Union Township (part 1 of 4)

Union Township

Of the Republican vote, there are about two hundred and seventy-five colored vutes. So far as known, but one of these colored votes is other than Republican. Many of these colored citizens served in the Union army, and made good soldiers, the greater number moving into this township from different Southern States, mostly from Kentucky, during the war and since its close.

Our town and township has always been noted for its peaceable, quiet and orderly elections, notwithstanding the excitement ran high during the war and for some time afterward.

The Political Examiner , a Georgetown paper, under date September 24, 1840, contains the following announcement : " Once more unto the breach, once more! Grand rally at Ripley, Ohio, on the 30th instant. Preparation is already made to keep thousands of freemen - yea, all that may come - ' without money and without price.' Gen. Harrison will most positively be there, among other invited guests, life and health permitting."

Gen. Harrison came to Ripley as advertised, and one of the largest conventions ever held in the county was the result. They came from every quarter - from Hillsboro and Highland County, from Clermont County, from every nook and corner of Brown County, and thousands from Kentucky - they came in large canoes on wheels, with casks representing hard cider barrels, and, in short, the people were ablaze.

Pork Packing

Ripley was second in the number of hogs packed in the State in 1846 Cincinnati being the first. At the time referred to and for some time thereafter, most of the pork packed there went South in barrels, by flat-boats, known as " broad-horns." These boats carried about ten to twelve hundred barrels, and as many as ten to fifteen boats would leave here in a season for the cotton and sugar plantations of the South. All this trade is now changed. Steamboats and railroads carry most of such freight, and the bulk of the hog trade of Ohio for the Southern market centers in Cincinnati. Uncle James Carr, now living, aged eighty-seven and a half years, in full possession of all his faculties, and to-day (June 5, 1882), making out his pension papers as a soldier of the war of 1812, says he helped build some of these " broad horns" at Ripley. It was hard work, the sawing mostly done by hand. Sometimes a little " jower " occurred, only when some " extra " whisky was aboard.

There were from as early as 1826 up to the present time, engaged in the pork trade here, the following-named gentlemen, as well as others not now remembered: Bartlett, from Chillicothe, Thomas McCague, Archibald Liggett, Eli Collins, H. Thompson, Samuel Hemphill, John, Henry, Joseph William and R. P. Bennington, Josiah Frost, Charles Ridgway, D. H. Murphy, John Snedaker, Joseph Wiles, Sr., James Stephenson, Silas Bayne, Campbell Howard.

In 1847-48, Mr. Eli Collins, then and for many years before a sagacious and prominent business man of Ripley, engaged in the pork trade in addition to his large dry goods trade, the writer, then seventeen years of age, taking charge of the pork business as chief clerk. Hogs were very low that year; Mr. Collins bought largely; the great flood came on, and a large lot of pork, lard and other effects were lost in the river by reason of the floor of the building (where a great deal of pork, lard, etc., was stored) giving way, the building being built out upon the public landing, and at this time surrounded by water up to within two feet of the upper floor. Mr. Collins and myself were in this story; I wa3jweighing keg lard and marking it for shipment on the packet that day. The color getting too thick, I came out by a skiff used to get to and from the building for turpentine to thin the color, and while out the floor gave way like a mill hopper. Mr. Collins, with great difficulty, clambered up to a window sill, and was soon rescued. He lost heavily that year, and the depression of values, together with losses sustained in establishing a cottton factory at this place, forced him to succumb. Yet, no doubt, this grand and honorable business man would have arisen from the difficulties surrounding him if his former friends had supported him as they had done before. He was a public-spirited man, and died of a broken heart and shattered nerves.

Among the most successful pork merchants was Archibald Liggett, Esq. Bred a lawyer, skilled in general merchandising, and a close calculator, and above all an honest business man, he went upon the principle to sell at a reasonable profit. He was not like many who dealt in pork at this place, who, when the article advanced to a handsome margin, held on for more, and as it raised wanted more; finally, when it went down, down and down, held on till they were forced to sell for less than what their purchases amounted to.

Mr. Samuel Hemphill, now deceased, was generally conceded to be one of the best, if not the best, business man in Brown County. He engaged at different times during his long business career at this place in the pork trade, and was generally successful. He was seldom found with the losing party, for he kept well posted, and managed to get out before much loss was sustained. He was a public-spirited man, ever ready and foremost in any enterprise looking to the advancement of the town's interest and that of the public. He filled with honor official positions, never shrinking a duty; prompt, honest and pleasant, he died mourned by every true friend of our town.

The Horse Trade

We are informed by Mr. Robert Fulton that he and his brother, Andrew Fulton, now deceased, engaged in buying and selling horses from 1841 to the death of Mr. A. Fulton in 1873, and Robert Fulton to the present date (July, 1882). From 1842 to 1855, thirteen years, they bought stallions and mares, and transported them to Cuba, selling them there at fine prices. They made usually three trips in a year, sometimes four. From that time (1855), Cubans came here and made large purchases through the Fuitons of horses suitable for omnibuses, volantes and carriages in their country. Mr. A. Fulton and his brother Robert made many trips to Mexico with horses - principally matched pairs. They sold a Canadian horse, "Smuggler," for $1,665. These men were splendid judges of horseflesh. Mr. Robert Fulton lately returned from Philadelphia, where he disposed of a lot of sixteen fine horses at very fair prices. These were selected in our own county and Kentucky.

Mr. Edmund Martin, of Eagle Creek, has been for many years engaged in buying up for the Eastern market the best specimens of draft horses, and at times harness horses for the same market.

Our people pay a great deal more attention now than years ago to breeding, not only horses, but all kinds of stock. They have found out that it pays to breed from the best specimens, and a little time spent in handling horses is not lost.

For the past two years, monthly stock sales have been held at Ripley, and a great number of horses a id other stock disposed of by our farmers and dealers in stock to buyers from Cincinnati, New York and other points. These sales are held on the last Saturday of each month, bringing a great throng of people y to our town, and consequently resulting in an increase of business.

Statistics

The following levies have been made by the Trustees of the township, by the Board of Education of the township, by the Town Council of Ripley and by the School Board of Ripley, from 1853 to 1882, to wit:

In 1856, a poll tax of 50 cents on each dog, and $1 on each female dog was levied by the Council, but our recollection is that it was easier to levy than to collect. The experimenUhas not been again tried by the town authorities, but all must admit that the State dog tax law works well; worthless curs are becoming scarce, and so far a great nuisance abated, and many dollars saved in sheep.

The following is taken from the returns made by W. W. Kirkpatrick, the Township Assessor of Union Township, to the Auditor of said county, May, 1882:

Fossil Remains And Other Curiosities

In the year 1869, Mr. W. H. Dunn, owner of a sand bank on the south side of Red Oak Creek, some 300 yards from its mouth, found imbedded in this bank some fifteen feet below the surface, what proved to be a mammoth tusk, probably that of a mastodon. It was unfortunately broken in three pieces in its removal, and measured at its thickest point seven inches, and was doubtless originally fourteen feet long. On being exposed to the air. it became soft and crumbly. Correspondence was had with the great showman, P. T. Barnum, and a bargain made for its shipment to him at New York, which was done, ho sending a draft in favor of Mr Dunn for $50 on its receipt.

Mr. Benjamin Sidwell, living within three miles of Ripley, has in his possession a molar tooth, found in Eagle Creek bottom, measuring ten inches long, four inches thick and nine inches wide, and which when found weighed twelve and one-half pounds, and, in all probability, was a grinder in the ponderous jaw of the mastodon to which the wonderful tusk belonged. There was also found at what was the old ford over Red Oak Creek, at now the east end of Third street, on the Ripley and Aberdeen County road, a scapula or shoulder blade or bone of what was believed to be one of the parts of the monster referred to. This and other valuable relics were collected by Mrs. Elizabeth Allen (now deceased), and kept as a museum at the corner of Second and Market street for a number of years. At her death, occurring about fifteen years ago, these curiosities, and there were many, some very rare and valuable, were distributed here and there, and doubtless a great number are now destroyed. Many of the most valuable were presented by Mrs. Allen's son, Lieut. L. C. Allen, to the university at Delaware, Ohio.

There was found several years ago on the farm of Mr. Benjamin Sidwell, in this township, a large stone pipe made of solid granite, which was nine inches long, bowl and stem to where it was formed for reed or mouth piece; the bowl was nearly two inches in diameter, and was in a good state of preservation when found. Mr. Sidwell parted with it to a curiosity seeker some years since.

Many Indian darts, stone hammers, axes and the like have been found in various parts of the township, mostly on Eagle Creek. Between the mouths of Eaglo Creek and Red Oak Creek the river bank on the Ohio side has been washing away at a rapid rate, and has now reached a point in the wide and fertile valley land where the ancient dead were buried. Skeletons, pottery and other pre-historic remains are being constantly washed out into the river. Whose skeletons and by whose hands were formed this pottery must ever remain unknown. Doubtless the sacred and hallowed spot was nearly a quarter mile from the Ohio River at ordinary stage of water.

There are several of these hallowed grounds in Union Township. One at Pisgah, on the hill back of Levanna; one known as "Howard's," east of Rip- ley about two miles; one at "Red Oak;" one at "Fitch's Chapel," on Eagle Creek, and several other church and private graveyards and lots. Besides these, there was laid out by the Town Council of Ripley a beautiful cemetery of grounds adjoining the fair grounds, purchased of Mr. David Espy in 1855, containing six acres; the lots having been disposed of, necessitated the purchase of additional grounds, which was made the present year (1882), consisting of six acres adjoining the other, now being improved after a beautiful plan in a most handsome manner. The " old graveyards, " as they were known, above spoken of, are kept in repair by the township authorities from funds raised by taxation upon the real and personal property of the township. The Ripley Cemetery was and is the property of the village of Ripley, and is kept up and controlled by it. The revenues derived from sale of lots are used in protecting the grounds and beautifying the same. The remains of many in terred in the old burying- ground at Ripley have been removed to the new cemetery. In the old lot and in country yards are buried the remains of many of our earliest settlers.

These old grounds are inclosed by substantial fences, but the untrimmed trees and undergrowth, with the moss-covered tablets and leaning stones, bring sad recollections of how many die and are soon forgotten.

Banks In Ripley

The " Farmers' Branch of the State Bank of Ohio " was organized at Ripley, Ohio, being the first bank in Brown County, in August, 1847, capital stock, $100,000, and continued to transact business about eighteen years. The first President was A. Leggett, and its first Cashier D. P. Evans, who so continued until the closing up of the bank's business. A. J. Stivers was first clerk and teller, and served during all of the time of the bank. Mr. A. Leggett, Mr. Thomas McCague and Mr. James Gilliland severally served this bank as its honored Presidents. It was ably managed, and had the confidence of the public. The writer has many times seen Peter Kinney, then of Portsmouth, Ohio, come off the packet with his black carpet sack, and wend his way to this bank with large bundles of its issue, and go away with his sack filled with gold and silver, then at a small premium. Sometimes he had it hauled away by dray in half- barrel, boxes and bags of silver. Once as high as $20,- 000 of its paper was presented, and that sum in gold and New York exchange promptly paid over its counter.

The First National Bank of Ripley, Ohio, was organized in February, 1864; capital $100,000; afterward increased to $150,000; since then, in April 1879, reduced to $100,000. Its first President was Hon. John T. Wilson, who has continued in that position until the present time. Its first Cashier was Mr. John Bennington, a man highly esteemed for his integrity; he served until his failing health made it impossible to remain longer, and he gave up the position in 1869. He died February 20, 1873. Mr. W. T. Galbreath, its present Cashier, was chosen May 12, 1869. This corporation owns its banking building, a handsome and safe structure with fire-proof vault, double combination lock and burglar-proof safe. The charter expires February 24, 1883. It has enjoyed from the beginning every confidence of the public, and its affairs have been exceptionally well managed, particularly so since Mr. Galbreath's connection with the bank.

The Farmers' National Bank of Ripley, Ohio, was organized February, 1865, and chartered for twenty years, expiring February, 1885; capital $200,000, since reduced to $100,000. Dr. Alfred Beasley, now deceased, was its first President; Daniel P. Evans, Cashier, who continued to serve in that capacity until his death, January 1, 1877. Since then, Dr. E. R. Bell has been its Cashier. James

Gilliland became its President on the death of A. Beasley, and from death of Mr. Gilliland Hon. Chambers Baird has filled that honorable and responsible position. All its first officers are dead. Mr. A. J. Stivers officiated as teller from the organization up to his election as Assistant Cashier, and is now filling that honorable station. This bank has been well managed.

Savings Bank. - McMillen & Reynolds, drygoods merchants, together with some of the farmers on Red Oak, organized a private bank in the year 1852, and continued with divers changes in the management and in stockholders till June, 1876, at which time it suspended, and its affairs were administered upon by officers under assignment laws of the State of Ohio, but afterward closed up under the general bankrupt laws of the United States. The loss to the depositors in Brown County and Adams County, as well as those of Mason County, Ky. (opposite Ripley), was great, and a general shock thrilled the community.

Underground Railroad

Ripley has yet no railroad, but we have fair prospects for an early connection by rail with the outside world. It is confidently believed that work will soon be commenced on a standard gauge road connecting Huntington and Cincinnati through this county, along the Ohio River bank. But the town of Ripley was and is known far and wide as the place where the Underground Railroad had its mouth or entrance. On the high hill some 300 feet above the level overlooking the quiet village stands as of yore the old residence of Rev. John Rankin, who is still living at the ripe age of eighty-nine years. This building, if it could speak, could tell many adventures and hair-breadth escapes. At a window from dark to daybreak was ever the beacon light, easily seen from the Kentucky hills and the river bank, to which star of hope the fugitive's eye rested with delight - once here all was safe. Hundreds of escaped slaves have been fed, secreted and ticketed at and from this depot for Canada. There were plenty of stations along the route through Brown County, where aid and comfort was never denied. Mrs. Stowe, in " Uncle Tom's Cabin," draws upon facts transpiring at this place for that thrilling passage in relation to Eliza's flight, pursuit and perilous escape across the Ohio River. As an evidence of the truth of the statement, a member of Rev. John Rankin's family, his son, Capt. Richard C. Rankin, informs the writer that the river had been frozen over for some time, and people crossing on it. She, coming to the Kentucky bank through the snow at what is known as " Stony Point" (near the Asa Anderson farm, just opposite the Red Oak Creek mouth), and knowing the river to be frozen over, at once stepped into the slush and snow covering the ice, and crossed over safely to Crosby's Point; here she dropped the child's petticoat, which was picked up by the Crosbys the next day. Her pursurers tracked her to where she went into the river, as they supposed, for the weather changed suddenly warm, and the ice melted so that none was to be seen the next day on the arrival of the fiends who were hunting her down.

The War Of The Rebellion

The following commands, as near as we can ascertain, were actively engaged during the rebellion: Company H, Twelfth Ohio Volunteer 'Infantry, was almost entirely made up of the youth and middle-aged men of Union Township. At a meeting of the citizens, held at the old Methodist Episcopal Church on Third street, to discuss and prepare for duty under the exciting situation, Fort Sumter having been fired upon by the enemy, a courier came hastily into the church and announced a telegram, saying that Col. Anderson had surrendered the fort! The meeting then adjourned to Armstrong's hall, where speeches and appeals were made, resulting in the formation of a company (afterward Company H, Twelfth Regiment), with Gen. A rumen, then a resident of Ripley, as its Captain. The next day he went to Columbus, and tendered to the Governor the company, which was accepted. On his return, the company proceeded to Camp Dennison, and on the formation of the regiment, Capt. Ammen was made its Lieutenant Colonel. Soon after, he was transferred, and became the Colonel of the Twenty- fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Company B, Thirty- fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was mainly made up of our best citizens. Also Battery F, First Ohio Light Artillery, and Company E, Seventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. Quite a number were in the Eightyninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the Fifty-ninth, Ninety-first and Seventieth, and Company K, One Hundred and Eighty- eighth Infantry. A number also were in the gunboat service, and in the Tenth and Sixteenth Kentucky Infantry, and a large number in the One Hundredth Massachusetts and other colored regiments, as also in other commands, many going into regiments where largest bounty was offered. An active home guard was regularly organized under the militia laws of the State, and did much valuable duty on the border; in addition, there was formed a company of old gray-headed sires known as the "Silver Grays;" the United States musket was altered to raised sight and long range; equipped and with ammunition to match, these old soldiers drilled, stood picket and served in raids when called out, which was frequently the case, not flinching, but eager for the fray. Many amusing incidents might be related, showing how ignorant bankers, clerks, lawyers and many mechanics and others were in the modus operandi of loading and firing their arms.

As regiment after regiment ascended the Ohio River on their way to Virginia, the loyal ladies, men and children thronged River street, with flags, booming cannon and music, cheering on the gallant defenders of our dear old flag. The reputation of Ripley;s people for loyalty, liberality and hospitality and sacrifices during this long and painful struggle in the cause of right is well and favorably known throughout all this section of the county, and many officers and soldiers of the grand old Union army, not only hereabouts, but now in other States, would gladly say amen to all that we have said in this behalf. A long list of officers and soldiers from this township might be here inserted, who lost their lives on the tented field, but the history of the war is the prope® place for details. Me, however, give the list, so far as we can, of those whose remains were moved here from the field of battle, and those who have died since, and are buried in the beautiful Ripley Cemetery. It is as follows: Hiram Palmer, John Dawson, Isadore Schneider, W. W. Liggett, C. P. Evans, Thomas Evans. Dnfore Young. Harry Patterson, John Derstine, "William Shedd, William Devore, A. S. Liggett, Henry Butler, Harvey McNish, Saylem Mayfield, John McNish, Oliver Carr, Henry Sacker. Samuel Stallcup, Henry Zeller, Robert Wright. Nelson Mayfield, Wendell Mischler, Thomas O. Adkins, Samuel Horton, George W. Ross, John Fox. R. Keith, Daniel Fox, G. W. Shaw, William Tomlinson. R. C. Peters, William Lynch, A. M. Ridgway, James Guy, J. Turney, Fred Lewring, Ed Crosby, S. Thompson, James Thompson, Abe Williams, B. F. Crosby. C. S Bradford, E. J. Ramsy, Joe M. Johns. Ira Shaw. John Butts, Alfred Bartlett, Thomas Crawford, N. Wright. R. Easterby, Charles Stacy, Henry Moore, Theodore Cook. Marion Helmet, Ed Fields, William De Pugh, John Woodward, James Wanumser, Jerry Young, Lewis Cook, John Evans, James Hedges. John Dunham, S. B. Coleman, H. C. Lane. In addition to the above, of soldiers in the war of 1812, we find monuments to the memory of Robert Conn. Lieut. Peter Shaw, St. Clair Ross and William Sparks.

Ripley Fair

The late Mr. Alexander Campbell, of this county, was the pioneer in Brown County agricultural fairs. He, with Mr. Reason Shepherd, George Snedaker and others of Red Oak, received their first lessons at the Ohio State Fair, held at Cincinnati in September, 1850, and the following winter plans were made to organize a Brown County Agricultural Society, and an adjunct to the State Board. The first fair was held in the town hall (now school building) of Ripley for the show of fruits, flowers, domestic manufactures and light mechanical work, etc. , whilst the exhibition of stock took place in what was known as the " horseshoe bend " in Red Oak Creek, adjoining Ripley. This fair proved a success, both as to finances and as an organization. According to previous understanding among the friends of the enterprise, the fairs were to be held alternate!) at Ripley, Russellville and Georgetown. The next fair was held at Russellville: but at the Ripley fair previous it was suggested that the election for officers ought to be held at Georgetown, in order, as a speaker said, to interest the people up there in the fair; it was so ordered, and at that election (an unusually bitter cold day) very few persons were enabled to attend from this part of the county, and the result was that a Board of Directors was chosen in favor of locating permanently the fair at Georgetown.

The fair at Russellville proved a success, and being compelled to either submit to a total disregard of the founders of the institution in relation to what was considered an element of strength, to wit: the migratory feature, or set up for themselves, the real workers and friends of the enterprise called a meeting to be held at the town hall in Ripley on February 17, 1853. At this meeting, the following preamble to the constitution afterward adopted appears of record:

Whereas, Agriculture, horticulture and the mechanic arts are the oldest, the most honorable, profitable and healthful employments in which man can engage, and are essential to our happiness, prosperity and independence as a community; therefore, for the purpose of improvement in these arts and sciences, and for our own elevation and improvement in knowledge as agriculturists and mechanics, we associate ourselves together and adopt the following constitution.

"Under this arrangement, horticultural and annual fairs were held up-to 1854. Then is was that our public-spirited men, A. Leggett, S. Hemphill, D. P. Evans, C. Baird, C. Ridgway, A. B. Martin, David Dixon, H. Kellogg. George Sibbald, Alexander Campbell, John Porter, B. E. Tweed, J. A. Campbell, F. F. Shaw, A. Dunlap, J. Kelley, R. N. Jenkins, C. F. Campbell, David Gaddis, W. B. Campbell, R. P. Bennington, Robert Fulton, Samuel Martin, A. Fulton, J. Bennington and others, saw the importance of the fair to the town and vicinity and to the community at large, and grounds were purchased adjoining Ripley (the present beautiful grounds (and August 4, 1855, a joint-stock company was formed, stock subscribed, 50 per cent called in at once, and contracts let for fencing, erecting buildings, etc., all of which was accomplished, and the first fair under the new organization held October 8, 9, 10 and 11, 1855. With the exception of the years 1861, 1862 and 1863, when from our border position during the rebellion it was thought nob advisable to hold fairs, the association has held annually these exhibitions, and has kept pace with the growing interest of the same, increasing the premiums, and offering additional inducements and beautifying the grounds, until now this ranks among the foremost in Southern Ohio. This fair may now be styled an Ohio and Kentucky fair. Some of the stockholders and officers reside in Kentucky, and, as is well known, much of the fine stock and many handsome articles exhibited at this fair come from that State.

These grounds comprise twelve acres lying in the beautiful valley of the Ohio River above Ripley. A growth of twenty-one years in maple, cherry, locust and other shade trees adorn the premises. A floral hall, octagon, eighty feet in diameter, in the handsomest style of architecture; a mechanical hall, large, airy and well arranged; a dining hall, with kitchen and other arrangements in hotel style; a lady's dressing room; over one hundred stalls for horses and cattle, besides pens, etc., for sheep and hogs; booths, officers' quarters, etc., ail in artistic beauty, and "the airy, fairy and most beautifully arranged band and Judges' stand, the finest in Southern Ohio. All combined make this one of the most attractive fair grounds in Ohio.

All this has been accomplished, not in a day, but by the untiring energy of the farmer, stock-raiser, artisan, mechanic, and lover of the fine arts during the long period of a score or more years, and by the efficiency of the Board of Managers, most of whom have had charge of its interests for years, and therefore justly entitled to the honors.

Much of the above information is obtained by an examination of the records kept by F. F. Shaw, the present Secretary, who, with the exception of two years, has officiated in that capacity since 1853.

Ripley Gas Light And Coke Company

This company was organized in the spring of 1860, and work commenced at once. A gentleman by the name of Runyan, a practical gas-works man, came here and superintended the construction of the works, assisted by Mr. Nathaniel Cradit, the present efficient Superintendent. On the 27th day of September, 1860, the gas works buildings were completed, and seventy-five dwelling houses and sixteen village street lamps lighted by gas.

The first officers were Chambers Baird, James Reynolds, Mr. Runyan, Daniel P. Evans and N. Cradit, Directors. Of these, C. Baird was chosen President; N. Cradit, Secretary, Treasurer and Superintendent of the works.

Gas is now furnished to private consumers at $2.50 per thousand feet. A special extract is made between the company and the Town Council of Ripley for gas at a specified price per post for a given number of nights in the month, and certain hours of the several days of the month when gas is used. This contract is only by the year, and changes as different persons compose each succeeding Council, and price of coal changes.

Ripley Building And Savings Association

We, the undersigned citizens of Brown County, Ohio, do hereby associate ourselves together to become a body corporate under the sixty third, sixty-fourth and sixty-fifth sections of "An act to provide for the creation and regulation of incorporated companies in the State of Ohio," passed May 1, 1852, for the purpose of raising money to be loaned among the members and depositors, for use in buying lots or houses, building and repairing houses, and for other purposes, under the provision of an act passed May 9, 1868.

In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals, this 17th day of March, A. D. 1873. Signed: Samuel Gregg, M. J. Chase, J T. Creekbaum, B. S. Norris, John K. Greenhow, Harvey Palmer, J. K. Yance, F. M. Green, J. P. Parker. Then follows a certificate of F. F. Shaw, Justice of the Peace, of the acknowledgment of these persons, etc., of same date. Then follows the certificate of R. H. Higgins, Clerk of Court of Common Pleas of Brown County, as to commission and signature of said Justice. This

America, Ohio, Office of Secretary of State. I, A. T. Wikoff, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true copy of the certificate of incorporation of the "Ripley Building and Savings Association," filed in this office on the 28th day of March, A. D. 1873. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the great seal of the State of Ohio, at Columbus, the 28th day of March, A. D. 1873.

The first officers of the association were S. Gregg, President; Dr. E. R. Bell, Vice President; F. F. Shaw, Secretary; J. Reynolds, Treasurer; Directors, W. L. Mockbee,, William Maddox, B. S. Norris, J. K. Yance and J.K. Greenhow. The first meeting was held April 14, 1873. There were 517 shares actually subscribed, making $103,400. The amount paid weekly is 25 cents upon each share, and 10 cents monthly on each share. By the accumulation of these small sums, which were weekly loaned out; the small sums not otherwise loanable were put out upon interest, this not only being safely deposited, but drawing a small interest. By this means many poor sewing women and the wise young men of the place have noW a small sum saved which would otherwise have been spent foolishly in all probability. The last annual report shows that the association will dissolve within a few months. The President and Secretary have continued in their respective offices from the beginning to the present time. The present Board is composed as follows: Presidents. Gregg; Vice President, J. Kelly; Secretary, F. F. Shaw;

Trades And Professions

Meat dealers - Helbling & Keowler, George Frank, John Schwallie, Jacob Geiger, Martin Wetzel. There are cattle and stock dealers not included in the above.

Chapter Iii

LEWIS TOWNSHIP, one of the largest into which Brown County is divided, is located in the southwest corner of the county, and is bounded on the north by Clark Township, on the east by Pleasant Township, on the south by the Ohio River, and on the west by Clermont County. Prior to tho formation of Brown County, it constituted one of the subdivisions of Clermont, but then embraced a much greater scope of territory than at present. It was organized from Washington Township, by the Commissioners of Clermont County, June 2, 1807. It is said to have received its name from one of its earliest pioneers, who settled near its western boundary, but subsequently moved to Batavia, Clermont County.

The township has an area of more than twenty-six thousand acres. Originally there was but one vo ing-place - at Barr's Schoolhouse, District No. 8 - but afterward, through the efforts of Higginsport, two precincts, were formed, and the elections are now held at Higginsport and Feesburg.

The surface is greatly diversified with hill and dale, and renders artificial drainage unnecessary. White Oak Creek, forming the eastern boundary of the township, drains the eastern part, and Bullskin Creek, with its little tributaries, the central and western. Bullskin Creek was so named by one Richardson, an early settler, from the fact that, near the mouth of the stream, in early pioneer times, he discovered a bovine integument dangling from the branches of a tree. He supposed that the body of the animal had lodged there during a freshet.

Narrow, fertile valleys skirt the Ohio and the streams of the township, and from them hills rise to an altitude of 400 to 500 feet, in many instances very abruptly. At short intervals, these hills are traversed upward and backward from the stream by deep and precipitous ravines, reaching their source two or three miles inland, where the land becomes rolling. A fine growth of timber, comprising poplar, ash, walnut, beech and other varieties covered this territory originally, but the more valuable varieties have been almost entirely felled to satisfy the demands of commerce.

The soil consists chief! r of alternate strata of clay and limestone, and is highly productive. The land is very valuable, is under cultivation generally, except where the hillsides are too steep.

The first crops raised were corn and wheat, but, about 1840, the attention of the farming community was directed to tobacco-growing, and that article has now become the leading crop. Corn and wheat, however, are still raised in quantities sufficient for home consumption. About two million pounds of tobacco are annually produced in this township, which, in point of quality, is unsurpassed It commands an average price of 12 to 18 cents per pound.

Gushing springs abound in all parts of the township, and furnish generous supplies of pure water. Deep wells are bored in places, but on the highest bluffs sometimes they have a depth of from eight to twelve feet only.

Blue limestone is the principal mineral, and is usually found beneath a stratum of gray limestone. The blue variety, when properly burned, produces a good quality of lime, while the gray is valuable only for building purposes Beds of gravel are interspersed between the layers of stone, and, underneath the lowest, at the base of the hill, is a compact soapstone or blue clay, impervious to water. Few bowlders are to be seen in this region, but many flat stones, of a sandy, gray limestone nature, lie scattered over the surface. They are removed by the farmers and placed in large heaps, and in many instances are utilized for fencing.

Iron ore is of minor value. On the farm of William W. Clark, near the Shinkle's Ridge Church, an ore is found which, upon analysis, is found to contain 10 per centum iron.

Evidences of the pre-his£oric race are found here, generally in mounds. One of the largest, on the farm of Lewis Bolender, conical in shape, has an altitude of about fifteen feet, and a diameter at its base of sixty-five or seventy feet. Several of the smaller ones have been excavated, and the internal structure found to be homogeneous in character. A few stone implements were discovered in them.

Pioneer Settlement

The history of the first white settlement of a township is not always indicated by the records of the first resident landholders. The first little clearings were often made by hunters and backwoodsmen, who preceded the purchasers of the soil in their occupancy of the land. Vestiges of these pioneers seldom remain, and their fame is usually unsung and their names unknown.

Alexander Hamilton is believed to have been the first settler in Lewis Township. He was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, and is thought to have emigrated to America about the close of the Revolution, and to this township early in the last decade of the eighteenth century. He took a "squatter's claim" about two miles from the ferry, on the farm now owned by Joseph Clark. In 1795, he sold his claim to Joseph Clark, Sr., but remained in the vicinity until 1803. He then settled in Ross County, where he died in 1830. He had a family of five children, and a grandson, George Richardson, still lives at Feesburg.

Joseph Clark, Sr., to whom Hamilton sold his squatter's title, was the second known settler. He emigrated, with his wife and six children, from Pennsylvania, in 1795. It seems that Hamilton had lived mostly by hunting, and had made few, if any, improvements. It became necessary for Mr. Clark, on his arrival, to erect a substantial log cabin, which he proceeded forthwith to do, with the aid of his boys. It was small, and built of round logs, and still exists as a part of the residence of Joseph Clark, Jr., the grandson of the builder. Pioneer life began in earnest in this forest cabin, and the dense wilderness surrounding it gradually disappeared under the sturdy blows of the emigrant's ax, and was replaced by fields of golden grain Wild game and hominy was the usual bill of fare. The corn-cracker and hominy-block were two of the chief instruments in use In about five years, a grist-mill was placed in operation on White Oak Creek, where the corn for the family was ground until 1807, when Mr. Clark built one on Bullskin. He also built a copper still about this time, the second one in the township. Here Mr. Clark remained till his death, which occurred soon after the close of the war of 1812. He possessed winning business qualities, and was respected and esteemed by all who knew him. His hospitality was always open to those who stood in need of it. Mrs. Clark survived him only a few years.

John Clark, his oldest son, was born in Pennsylvania February 22, 1785, and was consequently ten years old when he came to Ohio with his father. As the oldest child, he became his father's chief assistant in developing the farm, and performed most of the manual labor in digging the mill-race in 1807. He was married, March 17, 1807, to Nellie Ryan, who was born in Kentucky November 28, 1787. Eleven children were born unto them. Mr. Clark followed farming through life, and both he and his wife were shining lights in the Presbyterian Church. He died April l9, 1853, and his wife survived until December 12, 1869.

William W. Clark, Sr., another son of Joseph Clark, was born in Northumberland County, Penn., in September, 1789. In his pioneer home, he developed a liking for the art of grinding, and became a successful miller, and, with his energy and industry, a prominent citizen and business man. He was repeatedly elected County Commissioner. He was an ardent worker in the Presbyterian Church, and for a score of years served his church as Elder. He was called hence March 3, 1877. Mr. Clark was thrice married; first, to Rebecca Commons, of Virginia; consumption caused her death, and six children were left as the fruits of this union. His second wife, Martha Mofford, survived her nuptials only eighteen months. He was married, in 1845, to his third wife, Elizabeth McKee, whose maiden name was Ryan. She is still living at this writing, an active lady of eighty -four years.

In 1797, George Richardson, his wife and five children, Margaret, Sarah, Nancy, Lemuel and Mary, joined the Lewis Township settlement. In 1794, they left the Potomac in Maryland for the West, and reached Manchester Island, Adams Co., Ohio, by a flat-boat. Here the daughter Mary was born. The following year, they pressed on to the mouth of Bullskin Creek, and, two years later, came to this township, and purchased land in Graham's Survey. Mr. Richardson died here a few years later, and his widow subsequently married John Simms.

Lemuel Richardson, the only son of George, was born in Maryland July 4, 1785, came to Ohio' with his father, and died here February 22, 1865. When eighteen years old, he married Nancy, daughter of Alexander Hamilton, and by her had nine children. For a second wife hg chose Mary Lapole, the marriage resulting in a family of seven children. His third and last matrimonial engagement was consummated with Elizabeth Shaw, and eight children blessed this union. Mr. Richardson was through life a farmer. He was a patriot in the war of 1812, and participated in the battles of Tippecanoe and Lower Sandusky. In the latter he was wounded, and his wife went to him on horseback from her home at Feesburg, and brought him home. By religious faith he was a Presbyterian.

Prior to 1800, John Corothers, with his family, consisting of wife and two children, John and Mary, came from Pennsylvania and took up a squatter's abode on the D. Stephenson Survey. They were of German extraction, and subsisted mainly from the products of the rifle. About 1812, they migrated to Indiana.

In 1798 came Peter Emery and Charles Baum, with their families, from Pennsylvania, both settling on the farm now owned by John Heizer. They leased the land and remained until 1804, when Emery settled below Batavia, Clermont County, where he died. Baum, about the same time, purchased the farm now owned by William Tolin, in the forks of the Bullskin Creek, and there spent the remainder of his life. Both were natives of Germany, and both Lutherans.

The same year, Conrad Metzger entered the township, with his wife and two children, Samuel and Barbara. He was the son of Jacob Metzger, a native of Germauy, who emigrated to America when a youth, and served in the Revolution, afterward, about 1800, settling near Chillicothe, where he died. Conrad was born in New Jersey in 1772, and raised in Pennsylvania, where he married Margaret, daughter uf Charles Baum. On coming to Ohio, he first settled on the farm now owned by John W. Hook, where he cleared, in two years, twenty acres of land. In 1800, he purchased 100 acres of unbroken timber land, a part of the farm now owned by Joseph Metzger, and soon had a little cabin erected and corn patch cleared. Buck-skin was the chief article of raiment until deer became scarce, when flax was introduced as a substitute. Mr. Metzger accumulated property until he had 600 acres, earned by severe toil and strict economy. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian Church. He died in 1864, aged ninety-two years; she, in 1858, aged seventynine years. Of their nine children, three are now living.

About 1799 or 1800, Nehemiah Mathews, a widower, of English extraction but Virginian birth, came to the township with live chi Idren - Sally, Nehemiah, Mary, John and Nancy. He settled in D. Stephenson's Survey, about a mile and a half west of the ferry, and, soon after, married Nancy Bonaville. Their only child was Henry. Nehemiah, Sr., and wife, about 1830, moved near the present site of Eden Church, where both died, he in 1867, aged about ninety years.

Nehemiah Mathews, Jr., was reared in this township, and served sixty days in the war of 1812, in the Detroit and Toledo campaign. In 1821, he married Rebecca Floral, who died, leaving him four children. In 1835, he married Sarah, daughter of Peter Barr.

Col. Robert Higgins was one of the earliest and one of the most prominent public-spirited men of Lewis Township and of Brown County. He was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., about the middle of the last century. His father, Robert Higgins, was a native of Dublin, Ireland, and, at the age of ten years, entered a vessel as cabin boy; afterward married the Captain's daughter, Hannah Vanzant, and obtained command of the ship. In after years, he settled in New York; later in Pennsylvania, where he died. Young Robert grew to manhood in his native State, and moved to Virginia, where he married a Miss Wright. When the Revolutionary war opened, he raised a company, and soon rose to the rank of 'Colonel. At the battle of Germantown, he was taken prisoner and confined in New York Harbor, and subsequently at Long Island. He returned to his home on the Potomac, in Virginia, about the time of Cornwallis' surrender, and there married his second wife, Mary Jollifle, who was born and raised near Winchester, that State In 1798, they moved West, lived a year in Kentucky, opposite his survey in Lewis Township; then, in the spring of 1799, he crossed the river, and occupied a rude cabin on the site of Higginsport. Here, in the year 1800, was born to them a son, John J., father of Robert Higgins, for many years Clerk of the Court of Brown County. Col. Higgins was eminently identified with the interests of Lewis Township for many years. During the first few years, he was engaged in clearing his farm. His wife died in 1806, leaving three children - Robert, who died in the West; John J., who died at Georgetown; and Lydia, who was the wife of Gen. Thomas L. Hamer. Col. Higgins died in 1825.

Stephen Bolender, his wife and their nine children - Peter, Henry, Barbara, Catharine, Jacob, Elizabeth, Christian, Stephen and Joseph - settled in the township in 1800. He was of German descent, and born in Pennsylvania about 1750. He purchased 200 acres near the ferry, and, soon after, lost his wife. Both he and his wife were blacksmiths, and were perhaps the first to follow the trade here. He afterward married Elizabeth Fetterman, a native of Maryland, and, in a few years, moved to Taylor's Survey, buying first 1,342 acres and afterward adding 600 more. He was a local minister of the Dunkard faith and labored zealously for his church. He possessed a strong mind, will and constitution, and had a special admiration for a truthful man. His death occurred about 1821, and his wife survived him several years. By his two marriages he had fourteen children. Before death, he divided his extensive real estate by lot among his children. They all settled in this vicinity, though some in Clermont County.

Stephen Bolender, Jr., son of the above pioneer, was born June 6, 1800. At the age of nineteen, he married Rebecca Hancock. He was a life-long farmer and resident of Brown County. He was a man of unquestioned principle and integrity, and in manner was unostentatious and unassuming. His death occurred December 12, 1871, his wife surviving him. Both adhered to the Christian Church. Nine of their children are now living.

With the advent of the new century, the settlements increased more rap idly. John York settled about this time on White Oak Creek, in Col. Higgins' Survey. He remained here till his death, in 1832.

Samuel Tatman, with his wife and son James, came about 1800 or 1801, from Kentucky, and settled in E. Taylor's Survey, No. 1,659, but, in 1812 or thereabouts, moved near the site of Feesburg He is said to have served in the war of 1812. Jacob Miller, Henry Wise, Sr., Henry Wise, Jr., and James Roney were also among the early arrivals.

John Boude was a widely known and kindly remembered character of early times. He was born near Lancaster, Penn., November 20, 1765, of Irish and French extraction. He married Ann Thame in 1793, and, three years later, they, with their son Samuel, came down the Ohio in a flat-boat from Pittsburgh to Maysville, then Limestone, Ky. Four years of pioneer toil were spent in that State, and in 1800 Boude purchased 400 acres in Lewis Township and moved thither. A modest little cabin was constructed about two hundred feet west of the present ferry landing, but it has long since been washed away by the waters of the Ohio. A brick edifice succeeded it in 1817, the first residence of the kind in this region. As early as 1800, Boude opened a ferry from the present site of Augusta, Ky., to the Ohio side, and landed many pioneers on Brown County soil. As early as 1820, he erected a warehouse at this point, and purchased grain, bacon, flour and whisky, boating them down the river. He superintended agricultural pursuits through life, possessed a vigorous constitution and keen eyesight, and was one of Brown County's most enterprising citizens, always ready to assist in any public improvements. He was appointed the first Sheriff of Clermont County. In religious belief he was a Presbyterian. He died July 21, 1841, and his wife survived him fourteen years. Their descendants are widely scattered. One grandson is Judge J. H. Boude, of Augusta, Ky.

Toward the close of the last century, William Park and family emigrated from Ireland to America, locating in Pennsylvania. About 1800, he came to this township, settling on Shinkle's Ridge, in Graham's Survey. They had twelve children in all, the last born while they were en route for Brown County, but only eight came with them here from Pennsylvania. He died in 1836, aged ninety-five years. He was a member of the Masonic order, and for many years Justice of the Peace. John Park, a son, came from Pennsylvania in 1819, and settled near his father. He held the post office at his residence for some time.

Leonard Metzger, brother of Conrad, emigrated from Pennsylvania about 1802; leased the farm now owned by William Sargent; married Barbara, daughter of Charles Baum, and a few years later, purchased a home near Felicity, in Clermont County, and removed there. In 1828, he purchased 168 acres in E. Stevens' Survey, and returned to this township, where he died November 20, 1861.

Charles Canary was born near Linningen, Germany, in 1744. Prior to 1776, he came to America, and served under Washington throughout the entire struggle for American independence. He married Margaret Swyer, at Philadelphia, March 31, 1777, and in 1790 they settled in Washington, Ky. March 16, 1804, he brought his family to Lewis Township, purchasing the farm now owned by John W. Hook, where both he and his wife died. He was among the early Justices, and, though he possessed some peculiar traits, was honored and esteemed. His son William, born in Washington, Ky. , May 27, 1797, married Elizabeth Ross July 20, 1820, succeeded his father in the old homestead, and died March 2, 1865, leaving a large family.

In 1805, Christian Shinkle and family moved to the township. Henry Mohn, who had married the oldest daughter, accompanied them. Mr. Shinkle was of German descent, and was born and raised near Philadelphia. Though a mere youth when the Revolution began, he enlisted and served in his country's defense. He purchased 1,000 acres in the R. C. J acobs Survey, when it was yet untouched by the woodman's ax, and spent his life here in wresting it from its native wildness. His wife died in 1814, and he remarried Elizabeth Stayton. Early in life he united with the Presbyterian Church, and was an upright and liberal man. His death occurred in 1833. Henry Mohn died in 1838; his wire, ten years later.

In 1805, Alexander Love arrived. He was born in Ireland in 1776, and in 1794 embarked for America, and soon after reached Cincinnati, where he worked at odd jobs, lived frugally and saved his earnings. In 1806, he purchased a little home in this township, now owned by George Love, and, with his young wife, Ellen, daughter of Charles Canary, moved on it. Both were members of the Christian Church. Their family consisted of seven children.

The same year, James and Aquilla Norris, two brothers, moved to Ohio. They were originally from Maryland, but immediately from Kentucky. James settled near Dayton, and Aquilla came to this township, accompanied by Abraham Norris, his nephew, the son of another brother, Thomas. Aquilla remained a citizen of the township till his death, which occurred soon after the war of 1812. A large family of children survived him. Abraham Norris was one of a family of sixteen children. In 1793, he located near Washington, Ky., and, three years later, married Anna Lamb. When he came to Lewis Township, he purchased 125 acres in Lawson's Survey, and there spent a life of useful, earnest toil. Bazil Norris, the oldest of his thirteen children, is at this writing still living. He was born November 28, 1796, and has lived in Lewis Township almost fourscore years.

In 1807, Joshua Davidson and family became residents of the township. Mr. Davidson was of Scotch ancestry, his father, William, having emigrated to America from Scotland. Joshua was an officer during the Revolution. Soon after the close of the war, he married, and, in 1790. settled in Bracken County, Ky., where he remained till his removal to Lewis Township. He settled on White Oak Creek, and died there in 1839. Of his eight children, William was the eldest, born in Pennsylvania in 1784. He early learned millwrighting, and followed that pursuit. He died at the age of fifty-five, leaving a family of ten children.

William Trout, in 1809, emigrated to the township, with his wife and one child, John. He was born in Tennessee, but learned the blacksmith's trade in North Carolina, and there married Sarah, daughter of Christian Hoss. He lived temporarily on the place David Barr now occupies, but subsequently moved to Knox's Survey. He died in 1879, his wife the year following. When Mr. Trout first set up his forge, he was of great service to the new settlement in pursuing his trade. In disposition, he was inclined to be peaceable and attentive to business.

In 1810 came Christian Hoss and wife, from Lincoln County. N. C. They were of German extraction, and have left many descendants in this township.

The same year, John J ackson brought his family from Kentucky, and settled in J. Graham's Survey, No. 2,338. He was engaged in the Indian struggles in 1812. His wife is remembered as a noble, self-sacrificing woman, whose services as a nurse were always ready when needed by any of her neighbors.

The year 1811 brought from South Carolina Christopher Barr, who was born on the Rhine, and had emigrated to America prior to the Revolution, and served in it as a patriot. He and his wife died in Lewis Township, at advanced ages. Peter Barr, their son, came from North Carolina in 1811, with his wife and three children - David, Margaret and Anna. He had married Barbary, daughter of Christian Hoss, in 1806. On coming to Lewis Township, he bought fifty acres of land where John Richey now lives. His rude and yet frail pole cabin here was successively replaced by a solid hewed - log house, and a substantial brick, still standing. He was a pronounced Jacksonian in politics, and died August 13, 1852; his wife's decease occurred eleven years later.

Jesse Printy, another pioneer, was born in Trenton, N. J., in 1784, and, in 1796, settled in Mason County, Ky. Fourteen years later, he moved to this township.

John Hancock was another early settler. * He subsequently moved to Kentucky. A daughter, Rebecca, widow of Stephen Bolen der, Jr., is still living in the township, at the age of eighty -two.

John Bartley came from North Carolina and settled in Lewis Township, Graham's Survey, but, in 1835, moved to Illinois. The Logans, Wellses, John Sargent, Ephraim Minor and others were also early settlers. The war of 1812 momentarily checked the increasing tide of emigration, but it soon set in again, with greater vigor than before, and the township's wilderness became rapidly converted into pleasant farms and happy homes.

As the first settlements of the township were made on the ridge in the vicinity of Union Church, it is highly probable that the first schools were also held here. It is said that a cabin for school purposes was erected here as early as 1802. One of the earliest teachers was Thomas Bonwell. Some time later, a rude house was built about one-fourth of a mile north of the present residence of George Love. The teacher's furniture in this school consisted of. a small block of wood to sit on, a small table to pound on, and last, but not least, several beech withes, not small, the use of which needs no particularization. A " Hard-Shell " Baptist minister, Rev. Mann, taught the school six months in the year by subscription, accepting, for the scant tuition allowed, grain, fruit, homespun goods, etc. Among the pupils who attended this school may be mentioned Robert Cahall, William Young and Lydia Higgins.

It was not long before schools were started in other sections of the township. One stood near the Mt. Zion Methodist Episcopal Church; another near the old homestead of Benjamin Sells.

There are at present fourteen subdistricts in the township, besides several fractional districts. The school buildings are mostly frame, well furnished, and surrounded with pleasant yards.

Until 1870, the colored children had not access to the schools, and in that year the Board of Education established a colored district, including the entire township, and built a schoolhouse one and three-fourths miles from Higginsport, on the pike near George Love's place. The first teacher here was E. H. Jamison, colored.

Number of white males, 344; number of white females, 286; total, 630; number of colored males, 14; number of colored females, 13; total, 27; grand total, 657.

There are fifteen schoolhouses in the township, and the aggregate value of school property is $8,650. The school year averages twenty-seven weeks. The average daily attendance during the year closing September, 1881, was 298.

Schools Of Higginsport

For many years, Higginsport has formed a special school district. The first schoolhouse in the place was a log cabin, built about 1807. It stood near the present residence of George Love. Another school was held about .1822, in Robert Higgins' warehouse, which stood just east of Lot No. 1 of the present town. The growth of the village warranted the erection of a log schoolhouse on the public square in 1828, which also served for a number of years as a meeting-house. A school was also taught once or twice in the currying room of a tannery "which stood on the corner of Samuel Waterfield's lot.

As nearly as can be ascertained, a brick building was erected in 1845, on Lot No. 89. The school here was graded, and contained four departments. May 6, 1854, the subdistrict was made a special or village district, and T. J. Stafford was elected the first Superintendent, at a salary of $40 per month. Other Superintendents of these schools have been John Pattison, now of Cincinnati, Dr. Y. Stephenson, T. J. Curry, T. J. Mitchell, L. C. Dunham ana E. B. Stivers.

As early as 1868, active-measures were taken looking to the erection of a new building, owing to the insecurity of the old brick schoolhouse and its lack of room, but nothing was accomplished until the spring of 1880, when an election held for the purpose resulted in favoring the erection of a $15,000 house. The Board of Directors then in office were Dr. Wesley Love, Taylor Manchester and A. Nestor. The house, as now completed, has cost about $18,- 000. It is modeled after the school building of Maysville, Ky., but is a much handsomer and more commodious structure. The village now has a schoolhouse second to none in the county. It is constructed of brick, is 63x66 feet in size, two stories high, contains six rooms, each 33x26 feet and thirteen feet high. On the second floor is also a lecture hall, 56x33 feet, with a sixteenfoot ceiling. In the corner-stone was deposited a copy of each newspaper published in the county, a brief sketch of the schools from an early date by Prof. Wilber Smith, coins, and portraits of county officials and Presidents of the United States.

The enumeration of September, 1881, shows, of white males between the ages of six and twenty-one years, 161; white females between the ages of six and twenty-one, 175; total, 336; colored males between the ages of six and twenty-one, 8 ; colored females between the ages of six and twenty - one, 9; total, 17; grand total, 353.

The attendance is about two hundred and fifty pupils. Six teachers are employed. For the colored children, school is held in a rented building, where one teacher is employed. The departments are the high, grammar, first and second intermediate and first and second primary. E. B. Stivers was the first Superintendent in the new schools.

In the spring of 1818, Elder Matthew Gardner, a newly installed minister of the Christian Church, visited the settlement on Shinkle's Ridge, and there organized the Union Church. This was the first religious society in the township, though there had previously been occasional preaching by ministers of different denominations. In 1819, the congregation included over two hundred members. The first meetings were held in the woods, where Henry Mohn, John Young and John B. Shinkle were elected Deacons. In 1821, a stone chapel was erected, 44x64 feet. In 1852, it gave way to the present brick structure, 36x50 feet, costing about $1,500. There are now 122 members, served by Elder J. P. Daugherty, of Higginsport. The present Board of Trustees are Samuel Meranda, Michael Shinkle and William M. Gardner. The Deacons are J. M. Gardner and Walter L. Shinkle.

The Higginsport Christian Church was organized in 1839, by Elder John Phillips, and, for some reason, re-organized in 1841 by Elder Matthew Gardner. Under his care, a brick church was built (now used as a town hall). The society met with reverses, and was again re-organized in 1851 by Elder P. M. Devore and Namon Dawson. In 1874, the church decided to erect a new church, and appointed the necessary committees. It was finished at a cost of about $2,500, and dedicated November 7, 1875. Numerous accessions were made, and the congregation now numbers 215 members. The officers of 1882 are : Pastor, J. P. Daugherty; Trustees, B. F. Drake, W. E. Ellis and

D. S. Guthrie; Deacons, George N. Evans, William Yearsley and John Pribble; Clerk, Ettie Martin; Treasurer, Dr. Guthrie. Sabbath school is held every Sabbath morning, and is superintended by William Yearsley.

The Christian Church at Feesburg, the second outgrowth of Union Church, was organized May 3, 1854, by Elder C. C. Phillips. The following is a list of its early members: Christian Shinkle, Sr., Susan Shinkle, Joseph Bolen - der, Sr., Elizabeth Bolender, John D. King, Mary King, William Norris, Gilbert Norris, Barbara Barr, Sarah Norris, Mary Mofford, Elizabeth Powell, Stephen Bolender, Bebecca Bolender, Celia Norris, John M. Miller, Celia Shinkle, Sarah Lindsey, Lydia Lindsey, Kizza Norris, Lydia Shinkle, Joseph Bolender, Jr., Sophia Irwin, Elizabeth Powell, Jr.,N. B. Mofford, Maria Mofford, Sarah Barr, Daniel Shinkle, Jane Stewart, Margaret Cochran, Catharine J. Dudley, Elizabeth Shinkle, Margaret Speece, Susan Moyers, America Tatman, Bachel Wilson, Eliza D. Shinkle, Pelina Bashford, Minerva Bashford, William A. Wilson, Elizabeth Tatman, Harriet Coffman, Phoebe A. Boots, Kuth Speece, Christian Shinkle, Jr., Mary Judd, Sarah A. Norris, Emeline Norris, Nancy White and Mary E. White. The present membership is about three hundred. A house of worship was completed in 1855 at a cost of $2,033. It is a neat gothic brick, 58x34 feet, and sixteen-foot story, and well finished. The ground on which the building stands was donated by Mrs. J. W. Stayton and Mrs. John D. King. The first Trustees were Joseph Bolender, Sr., John D. King, William Norris, Daniel Shinkle and Joseph Bolender, Jr., elected October 2, 1854; the first Deacons were Joseph Bolender, Sr., and John D. King. The pastors, with their terms of service, have been C. C. Phillips, two years; Noah Michael, two years; O. J. Wait, two years; J. P. Daugherty, one year; S. A. Hutchinson, three years; Charles Manchester, one year; S. S. Newhouse, present incumbent, seventeen years.

Mt. Zion Methodist Episcopal Church was organized as a class at the residence of Benjamin Sells, about 1820. It is believed that Rev. Benjamin Lawrence officiated, and took into the class as members Benjamin Sells and wife, Jeremiah Plummer and wife, Jeremiah Joslin and wife, Thomas Yates and wife, Mrs. Molly Tatman, Namon Chapman and wife, William Plummer and wife, John Jackson and wife, and a few others. Namon Chapman was elected Class-Leader. The early meetings were conducted in private dwellings and the schoolhouse near Benjamin Sells' place. About 1825, the membership had attained sufficient strength to build a church, and a brick structure was reared about seventy-five yards south of the present church building. It was not entirely completed until about 1835. Namon Chapman, Jeremiah Plummer and Benjamin Sells were chiefi^ instrumental in its erection. The present commodious brick church was built nearly twenty- five years ago. Among the early ministers in charge of this church were Benjamin Lakin, William Thompson. Burrows Weslick, William Burke, James B. Finley, Henry B. Bascom and Bev. John Everhart.

Eden Methodist Episcopal Church is located in R. Lawson's Survey, No. 1,716. The class was organized soon after Mt. Zion. In 1837, the present brick structure was erected, but it has since been extended. The Trustees of the church are Joseph Cochran, George M. Wood, J. P. Richards, Alexander Martin and George Roselot; Stewards, George M. Wood and J. P. Richards; Class-Leaders, J. P. Richards, J. P. Martin and Ellen Norris. The present membership is about seventy. Rev. E. M. Cole is the minister.

A Methodist Episcopal organization was effected at Feesburg, by Rev. Jones, at the residence of George Richardson, in 1842. The following, year their present comfortable church was begun, but, for some reason, not completed until 1846. An interesting Sabbath school has been maintained for many years in connection with the church work. With it O. H. Higgins has been prominently identified. Among the early ministers were Revs. Parish, Dimmett, Fee, Morrow, Wharton and Curry. The circuit was divided in 1877. From that date until 1880, Rev. H. Stokes supplied the pulpit. Rev. E. M. Cole ministers to it now.

In 1839, a class of the Methodist Episcopal faith was organized at Higginsport, in which Messrs. Patterson and Dennis Cassett were prominent. It included few members and little wealth, but a house of worship was erected just east of the town park, on Lot 52, where the little band met for several years, and then dissolved, in spite of the strenuous efforts of a few to maintain it.

The Wesley Chapel Methodist Church (German) at Higginsport seems to have been partially the outgrowth of the above class. It was organized in the spring of 1856, with a membership of fifteen, under the management of Rev. John W. Fishbach, and under his charge, a frame hou^,V^6x38 feet, was erected in 1857, with Frederick Damn, Philip Prelzinger, Dennis Cassett, Ferdinand Martin and Dr. Smith as Board of Directors. Including the ground, it cost 1900. Frederick Held was first Class-Leader; G. P< Moeller, first Steward. The present Steward is Charles Miller; the present Class-Lea. der, John Messersmith. The membership is twenty-eight at present, and Rev. William E. Nocka officiates.

Rev. John Rankin, a noted pioneer minister, organized the first Presbyterian congregation in the township, at the dwelling of John Clark, about 1820. It was originally small, but grew and prospered under an efficient ministry, and was known as the Ebenezer Church. A meeting-house was erected in a few years on Bullskin Creek, near J. N. Tolin's blacksmith shop. About twenty-five years ago, further services were abandoned.

The Presbyterian Church at Feesburg dates its origin from July 24, 1841, and within a short time, the present brick building, 40x50 feet, was completed, the Building Committee consisting of Daniel Trout and William Bucher. The original members were John McMerchey, James McKinney, William McMerchey, John Trout, David Trout, Daniel Trout, Joseph McKee, Samuel McBeth, Peter McMerchey, William Buckner, Mrs. William Baker and her two daughters, together with the wives of most of the male members - in all, about thirty members. The congregation now numbers about eighty. It has been regularly supplied most of the time, but at present is without an installed pastor.

The Higginsport Presbyterian Church was organized March 18, 1848, by Rev. D. H. Allen, of the Cincinnati Presbytery, and Rev. D. Gould, of Georgetown, with the following members: William Maxwell, Esther Maxwell, Jacob

Vandyke, Isabella Vandyke, Jane, Julia and Mary Pollock, William Tolin, Nancy Tolin, Charles McLain, Nancy Wiley, Ellen Strouble, Mary J. Davis, and James and Mary Miller. The original Elders were William Maxwell, Jacob Vandyke and James Miller; the present ones are Orin Doty and A. Schillings. The present Trustees are W. A. Maxwell, Orin Doty, C. E. Harrison and F. M. Park. Services were conducted in the Methodist Church until 1853, when the brick church now in use, 32x55, was erected. With the bell that surmounts it, the total cost was $2,500. The removal of families and death have reduced the membership to twenty-four, but, under the present ministrations of Rev. R. Valentine, of Augusta, Ky., it is recovering its former strength. This denomination also conducts services occasionally at Boude's Chapel, near the ferry, a small but neat frame building.

The German Reformed Church at Higginsport was dedicated October 20, .1872, by O. F. Accola, of Dayton, Ohio. The building is a small frame, and the membership seventy- two. The Trustees of the society are Henry Schaaf and Low Mohr. Otto Berz and Val Amstett are the Deacons.

Nearly fifty years ago, a congregation of Universalists was organized by Rev. Gillmore, of Cincinnati. Jesse Dugan, Samuel Yearsley, Isaac Roe, William Dugan, Samuel Collahan and a few others comprised the original membership. Rev. Schoonover served them for a number of years, but the congregation has long since ceased to exist.

Early Roads

During the first decade of this century, a road was cut through the woods from Boude's Ferry to Williamsport, the then seat of justice of Clermont County. It started from the river, juJ below the Sunnyside Garden, winding up the hill along the ravine through Stephenson's Survey, No. 630, then through J. Graham's Survey, and on as nearly as possible a straight line to its terminus. About the same time, one was built from Clark's grist-mill to the river. There are now several free pikes in the township - one from Higginsport to Georgetown and north; one between Higginsport and Feesburg; and a third from Higginsport west along the river into Clermont County.

The custom prevailed generally in early pioneer times of interring the dead in private burial-grounds on the farms where they had lived; but, as the country improved, the quiet country churchyard became the repository of the silent dead. At Mt. Zion, the Old Ebenezer, Shinkle's Ridge, at the Union Christian Church and Eden Church, they are found. One has recently been laid out near Feesburg.

The wife of Stephen Bolender was among the first of death's victims in Lewis Township. Sht* died in 1802, and was buried near Boude's Ferry. The earliest interments at Mt. Zion were those of Mr. Foster, Mr. Joslin, Mr. Symms, and Samuel, son of Lemuel Richardson. Mrs. Col. Higgins was probably the first person buried in the Higginsport Cemetery. Her death occurred in 1806, and subsequently the grouods that had received her body were donated by Col. Higgins for a public cemetery.

The earliest township records have been lost, but from 1838 the Township Treasurers have been: Dent Thomas, 1838-44; James C. Wells, 1844-45;

The following is a complete, or almost complete, list of the Justices of the Peace for this township: William Park, William Canary, James Wells, Jesse

Early Incidents, Manners, Etc

Two kinds of forest- clearing were made in pioneer days, known as "smacksmooth" and "eighteen inches and under." The former designated the felling and burning of all timber, leaving no obstructions to the plow save the stumps; the latter indicated that 'only timber eighteen inches in diameter or under should be removed, larger trees being deadened. The pioneers deemed the latter preferable. Ten dollars an acre was the usual price paid for clearing " smack-smooth," but the other method commanded only $1.50 or $2 per acre. The expression " Canary treat," so frequently heard, has this origin: More than half a century ago, at Higginsport, Squire Canary was elected in a crowd to " set up " the drinks. The men tiled into an adjoining saloon and took their places along the bar, when Canary said, " Order what you want." Each called for his favorite beverage, Canary with the rest. All drank, and Canary paid for his own drink, remarking, " Each man ordered his own, and let him settle the bill. " It is hoped that, to avoid embarrassment, each fellow had at least a little change.

Sheep-raising was for awhile impossible on account of the innumerable wolves that infested this region. Cur dogs, the kind usually kept by the settlers, were of no value against the tierce sheep- destroyers, and all attempts to keep a flock of sheep were futile until a mass meeting of the whole township was held, where a resolution was passed requiring each householder to procure at least one hound, and as many more as possible. The yelp of the hound was soon heard at every farmhouse, and the wolves betook themselves forthwith to a more congenial clime, and sheep-raising became possible.

A tornado of February, 1858, swept away the first brick house in the township, erected by John Boude in 1817. It was rebuilt, however, on the same spot, and with the same brick, by its then owner, Lewis Lerch.

Among the earliest births of the township were two daughters of Leonard Metzger, both of whom became the wives of Jacob Watertield; John J., the son of Col. Higgins; Samuel Richardson, who died in infancy; and Joseph Bolender.

The earliest marriage, the date of which is known, was that of Lemuel Richardson to Nancy, daughter of Alexander Hamilton, in 1803. William Miller early wedded Mary Richardson, and James Wells, Sallie Clark; also a sister of Sallie Clark about the same time married Maj. John Logan.

In 1800, James Roney erected, on White Oak Creek, about eight miles from its mouth, the first mill in Lewis Township, and, it is believed, the first in the county. It was very rude in construction, with an overshot wheel, fifteen feet in diameter, and an old raccoon buhr, but ground out a satisfactory quality of fiour. Edward Thompson succeeded Roney in the possession of the mill. A brick mill is still in operation at the same locality, known as Armleter's Mill.

Soon after this mill was set in operation, Col. Robert Higgins expended about $4,000 in erecting, near the mouth of White Oak Creek, a mill which was to compare with those in the East; but the site selected was unfortunate, as the back-water from the river during high water damaged the property greatly, and, though some flour of a superior quality was manufactured, the enterprise was abandoned.

Joseph Clark, Sr., and his son John, built a substantial frame mill on Bullskin in 1807, the latter operating it. It obtained a large custom, and, as the low water prevented its use throughout the entire year, the enterprising miller attached a steam-power in quite an early day. It was the first of the kind in this entire region, and attracted a large business. It was continued until about 1860.

The fourth grist-mill enterprise was undertaken by William Davidson, in 1818, on White Oak Creek, about three and a half miles from its mouth. The building he erected was a solid frame, still standing, and he operated the mill until about 1839. Since then it has passed through the hands of a number of owners, and was discontinued about 1860.

The Higginsport Grist-Mill was erected by Henry Davidson and William Dugan in 1855, and conducted by them until succeeded by the present firm, John Boyle & Co. The original firm added to their mill in 1861 the distillery,, and, in 1863, the stone bonded warehouse, and consumed all the grain they could procure. Since the purchase by the present firm, machinery has been added to the mill for manufacturing the "patent process" flour, and it now has a capacity of forty barrels per day. The copper still consumes daily 200 pushels of grain.

This distilllery was not the first at Higginsport. Joseph Shinkle and William L. Thomas, about 1842, commenced and operated one with success. Various owners successively possessed it until some time during the late war, when business was wholly abandoned. Only the one distillery exists now in the township, but in an early day there were from seventeen to twenty small stills in operation, among the earliest of which was Joseph Clark's.

A tannery built by John Miller about 1808, where the Ebenezer Church is now located, is believed to have been the first in operation. In 1836, one was started at Higginsport by John McGrew, and had an existence of about ten years, after which Charles Larimore taught several terms of school in the currying shop. Jonathan Cornell built one in 1847 at Leesburg, where the schoolhouse now stands. W. W. McKibben succeeded him, remodeled the tannery and did a good business for a number of years.

Saw-Mills

Three of these are now in operation in the township - one by water, two by steam. Stayton's water mill, on Bullskin, was erected in an early day. Wm. W. White's is located near Feesburg. The first one here was erected in 1848; the present one, in 1868. The most extensive is the one at Higginsport, owned by a joint-stock company and operated by Boyd & Co. The company was organized Dec. 3, 1881, and the mill set in operation at a cost of $35,000.

Higginsport is a thriving village, situated in the southeastern part of the township, on the Ohio, close to the mouth of White Oak Creek. In 1880, it contained a population of 862. Two attempts were made here before the village was successfully started. September 1, 1804, the place was surveyed into lots, and, the same month, the town of White Haven platted and recorded at Williamsburg. It was substantially like the succeeding Higginsport in outline and arrangement. Notwithstanding Col. Robert Higgins, the founder, offered inducements to settlers, the village did not grow, and, a number of years later, the plat of White Haven was vacated, there being then but three families on its territory. February 28, 1816, it was replatted by Col. Higgins, and re-named Higginsport. The plat shows 114 lots, live by ten rods in size. The original streets, east and west, were Water, Washington, Columbia and Gains; north and south, beginning at the east, White Oak, Brown, Main and Jackson, the present John street being the western limit of the town. The streets were four rods in width; the alleys, one rod. The public square or park, 73x13 rods, was donated to the town by Col. Higgins in the following clause: " The public square for the purpose of building thereon a market house; a house of public worship, free for any worshiping society professing Christianity, and such other public buildings as may be necessary for the use of said town or county to which it does or may belong." He also made several other valuable donations to the town, one of which was a tract of about fifteen acres of land, lying in White Oak Bottom, which is now rented for about $80 per year. Bently and Overturf have made an addition to the town of forty -four lots.

About 1819, Stephen Colvin and family settled here, and found about half a dozen cabins, occupied by Col. Higgins, John Cochran, James Cochran, Mr. Arbuckle and James Norris, a colored man. Colvin -was voluble in speech, and was employed to sell town lots at public auction. The town slowly improved, and, in 1828, a little store was opened by Sam Pell. He was soon succeeded by Nathan Kite and Benjamin Thresher. Jesse Dugan followed them in 1832, with an increased stock, and branched out into other business, continuing for about twenty years. He built the first brick house in 1835, still standing, at the corner of Water and Brown streets. A post office was established about 1830, and kept by Mr. Roberts, a tailor, crippled in the Revolution. B. F. Holden came from Maine and opened a store about 1835. Robert Anderson, a Virginian, came about 1833, and, in 1839, started a store. In 1849, he removed it from Water street, where all the business had been done, to Washington, then a back street. Time has shown the wisdom of this step. The present business may be summarized as follows: Five general stores, one clothing store, two drug stores, two tin shops, one hardware store, four millinery and fancy stores, one tobacco store and several groceries.

Isaac Pierce and Samuel Yearsley were early blacksmiths; Messrs. Vandyke and Maxwell, wagon-makers. In 1836, Amos Ellis kept a tavern. There are now two good hotels, the Pierce House and the Central. Five practicing physicians, one minister and several teachers are located here. There is a grist-mill and distillery, seventeen tobacco warehouses, and about thirty tobacco-buyers, who ship annually about two million pounds of the weed.

Feesburg, located in the north central part of the township, contains about two hundred inhabitants. It was laid out in 1835, by Thomas J. Fee. George Richardson, Wesley Tucker and William Martin were among the first purchasers of lots. Tucker and McKibben were the first merchants, Daniel Trout, then William Martin, following. William Matthews was the first blacksmith, succeeded by Jesse B. Dean. The first physician was Reuben Utter. Drs. J.T. Richardson and Stinson Barrott subsequently practiced, and Drs. O. M. Beck and Trout are located there now. Among the first settlers were Jacob Powell, Joseph Powell, Daniel Trout, Harvey McKibben, James Winder, John Wilson and William Swope. Joseph Barker taught the first school about 1844, in a frame house, which stood on land now owned by Mrs. Elizabeth Martin. In 1846, a frame schoolhouse was erected; subsequently, a two-story brick, a short distance west of town, and finally, a one-story brick, in 1869. There are now four merchants engaged in business here, two harness shops, and the usual number of other little industrial shops found in a country village, Feesburg is small, clean and very quiet. It contains no dram shop. It is built almost entirely on one street, which is a good gravel road passing through from Higginsport to Hamersville.

Higginsport Lodge, No. 575, I. O. O. F., was organized June 22, 1874. with the following charter members: W. L. Shidler, J. H. Bolender, Hezekiah Barnum, Henry Schaaf, Thornton Thomas and Michael Brandt. Its membership has increased to forty-six, and the lodge is in prosperous condition. Not a single death has occurred since its organization.

Lewis Heizer, J. W. ; William Dugan, Treasurer; James Hodkins, Secretary; Joseph Park, S. D.; George Fuenfgeld, J. D. ; and Jackson Dugan, Tiler. They constituted all the charter members. The lodge has leased a good room, and is in a good, healthy condition, with a membership of forty-four. It has sustained the following losses by death: James Daugherty, March 18, 1868,

The United Order of Foresters, No. 93, was organized October 26, 1878, fully instituted November 15, 1878, and chartered September 4, 1879, with this membership: C. T. Chambers, T. C. Yates, Louis Jones, James W. Ott,

Higginsport Lodge, No 49, A. O U. W., was organized June 23, 1875, and the following enrolled as charter members: J. D. Winters, Alfred Loudon, Perry Drake, A. T. Chapman, J. W. Pinckard, S. S. Chapman, Eugene Van Briggle, W. L. Shideler, Louis Jones, Charles Reed, William F. Sallee, B. F. Lewis, H. G. Chapman, S. McDonald, John W. Hook, Wesley Love, Adam Seyler, John E. Ellis, Ferdinand Shubert, Frank Hite. The lodge at present numbers fifteen members. The first officers were: Alfred Loudon, P.

M. W.; J. D. Winters, M. W. ; A. T. Chapman, Overseer; Perry Drake, Foreman; William Sallee, Guide; Eugene Van Briggle, Recorder; Tolin Ellis, Receiver; W. L. Shideler, Financier. Their hall is in the Central Hotel building, and comfortably furnished.

Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, No. 210, at Higginsport, was organized May 20, 1882, and named in honor of Col. James P. Fyffe, of the Fifty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and the following officers were duly elected, viz. : Post Commander, Capt. F R. Kantz; S. V. L., Alfred N. Young;

In the memorable struggle between the North and the South, the heroic dead, in which it is in part the object of the above order to commemorate, Lewis Township was not remiss. Her citizens rushed to arms at the first call of the President for troops, and, throughout the four years' conflict that followed, she bore her full share of danger, suffering and loss. The following list of Lewis Township men, who enlisted and participated in the war, has been prepared with great care and pains, and it is hoped that but few names, if

Chapter Iv

PERRY TOWNSHIP is situated in the extreme northern division of Brown County. It is bounded on the north by Clinton County, on the east by Highland, on the west by Clermont, and on the south by the townships of Sterling and Green. It is the largest township in the county, being eight and a half miles long by seven miles wide, and has an area of 35,816 acres. The surface of the land is level in its northwestern and southeastern portions, presenting an elevated plain, which is well drained by numerous brooks and rivulets. The soil in these sections is rich and capable of the highest cultivation. Water is found in abundance in all parts of the township, and hundreds of natural springs arise spontaneously from the rocky beds that underlie the upland and sloping plains. The East Fork of the Little Miami River enters the township at its northeast corner, pursuing a tortuous course as it flows through the interior, and makes its exit at the southeastern angle, close to the village of Marathon. The soil along its banks is rich in alluvial deposits, large tracts of bottom land spreading out and forming a valley of unusual richness and beauty. Gigantic trees line its course, which abound in rich and varied foliage.

The valley is relieved at intervals by high cliffs and gently sloping banks, which gives it a picturesque appearance, presenting in many situations beautiful and romantic scenery. About three thousand acres of woodland remains, or perhaps one-tenth of the whole area. Among the varieties of wood found here, the chief are several kinds of oak, the white being most numerous; black walnut, hickory, maple, beech and elm, with some cedar, locust, ash, dogwood, sycamore and wild cherry.

Pre-Historic Remains

Numerous mounds, the works of the pre-historic race known as Mound- Builders, afford curious and interesting relics to antiquarians. Curiously wrought implements in stone, evidently intended for various purposes in domestic life, as well as weapons of attack and defense in war, are discovered by the curious, such as pestles, hammers, mortars, flint arrow-heads, etc. JMastodonic remains are occasionally unearthed, and, from time to time, discoveries of the remains of Indian settlements are indicated by the appearance of gigantic skeletons, with the high cheek-bones, powerful jaws and massive frame peculiar of the red man, who left these as the only record with which to form a clew to the history of past ages.

Geology

The geological structure is peculiar and interesting. The rocks belong to the Paleozoic era, Silurian age, or age of non-vertebratse, and the foundations are a part of the Cincinnati group. The Paleozoic era is the second of the known geological eras of the world, and the Silurian is the first and oldest of its three ages; hence the fossils of the Silurian rocks are among the oldest of all fossils of which we have any knowledge. The fossils are identical with those found in and near Cincinnati. J. H. Cabel, of Urbana, who explored this region in 1880, found specimens of the following: Brachiopods, trilobites, crinoids, orthoceratites and coral. The Brachiopods are the usual square- shouldered varieties found in the Paleozoic age. Of the trilobites, the specimens of Isotelus Gigas are particularly fine. Specimens of crinoids are very rare, and are generally limited to broken fragments of stems. The drift deposits are the same as those found in the adjacent counties of Highland and Clermont. The most characteristic feature is the compact white clay that covers the flat lands. It is six to ten feet in thickness, and contains a great many scratched and glacially polished fragments of blue limestone, as well as representatives of the granitic series of the North.

There are but very few large bowlders found here. One of the most conspicuous is found in the immediate vicinity of Yera Cruz. Under the white clay is a seam of iron, which seems to mark the epoch of the forest bed of the drift. Geologists are certain that there was an advance of glaciers over this region, for they find the limestone well polished in places in the adjoining townships in Highland County. No bank gravel is found here except in the main valleys. It is of course abundant there in the usual terraces. It is often cemented in immense blocks, through the agency of the lime-water that percolates it.

Soil. - The soils of the township art of the usual character for these areas. The flat lands already referred to are covered with a considerable depth of clays, rich in all -the elements of vegetable growth except organic matter. They are of course stubborn and intractable in certain seasons and under certain management, but they are rich in agricultural possibilities, and will, under wise culture, some day be transformed into gardens. What these possibilities are is often hinted at in the insulated portions of these white clay flats, where organic matter has accumulated; we find in such spots soils of the highest excellence and durability.

As the valley is approached, the native soils formed from the decomposition of Cincinnati shales and limestones are quite largely represented in the slopes of the hills. These slopes have all the excellence that belongs to such an origin. They constitute some of the strongest and most durable tobacco lands in the State. The valley itself is covered with an extensive deposit of organic matter, freely mixed with sand, constituting the sandy loam characteristic of the alluvial lands of the Ohio Valley.

Abraham Claypool was born in Hampshire County, Ya. , April 7, 1762, and was married to Elizabeth Wilson in 1785, she inheriting two slaves. They moved to Randolph County, Ya., in 1787. In 1790, he became a member of the Legislature of Virginia at Richmond, and there had the first insight into the miseries of the slave pen. Soon after, he commenced prospecting in the West, the field of his operations including Kentucky and the Northwest Territory. In June, 1796, he located, in company with Peter Hull, two 1,000-acre tracts in the territory now known as Perry Township, one on Solomon's Run and one on Glady Run. The same year, he was with Gen. Massie, laying out Chillicothe. The ordinance of 1787 having excluded slavery from the Northwest

Territory - an institution which he disliked very much - he moved to near Chillicothe in 1799, taking his slaves with him and liberating them. Being a member of the first Ohio Legislature, he had an act passed for the establishment of a State road from Cincinnati to Chillicothe, afterward surveyed by R. <3. Anderson through where Fayetteville now stands, hence called Anderson State Road. He died May 5, 1845, near Chillicothe.

Solomon Claypool, the son of Abraham Claypool, was born in Hardy County, Va., November 21, 1786. Soon after becoming of age, in 1807, he commenced opening his farm on Solompn's Run (named after him), about half a mile above Fayetteville (where Isaac Covalt resided in 1844), keeping " bachelor's hall." In April, 1816, he sold 397.34 acres to Cheniah Covalt, of Cler. mont County, having previously sold another tract to Erastus Atkins, including the present site of Fayetteville. He was without doubt the first permanent settler of Perry (then Stonelick) Township, of which he was Justice of the Peace. His nearest neighbor southwest was Hartman, and northeast was Van Meter (Stroup place, near Dodsonville). He was never married. He moved to Connersville, Ind., in 1816, where he died September 1, 1845.

Archibald Ballard, of Quaker parentage, was born in North Carolina. He moved to Highland County at an early day, and soon became guide and hunter for the surveyors in locating land warrants in the military district. In 1809, Mr. Ballard commenced improvement on his land on Glady Run (one of the Claypool and Hull tracts), and remained there until 1816. In that year, he moved to Dearborn County, Ind., where he died soon after. His son, Stephen, of age about 1814, remained with bis father until his death; afterward settled on White River, below Indianapolis, and was there when last heard from. Aaron, another son, went into the army in 1816, and Amos died young, in 1817.