the Hocking. The rain that falls on the north and east end of the town flows into the Muskingum, while that which falls on the south and west parts finds its way into the Hocking. The site of the town is elevated, broad and commanding, and much of it affords a good view of the surrounding country.

Somerset, at present, has a postoffice, one telegraph office, one railroad depot, one newspaper, one union school house, one female. academy, four churches, one convent, one hotel, one music hall, four dry goods stores, two hardware stores, two jewelry stores, two drug stores, two furniture stores, two shoe stores, one photograph gallery, one carriage and buggy shop, one planing mill, one tannery, two harness and saddle shops, two tailor shops, one clothing store, one coverlet weaver, seven groceries, four physicians, five lawyers, one job printing office, three millinery stores, two meat shops and two tin eae

The Hippodrome war, the trial and execution of David Work, the Centennial Celebration, and many other notable events connected with the history of Somerset, will be found in other appropriate chapters of this volume.

In view of the immense strides which the iron business is making in Perry county, and its probable future, it is worth while to contemplate the initial workers and the small beginnings of the industry. Somerset had the first foundry in the county. It was established by Joseph Simpson, who, in his lifetime, was well known 'o many of the people of Perry county. The reader of this volume would naturally like to know

Joseph Simpson settled in Somerset in 1843, having come direct from Newark, Licking county, but from Halifax, Yorkshire, Sngland, two years previous. He purchased a large tobacco warehouse on [lappy alley, about midy ray between Columbus street and the Logan road, and converted it into a foundry. Jor many years he conducted a successful business. Mr. Simpson spent much of his time in exploring the great mineral region of Monday and Sunday Creeks, and often predicted its future wealth and greatness. He was well known throughout the county, and became somewhat famous for his plows. He will be well remembered by the old settlers. He may be ranked as the pioneer of the iron interest of Perry county. Mr. Simpson died in Newark, in 1856.

New Rrapinc. - New Reading, for a long time better known as Overmyertown, situated three miles from Somerset, in the western part of Reading township. was laid out in 1805, by Peter Overmyer, father of the venerable Peter Overmyer, who now resides in the vicinity of New Reading. This village is the oldest in the county, antedating Somerset, Rehoboth, Thornville, New Lexington, and all the other villages of the county. Wheh the county of Perry was formed, New Reading was a candidate for the seat of justice, and its citizens were disappointed and displeased when they failed to secure the location. The village has just about held its own for sixty years and more. It contains two churches, a schoolhouse, store, physician, a few shops, and several neat and comfortable private residences, and had, in June, 1880, one hundred and eighteen inhabitants. "Phe town is handsomely situated, and is surrounded by a country not only ferule and healthy, but one of the loveliest to be found anywhere in the State, and capable of being made almost a second paradise.

To this country, then a wilderness, came Peter Overmyer, the pioneer, from Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. Peter was a son of John George Obermayer, as the name was written in German, who came from Germany to the United States in 1751. When Peter Overmyer came to what is now Perry county, Ohio, he brought with him some of the old heirlooms and keepsakes of his father's family, but nothing which he could prize more highly than the original of the following ''passport,"" written in German, which his father procured when about to leave the Fatherland for the New World:

"Passport of John George Obermaycr. - in Blankenloch, of the Magistracy of Durlach, lying within the bounds of the highly exalted dominion, the Nagraviate of Baden, was born, on October 27, 1727, and baptized on the day following, October 28, John George, legitimate son of his father, John George Obermayer, citizen and weaver, and of his mother, Anna.

«Witnesses of his baptism were John George Bane, citizen and weaver; Henry Bane, citizen of Buechig ; also, Susanna, wife of Jacob Werners, citizen and weaver; also, Anna Mary, wife of John Storken, citizen of Hagsfeld. This has been copied from the 'Register of Baptisms' and the 'Church Record,' of this parish.

''Inasmuch as the above-mentioned John George Obermayer, native of Blankenloch, has resolved, by the Grace of God, to leave this province to go to the New Country, the Colony of Pennsylvania, and has most respectfully besought and petitioned us, as the representatives of this Court. for an honorable dismissal and certificate of good character, and we cannot justly refuse, but, on the other hand, we cheerfully testify, upon the ground of truth, that he has, in his service in our midst, conducted himself as a Christian, honest, trustworthy, and industrious. We, therefore, wish Mr. Obermayer not only all temporal, but, also, all eternal blessings. We, therefore, beseech all respective persons, whether of high or low estate, with this charge of duty, not only to permit him to pass free and unmolested wherever he may choose to go, but, also, without suspicion, kindly to receive and entertain said Obermayer, in whatsoever place or locality he may announce himself, for which we shall ever be the indebtors.

in his own handwriting : _ On May gth, 1751, we went for the last time to church in Blankenloch. There we sang once more, 'There are none whom God has forsaken,' 'Bless the Lord, O, my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name,' and 'Lord Jesus Christ to us attend.' It was the fourth Sunday after Easter, 'Cantate,, when we heard the Gospel lesson for the day, John xvi:5-15, which begins: 'But now I go my way to Him that sent me; and none of you ask me 'Whither goest thou?''

'On May 14, we left Blankenloch, for Rheinhausen. On the tgth, we sailed from Rheinhausen, toward Mannheim. On the 20th, we went to Worms, where we sang, 'O, Holy Ghost, descend, we pray.' On the 4th of June, at two o'clock, we passed through the Bingerlock, and at seven o'clock we passed through the bay of St. Gwier, where we encountered great danger. ~

''Our voyage upon the Rhine, from Rheinhausen to Amsterdam, was of four weeks' duration. On the 20th of June we embarked from Rotterdam, and from thence to Old England. On the 22d, we sailed in upon the vast ocean."

The foregoing was translated from the German, in which language it was written, by Rev. Walter, of Somerset. Every reader of this history will regret that John Jacob Obermayer laid aside his pen so soon, and that the written record he left is so brief. Short as it is, however, it is sufficient to give a vivid impression of the father of the man who

Hanover, the first laid out town in what is now Perry county, was established by Jacob Dittoe, in 1804, about four miles west of Fink's tavern,on Zane's Trace, in what is now Reading township, Perry county. The village never amounted to much, though a few families gathered there, and in 1818, one of the first acts of the Court of Common Pleas of Perry was in response to a petition of the proprietor, to annul the town plat of Ilanover, and the lots, streets and alleys reverted to the proprietor simply as land, and Hanover was no more.

Cuurcies. - Of the original settlers of Reading township, the Pennsylvania Germans were chielly Lutherans, Catholics, or German Reform, and the English speaking people were principally Mcthodists, Baptists or Presbyterians. The Irish immigrants and their descendants were mostly Catholics, though some of them were Protestants, and adhered to some branch of the Protestant church. The itinerant Methodist preachers visited Somerset at a very carly day, and organized classes or societies. The late Rev. J. VanlLaw, who, a few years since, was stationed in Somerset, compiled a very full and interesting sketch of the work of the Méthodists at Somerset and charges connected therewith. he sketch is not only of special interest as to Somerset and vicinity, but to nearly all the old Methodist churches of the county, as they were all, in the old times, attached to Somerset Circuit. Somerset, Rehoboth and New Lexington, all belonged to the same Circuit as late as 1850. The sketch is from a published source :

"The first settlement of Ohio was by a New England Colony that landed at the mouth of the Muskingum river, on the 7th of April 1788. These were all of Puritan stock, and no Methodists among them, as it was not till two years later, that Methodism was carried into New England, by Jesse Lee, that preached the first Methodist sermon in all that section, under the great Elm tree in Boston Common, ona July afternoon 1790. At that time Marietta and Cincinnati were the only two points settled in Ohio; and when on the 16th of September, 1799, the first session of the Territorial Legislature met in Cincinnati, it was then only a village of 500 inhabitants, built almost entirely of logs, and without a brick in its entire structure. The population in the whole State, in 1798, was only about 5000.

"Tn 1798, Rev. Kobler crossed the Ohio from Kentucky, kneeling on the river bank to invoke the divine blessing upon his mission. On Christmas day he spread the sacramental] table for twentyfive or thirty communicants, all there were in the country. This was the first regular preaching, and the first Methodist communion in Ohio, that ten entutky, Tennessee and one Circuit in Ohio constituted one immense district, with twelve preachers. No socicty was formed in Cincinnati, till 1804. On the southeast, however, Robert Manly had crossed over from Virginia, occasionally, perhaps, as early as 1795, and by 1799, he had boldly entered and formed a Circuit extending up the Muskingum for forty miles. In 1799, James Quinn made a missionary tour up the Hocking Valley, preaching to the few families residing near the present site of Lancaster. in 1804, Asa Shinn organized the Hocking Circuit out of this territory, occupying the usual four weeks. The next year James Quinn and John Meck were sent to this circuit, and in 1807 we find 'Ohio District, Fairfield Circuit, William Pattison,' in the list of appointments of the 'Western Conference,' that contained nearly all the territory west of the Alleganies. In 1808 itis Ralph Lotspeick, and John Bowman, Miami district ; in 1809 it is Ralph Lotspeick, Muskingum district ; in 1810 Francis Tarvis, with James Quinn, as presiding elder.

'During this year the Ohio Conference was organized at Portsmouth, and on Christmas day the first Methodist sermon was preached in Somerset, at the house of John Mains, by the Reverend Robert Cloud, who, with Jesse Stoneman, continued to occupy this as a preaching place for several years. In 1811, James Quinn and James B. Finley traveled Fairfield Circuit, and the Jatter organized the first class in Somerset, with John Mains leader. The remaining four of this immortal five were Anna Mains, wife of the leader, John Anderson and wife, and William Babbs. The opposition was bitter and unreasonable, but the old log school house, afterward used as a chair shop by Jesse Fluff, near the present site of Dittoe's and Hull's grocery, was the class sanctuary of those tried ones, for years, and it resounded with the songs and shoutings of their triumphant faith. In 1812, William Lambden had charge of the Circuit; and Archibald McElroy in 1813.

'*David Young was presiding elder, in 1813-14; Charles Waddle in 1814; Charles Waddle and Michael Ellis, 1815; James Quinn and John McMahon in 1816; Michael Ellis and John McMahon in 1817. During the early part of this Conterepce year John McMahon retired from the work, and John Stewart was called from the Kanawha Circuit

'The Somerset society had now grownto embrace the following members : William Babbs, sen., John and Ruth Murray, Jobn and Anna Mains; Toby Taylor and wife; Frederick Mains, sen., and wife; George Richards and wife; Jesse G. McGowen, and perhaps Frederick Mains, jun., and wile. In June, 1819, Joseph F. Brown was added to the society, and Jacob Knowles and wife in place of Taylor removed. That summer the society made an effort to raise a house of worship, on what was afterwards called in consequence, Lappy Alley.

** The lot is now occupied in part by William Russell, though the site of the first church is yet vacant. John Murray undertook the building, and got the walls up to the square, when a large dead chestnut tree was blown down by the equinoctial storm, crushing the walls to the ground. Things remained in this condition until the next spring; the brethren being much discouraged. Albert Gough and Henry Matthews were preachers on the immense circuit embracing Lancaster, (perhaps Circleville) Logan, New Lexington, Rehoboth, and other points to the number of twenty-five or thirty preaching places.

'*«*« But seeing the desolation of the Lord's house, writes Joseph T. Brown, 'I was stirred up in my heart and said to some of the brethren: Let us arise and rebuild the house." They said.to me, if I thought anything could be done they would help me what they could. So I went forward, hired hands, gathered up and cleaned off the bricks, procured materials and workmen, enlarged the building several feet, and got it up and under roof, with one coat of plaster, in time to hold a meeting on Christmas. This meeting resulted in the addition of about fifty members, most prominent among whom were, John Beckwith amd John Ritchey.' | Letter of May 23d, 1876, to the writer J. : +H Brother John Mains, who is now passing the golden autumn Ole ripe age, in Greenfield, Ohio, informs me, that he and Jesse McGowen were agsociated with brother Brown in this building, and that Judge C. C. Hood, coming into the neighborhood about that time, seated the new church at hisown expense. Notwithstanding this, brother Brown's ob- Heaton and expenditures, footed up about live hundred dollars, part of which was paid, but the greater part remains in the treasury of the Lord, safe until the present time. .

"Previous to the building of the brick church, the services of the society were held in the court room, over the old jail on South Columbus street. Ilere, as early as 1817, we are assured of the existence of a Sabbath school, of which Frederick Mains, now living in Somerset, was probably the first Superintendent, with Tobias Taylor as an assistant. Brother John Mains says, the first Sabbath school was previously organized in the brick house now the residence of Nathan Dennison, but the recollection of Frederick Mains as its first Superintendent, renders it unsafe to place its active operations much prior to 1817.

« Abner Gough and Charles Thorn traveled Fairtield circuit in 1820 ; William Stephens and Zara Coston, 1821; William Stephens, in 1822; James Gilruth and Isaac C. Hunter, in 1823; Charles Waddle and Ilomer Clark, in 1824; Leroy Swornsted and James Quinn, in 1825; ames Quinn and James Laws, in 1826; James Laws and Gilbert Blue, in 1827; Jacob Young and Cornelius Springer, in 1828. Discussion, leading: to the radical separation in 1828, culminated this year in a general debate, at the Bethel Church, and Cornelius Springer, a leader in the movement in the west, withdrew to the Protestant Methodist Church.

'*In 1829, Zachary Connel and Ilenry S. ermindes, were preachers; and in 1830, Samuel Hamilton and Henry S. Fernandes. Then Rushville circuit appears on the records with Samuel Hamilton and Jacob Hooper, preachers in 183} ; J. Carper and Jacob Young, in 18325 and J. Carper, J. Armstrong and S. HU. Holland, in 1833; for this year, it appears, the church we now occupy in Somerset, was built, and in the next year, 1834, the log church at Chalfants was dedicated. Thus, in three successive years, each of the societies Constituting the present Somerset circuit. built a new church. The impulse given under brother Carper's administration and the building: of the new church in Somerset, appears at once in the minutes for 1834; we have the name changed to Somerset circuit, James McMahon and B. F. Meyers as preachers. Brother McMahon not only dedicated the Chalfant church, but also took subscriptions for the church at New Zion. by 1825,.)- McDowell, B. F. Meyers and J. Looper (su yply), were appointed to Somerset circuit; in 1836, Ilenry 5. pe andes and John Blampied; in 1837, Ifenry S. Fernandes and Moses A. Milligan; in 1838, Moses A. Milligan and Isaac Cartlich; in 1839, Andrew Murphy and William 'VT. [Land ;

'(In 1842, we find Somerset assuming her place as a station, with the eloquent Joseph A. Waterman in charge; in 1844, Andrew Carroll was pastor, and this ended the effort to maintain the station. Tlopewell and Zion had been joined to Rehoboth circuit, and in 1844, Somerset also became part of Rehoboth circuit, and so remained till the organization as at present, in 1854. The appointments for Rehoboth circuit, during these years, were as follows: satin M. Jameson was Presiding Elder of the Zanesville District, and lived at Somerset during 1846-7-8; Jacob Young from 1848 to 1852, and J. M. 'Trimble from 1852 to 1856. Rehoboth circuit, in 1854, reports seven hundred and fifty-seven members, twenty-five probationers, and five local preachers.

"*In 1854, Somerset Circuit was organized as at present, at the Conference at Portsmouth, and James C. 'Taylor was appointed for 1854-5 ; E. V. Bing for 1856-7 ; John White, Presiding Elder.

'* Brother Ferree remained in Somerset, engaged mainly in teaching till his death in 1868, and his ashes lie in the M. E. Cemetery in this place. :

**S. C. Frampton succeeded him as pastor in 1863-64; R. W. Manley, in 1865-66-67 ; A. H. Windsor, in 1868-69; J. M. Weir, in 1870- 71; B. F. Thomas, in 1872-73-74; and J. Van Law, in 1875-76. Gracious revivals attended the labors of many; if not all of these pastors ; those in Somerset and Zion, under charge of brother Manley, and in Hopewell under brother Thomas, are worthy of special mention. Much fruit of these remain. .

erset church, and October 22d, 1865, the trustees met at the old parsonage, nearly opposite the church, and organized, with Judge C. C. Hood in the chair, P. V. Ferree, secretary pro tem. The members present, were: Dixon Brown, William Ream, John Iluston, Martin Berkey, C. C. Hood, Dr. Skinner. P. V. Ferree, and the newly appointed pastor, R.W. Manley. The business was, to receive the report of a committee to examine property for a parsonage. After the report, a committee, consisting of David Ream, Dixon Brown, John Huston and Lewis Edwards, were appointed to purchase the present parsonage property of B. Whitmer. Wm. Ream for Zion, Robert Chalfant for Hopewell, Dr. Skinner and William Huston for Somerset, were appointed to raise subscriptions to pay for the property. These 'committees ware both successful, and after thorough repairs, under the administration of brother J. M. Weir, the Circuit may well feel proud of its parsonage.

'"In 1854, the Somerset Collegiate Institute was organized, with a semi-official relation to the Ohio Conference. Charles Nourse was Principal, and the following constituted the Board of Directors, viz. : Rey. James C. Taylor, ex oficio; Eli Spencer, William Spencer, John Ritchie, George Morris, Thomas Wiles and R. Miller. This school continued to be taught in the old Fink tavern building for about eight years, when the property was sold for the use of the public schools.

''About the year 1829, the Somerset society was strengthened by the accession of Ensor Chilcote and family. [le was truly a leader in the charge for many years, and his mantle of power stil rests upon his family in the church.

'In the Official List of 1861, I find James Chilcote as Recording Steward, with Charles Nourse, Dixon Brown, and J. P. Tluston, Stewards for Somerset; William Ream and David Ream, for Zion; and Mordecai Yarnell and John Kelley, for Hopewell. Leaders at Somerset - O. T. Mohler, morning class ; Martin Berkey and C. C. Ilood, noon class; James Chilcote, Monday night class; A. B. Leach, 'Tuesday night class, and Gideon Ritchey, Wednesday night. Lfopewell - Mordecai Yarnell and Melzar Kendall. New Zion - Isaac Cooper and George Ritchey.

"The Trustees of Somerset Station, 1843, were Ensor Chilcote, C, C. Hood, Jacob Knowles, Thomas Price, John Ritchey, John Beckwith, and G. Morris.

''Bishops Asbury, McKendree, Roberts, George, and others, have been here, the honored guests of John Mains, preaching in succession in the house, school-house, the jail-loft, and the church. The Tairfield Circuit has become a district; the school- house and cabin classes have become a trio of congregations.

"The Hopewell Class. - In 1812 or 1813, a class was organized, to meet at Abram Hamisfar's (now Rusk's), of which Robert Chalfant was leader, and contained the following members: Mercy Chalfant, Abram and Hannah Hamisfar, Charles and Margaret Hamisfar, 'Father' and 'Mother' Fitsmorris, and their daughter, Elizabeth Miller; jee and Jane Benjamin, Polly Hutchins, Nathan and [lla Benjamin,

"This class formed, in part, the basis of Llopewell and Zion classes, which were formed about 1830. The Hopewell class grew rapidly, and in 1834 a log-built church was dedicated, by James McMahon, preaching from John xv:5, 'I am the vine, ye are the branches. It was called Chalfant's Church: The class-book for 1840-41, now in the hands of Sister Cochran, gives the class as follows: Robert O. Spencer, Poss William P. Strickland, J. Parker. preachers ; Robert Chalfant, leader ; Thomas and Amy Kendall, Jared and Sarah Dennison, John, Margaret, Thomas, Nancy and Elizabeth Randolph; Mary Edwards, Mary Wailson, Drusilla Ferguson, Rachel Foreman, Margaret Chalfant, Jane Hinebaugh, Maxwell Edwards, Elizabeth Kelley, Elizabeth Bear. Thomas N. Edwards, Martha Thompson, David Yarnell, George Cowen and Mary Ann Cowen, Amos Dennison, Mary Yarnell, Lydia Ann Edwards, Catharine Cox, Mary and Elizabeth Sturgeon, Mahala Dennison, Emeline Ferguson, Margaret and Olive Hinebaugh, Eliza and Sarah Bateson, Ebenezer Snellen, Robert and Elizabeth Emery, Louis Edwards, Robert, Mary Ann, Sarah and Comfort Chalfant ; William Van Horn, Rebecca Cox (now Wilson), Catharine and Margaret Cox, Elisha and Mary Wilson. Rev. James Kendall was converted here, and was called to the ministry, entering the Ohio Conference in 1851.

''The present neat and commodious Hopewell Church was built in 1860, when Rev. James Mitchell was in charge, though the project was started the year before by Brother S. C. Riker. It was dedicated by Brother Riker, assisted by Dr. Frazier, P. E., no money being asked for, as all the expensvs had been provided for beforehand.

'In the winter of 1872-73, a gracious revival, under the pastorate of Rev. B. F. Thomas, resulted in the accession of about forty persons, on probation, a very large proportion of whom now remain steadfast as members in the church.

'"'New Zion. - Rev. James McMahon was appointed to the Somerset Circuit in 1834. and soon after his arrivel he was taken by Martin Berkey, then a young man, to the residence of David Ream, Sr., where he preached, and organized a class, with young Berkey as leader. A Class-book, now in his possession, gives the following members, under date, May 27, 1835: Martin Berkey,leader ; Rebecca Berkey, George Boor, Elizabeth Boor, Elizabeth Ritchey, Wilson Ritchey, James Ritchey, George Ritchey, Jane Spencer, Eleanor Cain, Rachel Patton, Rebecca Boor, James Cain, Hannah Cain, Priscilla 1. Cain, Rachel Berkey, Martin Boyers, Gideon Ritchey, Elizabeth Boor, Phebe Cain, Rebecca Drury, Rachel Herron, Rachel Carr, Margaret Spencer, Edward Hamilton, Rachel Hamilton, Mary Hare, Mary Hull, Hester Stiles, George Coleman, Jacob Stateser, James Hutches, William Patten, Elsie Benjamin, Rebecca Fleehart, Elizabeth Emrine, Matilda Sharen, and Hester Chilcote - total, 38. Another roll gives the names of William and Rachel Paden, Mahlon S.Gregg, Emily Gregg, Charles Hamisfar, Catharine Hamisfar, and Dorcas Davis. Ensor Chilcote is

'James McMahon and B. F.. Meyers were preachers in 1834-35, and during this conference year the present brick church was binlt, the ground-on which it stands being donated by James Ritchey, Esq. This church is hallowed by the presence of its many dead, and by the memories of more than forty years; bul itis now ready to be taken down to give place to something better.

'A camp meeting was held in 181g, on the 'Benjamin Farm, now owned by John Bumerat, where the preachers were probably Charles Waddle, P. 1E.. Sodosa Bacon, and Peter Stephens. Tn (834 another camp meeting was held near Zion, at which William Ream was converted. who aflerwards became a strong pillarin Zion. ltis hoped the present church building will give place to a better one during next summer.

St. Joseph's Church (Catholic), situated in the southern part of Reading township, two and a half miles south of Somerset, on the common road leading from that place to New Lexington, is the oldest Catholic Church in Ohio, excepting none whatever. "The circumstances attend+ ing the organization of the church, the building of the first' edifice, the consecration of the same, aud the pr raching of the first sermon therein, are of interest to all general readers, and especially to those of the Catholic faith. The ensuing sketch relative to the founding of St. Joseph's Church, and other matters of early Catholic history in' Perry county, is from the pen of the late Rev. N. D. Young, only a year or two before his death, and were presented to the compiler of the Perry County History, to be published for the consideration and instruction of present and future yenerauions :

"Amongst the first settlers of this county were a few Catholic families, emigrants from Pennsylvania. They were the children -of patriotic ancestors, many of whom were soldiers under Washington, in the days that tried men's souls, braving the hardships of the R evolutionary War, for liberty and freedom of conscience in this country.

"The Rev. Edward Dom. Fenwick, and the Rev. Nicholas Dom. Young, of the Order of St. Dominic, were the first established priests of the Catholic Church in Perry county, and first priests settled in Ohio as citizens of the State. They were both natives of Marvland. The Fenwick family emigrated with the colony of Lord Baltimore to this country, and landed in St. Mary's county, Maryland. with the same colony. Hather Young's paternal ancestors were Protestants, and emigrated from England. Hlis ancestor, Judge Benjamin Young, was sent here a commissioned Judge of the British Government, long before our Independence. Ile settled, with his family, on the Potomac river, where the city of Washington now stands. He purchased, on its bounds, a large tract of land. and erected on the immediate banks of the Potomac a splendid mansion, importing from England the materials of which it was built. Whilst Judge, he was converted to the Catholic religion. But the intolerant laws of England disfranchised Catholics

"Dr. Fenwick and Father Young were sent to Perry county by their superior, from the Convent of St. Rose, in Kentucky, to take possession of a small log church and farm, containing three hundred and twenty-nine acres, donated to Father Fenwick by Mr. Jacob Dittoe, who, with the assistance of his two brothers, Messrs. Joseph and Anthony Dittoe, and his brother-in-law, Mr. John Fink, of Somerset, had purchased by entrance in the land office held in Chillicothe, this half section for the express establishment of a Church and Convent of the Dominican Order then established in Kentucky. The above two Fathers, in obedience to the will of their superior, the learned Dr. Thomas Wilson, and in compliance with the wish of the saintly Bishop Flaget, of Bardstown, in 1818, reached the place of their destination abont the first of December, and, on the sixth of the same month, the humble church, in the presence of their little flock, was dedicated under the patronage of St. Joseph, by the Rev. Father Fenwick, assisted by his nephew, Rev. N. D. Young.

Church opened and blessed in Ohio. It attracted a great concourse of dissenting brethren, many ot whom,,.for the first time in their lives, had a view of a Catholic Priest, of whom they had heard so many strange things. ; 'At that period, not more than six families composed their flock, within reach of St. Joseph's. Like the grain of mustard seed, this little congregation increased so rapidly that, in the course of two years, it was found necessary to make an addition to the little church. 'This was accomplished by adding to it a neat stone building, which was finished and made ready for divine worship in the course of a year. It was constructed so as to allow any future addition that might be deemed necessary. It was soon found that St. Joseph's and 'Trinity Church, then erected in Somerset, about two miles distant, were insuflicient to contain the members of the two congregations, and that something must be done to assist at Mass and hear the word of God, to fulfil the obligations of Religion.

''The eves of all were again turned to St. Joseph's. The Right Reverend Dr. Fenwick had left St. Joseph's, and was consecrated the first Bishop of Cincinnati, in 1822, at St. Rose's Church, by Bishop Flaget. He was anxious that another addition, according to the original plan, should be made to St. Joseph's, to accommodate a flock, dear to his heart, with all the spiritual comforts of the Catholic Church. He urged his wish that the work should be commenced. The pastor, Father Young, called a meeting, to decide the question. At that meeting, it was agreed that the old log church should be removed, and, in its place, a brick addition should be added to the stone part of the edifice. A subscription was immediately opened, and the means, in part, obtained. This subscription was headed by the bishop's name and two hundred and fifty dollars. Trusting to the liberality of the friends of religion, and depending particularly on the hope that it might be in the power of the zealous bishop to extend to this church, the cradle of the other churches in Ohio, and so long the field of his labors, further as- sistance, the work was commenced on Whitsuntide Monday, the twenty-sixth of May, 1825, when the corner-stone was solemnly blessed and laid by the Rev. Father Young, authorized by the Bishop ; and_on Sunday, January 11th, 1829, the same Reverend Father, assisted by his confrere, the Rev. Daniel O'Leary, O. P., blessed the entire edifice, brick and stone. The whole was now eighty-two feet in length, and forty feet in breadth, surmounted by a beautiful little steeple and handsome cross, rearing its head above the surrounding forest, and the first erected in Perry county, to recall to the minds of all, the great redemption our Lord purchased on the cross for us all.

"The Right Reverend Bishop, on account of his occupation at Cincinnati, and the unseasonableness of the time, was not able to attend the dedication, as he had arranged with the pastor of St. Joseph's. After the solemn high mass sung by the choir of 'Trinity Church, Rev. Father Young delivered an appropriate discourse, to a crowded audience. Some few of his hearers are yet living in Perry county, and remember his sermon, especially that part in which he dwelt with peculiar delight on the great change that had been effected. He told them that the woods with which they were surrounded, not many years ago, resounded with the Indian yell, and howlings of wolves, but would hereafter echo canticles of joy and praises of God.

''He passed a merited encomium on the departed patriarchs of religions, Messrs. Jacob Dittoe, Joseph and Anthony, his brothers, and the old patriarch of the Somerset congregation, Mr. John Fink, of; who was a liberal benefactor in the erection of Trinity Church, besides donating to Father Fenwick the beautiful site on which that splendid gothic church now stands, in connection with the cemetery. In his discourse he observed that St. Joseph's was the Mother Church of all other Catholic churches dedicated in Ohio, or which in future would be dedicated in the Diocese of Cincinnati. On the very spot on which he stood, was the place from whence so many churches, as branches, spread out. Eleven in existence had been erected by his brethren of St. Joseph's, in various sections of the State. Now we have, in Perry county alone, eight organized congregations, all having churches, where the word of God and divine service, on all Sundays of the year, is celebrated, and the holy sacraments administered by resident pastors. Some of these churches are splendid Gothic buildings, excelled in size and beauty of architecture by few in the United States, namely: St. Joseph's, rent, St. Patrick's, and St. Louis. . Others will follow.

«The order has extended so rapidly, that the Fathers on these missions were sent to the East; Washington, New York, ete. In New York and Washington they have erected magnificent churches. St. Dominic's in South Washington, is said to be one of the most magnificent churches in the United States, - if not in size, in beauty of architecture, and is the largest in Washington. It was seven years building, has seven chapels attached to it, with granite stone brought from the celebrated quarry of Fort McHenry, near Baltimore, and stands on the spot where stood the barn of Notley Young, not far from his mansion on the Potomac, and where General Washington was honored as his guest, when surveying the District of Columbia and laying out the City of Washington. He donated to the Government the beautiful mall,

««The splendid church of St. Joseph's and the Convent attached to it, were burnt January 14th, 1862. It was erected by the Rev. Charles Montgomery, the Superior at the time the conflagration took place. The fire was supposed to be accidental. The walls of the church being very thick, were but slightly injured, and were very soon again roofed. The interior was finished off by lofty Gothic groins, supported by Gothic columns. The walls of the Convent being thin, suffered so much by the fire, as to be rendered unfit for further use, and were accordingly taken down. The present Convent, now occupied by the Fathers of St.Joseph's. and as a Theological College, was once a public college, educating many of the youths of Ohio, and patronized extensively from distant parts of the country.

'"The zealous Bishop, Dr. Fenwick, was an ardent promoter of education. Always intent in giving every encouragement to the education of youths of both sexes in his diocese; he had determined,'as soon as in his power, to establish a female academy in Perry county. Tor that purpose, he purchased in Somerset, of Mr. William Harper. his residence and lot of two acres of ground, opposite Trinity Church in Somerset. He obtained from the Sisters of St. Catharine's Convent, a celebrated academy, five of their community, to undertake the commencement of a mile academy. ?

''Accordingly, in January, 1830, the five mentioned Sisters, viz: Sister Angela Sansbery, Sister Emily Elder, Sister Benveri Sansbery, Sister Agnes Harlen and Sister Catharine Mudd, were conducted to Somerset by Rev. S. Montgomery, via Cincinnati, where they stopped a few days to arrange matters with the Rt. Rev. Bishop Fenwick. On their arrival in Somerset, some repairs and additions had to be made on the little house, before they could take possession of it as their residence. Mr. Peter Dittoe, a merchant of Somerset, kindly offered them hospitality, where they remained a month. This building. the commencement of St. Mary's, was a small brick house, with a carpenter shop-on the ground floor. In the shop, St. Mary's school commenced. 'The Sisters had every encouragement from the citizens of Somerset, and from the Rev. Fathers of St. Joseph's Convent. They also opened a Novitiate, anda lady from Green Bay, Miss Mary Greignew, and Miss Rose Lynch of Zanesville, Ohio, were their first novices. :

"St. Mary's, from the encouragement it received from the public, in a few years, erected a large academy, with a beautiful Gothic church attached, and continued prosperous until June 7th, 1866, when, by a defection of a flue through the roof of the church, it caught fire, and this splendid church and academy were consumed. A generous benefactor, Mr. Theodore Leonard, near Columbus, offered the Sisters forty acres of land, and all the materials necessary for the erection of an extensive academy, if they would locate on the proffered ground. This generous offer was accepted by the Sisters, and in 1868, the community of St. Mary's moved to their new home, a splendid house, about one hundred and fifty feet in length, with all conveniences attached. The Sisters dedicated it, as before, to the Mother of God, calling it St. Mary's of the Springs.

** Perhaps there is not a more beautiful site in Ohio for an academy, than that of St. Mary's of the Springs. It stands high and gives a fine view of the surrounding country. It abounds with springs of the best waters, and within view of the Somerset and Newark Railroad.