Source:
A History & Biographical Cyclopaedia
 of
Butler County, Ohio
With Illustrations and Sketches
of its Representative Men and Pioneers
Publ. by Western Biographical Publishing Co.
Cincinnati, O
1882
Pg. 283

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP.

TOPOGRAPHY.

     HAMILTON, the seat of justice for the county of Butler, is situated on both banks of the Great Miami River, about thirty miles, by land, from its junction with the Ohio River, and about fifty miles pursuing the meanders of the river.
     The original Indian name of the Miami River was Te-wighte-wa.  It is so named on an old map of the country engraved in the year 1762, dedicated to General Amherst, then commander-in-chief of the British forces in North America.  Te-wighe-wa was also the original name of the Miami tribe of Indians.  On the first intercourse of the whites with them the old Indians of the Miami tribe called themselves by that name.  According to some old books we find that the Miami River was sometimes known as Rocky River, or Stony River.
     Hamilton is situated in 39° 26' north latitude and 84° 31' west longitude from London, or 7° 29' west from the City of Washington.  The upper plain, where the court house and principal improvements of the town are located is about thirty-four feet above the surface of the water in the Miami River at its common stage.  The soil is alluvial, resting on a strata of gravel at least forty feet thick, that being the greatest depth to which the earth has been penetrated.  Pure water is everywhere to be obtained in abundance by digging to a level with the water in the river.  The water in the wells rises and falls with the Miami, hence it is presumed that they are supplied by water filtering through the gravel from the river.  The water obtained is clear and cool, but strongly impregnated with lime, so much so that tea-kettles and other culinary vessels in which it is boiled soon acquire a coating of lime on the inside, which requires to be frequently removed.  It is not known to contain any other foreign substance in any considerable quantity.
     The alluvial plain on which the city of Hamilton is situated extends back about a mile and a half from the river to the base of the hills, which ultimately rise to about the height of two hundred and fifty to three hundred and fifty feet above the plain.  The hills run in a southwardly direction, then gradually incline to the southeast, presenting a level plain or valley between them and the river at and below Hamilton.
     The site where Hamilton now stands, previous to being occupied by General St. Clair's army, was mostly covered with a dense forest of timber, with thick underbrush. About a mile to the south was a pond covering about one hundred acres of land, evidently the bed of the Miami River at no very remote period.
     The tract of land lying between this pond and the river comprehended about six hundred acres, and was at that time a beautiful meadow covered with high grass.  Above the fort, in what is now the upper part of the town, was also a beautiful prairie of forty or fifty acres. 
     In digging cellars in the northern part of the town of Hamilton, in the year 1855, two teeth of the mastodon were found near each other embedded in the gravel, about five feet below the surface of the ground, bearing testimony that this huge animal at some former time dwelt in the forests in the vicinity.  At the time of the first settlement of the country vast herds of deer and elk roamed through the woods, and numbers of other kinds of game were very abundant, and remained so for some time afterwards.
     In the south part of the town, near the old burying ground on the corner of lot number forty-four, or on the west side of Third Street, and just north of the Junction Railway, was a mound of earth four feet high and thirty feet diameter.  On removing it for the erection of a building, the bones of two human skeletons were found, with some flint narrow points and other stone implements.  The hills in the neighborhood of Hamilton are composed of first a rich fertile mould, then loam, intermixed with loose stones, and underneath interstratifications of blue limestone and marl in places.

THE LAST COMMANDER OF THE PORT

     The latest commander of the fort was Major Jonathan Cass, who was born in the year 1753, about fifteen miles from Newburyport, New Hampshire.  His ancestors were from Devonshire, England.  His remote ancestors were of Norman birth.  He was living Exeter, New Hampshire, when the news reached there of the battle of Lexington.  With some half dozen comrades he set off at once, musket in hand, to join the army, marching from his home to Cambridge.  He was where the balls flew thickest at the battle of Bunker Hill, and participated in the great battles of Trenton, Princeton, Germantown, Monmouth, and Saratoga, remaining in the army until the close of our great Revolutionary struggle.  His accounts as brigade quartermaster were closed June 26, 1783, and a certificate was issued to him for the balance due of £65. 10s. 4d.  Whether the government ever paid this certificate or not, is not now known.  It is stated in Appleton's Cyclopedia, under article "Lewis Cass," that Major Cass retired to a four thousand acre tract of land in Muskingum County, Ohio, given to him by the government for services in the Revolutionary army.  This is a mistake.  He never received an acre

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- LAYING OUT OF THE TOWN

     In the mouth of June, 1795, a number of the officers land soldiers of the army were disbanded at Greenville,

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and returned to Hamilton.  There were then no persons living in the country anywhere near Hamilton, except Charles Bruce, who had settled in the year 1793 on the Miami River, a mile and a half below the fort, at the outlet of the pond, and David Beaty, who, some time afterwards, built a cabin and settled on the bank of the pond, one mile south of the fort, near the junction of the two turnpike roads now leading to Cincinnati.
     Fort Hamilton remained occupied as a garrison until some time in the Summer of the year 1796, when the public stores, and property belonging to the garrison, were sold at public auction, and the fort abandoned.  The line, however, where the pickets stood could be distinctly traced, and some of the buildings of the garrison remained standin as late as the year 1812.  They have been seen by persons still living.
     On the 27th of July, 1795, Jonathan Dayton conveyed to Israel Ludlow the fractional section, number two, in township one, range three, and on the 17th of December, 1794, Israel Ludlow laid out a town on this ground, in the immediate vicinity of Fort Hamilton, and gave it the name of Fairfield.  The name was, however, shortly afterwards changed to that of Hamilton, in remembrance of the fort, which name it bears at present.  The whole number of lots in the present plan of the town were not laid out at that time, but additional ones were laid off afterwards, from time to time, as persons proposed to purchase, or circumstances seemed to require.
     Darius C. Orcott, who then resided at Hamilton, was agent for Mr. Ludlow, to lay out lots and contract with persons wishing to purchase.  He was one of the early pioneers of  the country.  He was a pack-horse master with St. Clair's army, and was on the ground on the day of the disastrous defeat.  He was one of the second couple married in the Miami country.  He was united at Cincinnati to Miss Sally McHenry, in 17990.  (The first couple married were Daniel Shoemaker to Miss Elsie Ross, a few days before.)  Mr. Orcutt owned lot No. 145 in Hamilton, on which he built a hewed log house, which was afterward weatherboarded.  It is the same house where Major William Murray lived, but was removed fifty years after, in consequence of the works of the Hydraulic Canal Company encroaching on the site.  Mr. Orcutt afterwards lived a long time in Rossville, was constable of St. Clair Township many years, and finally died in the vicinity of Hamilton in indigent circumstances.
     Shortly after the town was laid out, a few persons purchased lots and settled in the place.  The settlers were Darius C. Orcutt, Joohn Greer, William McClellan, John Sutherland, John Torrence, Benjamin F. Randolph, Benjamin Davis, Isaac Wiles, Andrew Christie, and William Hubbert.  The first part of the town of Hamilton being originally laid out under the territorial government, there was then no law requiring town plats to be placed on record, consequently it was not recorded at the time.  Afterwards, on the twenty-eighth day of April, 1802, Israel Ludlow placed the plat of the town on the records of Hamilton County at Cincinnati, where it may be found, in book E, No. 2, page 57.  This recorded plat only comprehended entire inlots from No. 1 to No. 221, 12 fractional lots, and outlots from No. 1 to No. 30.  The most northerly blocks of lots in the town numbered from No. 222 to No. 242, inclusive, and outlots Nos. 31, 32, and 33 are not laid down on that plat, nor are they recorded; hence the presumption is, that they were laid out after the first town plat was placed on record.  According to the original plan of the town of Hamilton, placed on record by Israel Ludlow, "the streets are sixty-six feet wide, except High Street, which is ninety-nine feet wide; alleys sixteen feet wide.  The entire town lots are six  poles by twelve, contaiing seventy-two square poles each.  Entire outlots contain each four acres."  However, the original survey, by which the town was laid out, was made with a two-pole chain, three inches and a half or more too long.  Hence, it has ever since been the practice of surveyors, in measuring lots in Hamilton, to add three and a half inches to each two poles of measure, in order to correspond with the lots as originally laid out, and leave the improvements of individuals upon the ground which they believed they had originally purchased.
     This circumstance was early known to the proprietor, but, having sold a number of lots in different parts of the town, to individuals who had made improvements pon them, he instructed his agents to survey and lay out the lots in such a manner that each person should have the ground on which he had made his improvements.

ADDITIONS TO THE TOWN OF HAMILTON

     Israel Ludlow, in consideration of the sum of five shellings, on the twelfth day of July, 1798, conveyed to Brigadier-general James Wilkinson, who had then succeeded General Wayne n the command of the northwestern army, the equal undivided half of the ground occupied by Fort Hamilton, comprehending all the land within the exterior line of pickets, and extending to low water mark of the Miami River, estimated to contain three acres and a half.
    Some time afterwards, when General Wilkinson had gone to the south with the army, Payton Short S__d out from the Court of Common Pleas of Butler County a writ of attachment against Wilkinson for debt, and attached his interest in this ground, which was afterwards sold on the attachment on the 16th of Apirl, 1806, and William Corry and John Reily became the purchasers for one hundred and twenty-five dollars.  The deed made to them by the auditors appointed by the court bears date the fourth day of May, 1806.
     William Curry and John Reily afterwards, on the fourth day of October, 1811, sold and conveyed their interest,

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being the one equal undivided half of the garrison tract, to Lawrence Cavenaugh for five hundred dollars, and LawrenceCavanaugh afterwards conveyed the interest which he had thus acquired to this ground to the guardians of the minor heirs of Israel Ludlow, deceased, for the use and benefit of the heirs.
 

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divided into building lots by William H. Bartlett, John Woods, John W. Erwin, Cyrus Falconer, William Bebb, and Even R. Bebb.  The lots are numbered from No. 1 to No. 79, inclusive, and denominated "The hydraulic addition to the town of Hamilton."

- ROSSVILLE LAID OUT

     Previous to the year 1801, all the land on the west side of the Great Miami River was owned by the United States, consequently no improvements were made on that side of the river, except by a few squatters who had settled on the public lands.  There was one log house built, at an early period, on the west side of the river opposite to the fort, near where the west end of the bridge now is.  It is on the corner, and is the same house which has since been weatherboarded.  A tavern was first kept in it by Archibald Talbert.
     On the first Monday of April, 1801, the first sales of the public lands, lying west of the Great Miami River, were held at Cincinnati, under the authority of the United States, at which sale a company, composed of Jacob Burnet, Jame Smith, William Ruffin, John Sutherland, and Henry Brown, purchased section No. 36, town 4, range 2, and fractional sections Nos. 31 and 32, town 2, range 3, lying on the west side of the Miami River, opposite to the town of Hamilton, on part of which tract they afterwards laid out the town of Rossville, the plat of which bears date on the fourteenth day of March, 1804.  It was named after James Ross, of Pittsburg.  The town then laid out consisted of one hundred inlots, five poles wide by ten poles deep; twelve fractional lots, next the river, five poles square, and twenty outlots, most of them containing for acres each.  The inlots 53 and 58 were given by the proprietors to the county of Butler for public uses, and the ground lying between Water Street and the river was given for a public common, to be kept open for ever. The fractional outlot No. 20 was given for a burying-ground.
     On the fourteenth day of March, 1804, the proprietor had a public sale on the ground, at which the lots were offered at auction, and a considerable number of them sold at fair prices.
     Encouraged by the success of the first sale of lots, the proprietors proceeded to lay out an additional number of outlots, adjoining on the south-west of the former ones, beginning at outlot No. 21 and extending to outlot No. 38, inclusive.  The plans of these addition outlots were not placed on record at the time, nor have they since been recorded anywhere, but appear on an old map of the town which has the plan of those additional outlots, laid out at that time, upon it, made by John Reily, of Hamilton, and formerly in his possession.  Mr. Reily was the general agent for the proprietors, who laid out the town and superintended the sale of lots for them.
     On the sixteenth day of May, 1804, a second sale of lots in the town of Rossville, including the additional outlots laid out since the first sale, was held, at which a considerable number were sold.  The additional outlots were all sold at prices form twenty-five to twenty-eight dollars each.  Several buildings were soon afterwards erected, and the town began to grow.
     On the eleventh day of November, 1818, John Sutherland and Samuel Dick, who had then become the proprietors of the unappropriated ground adjoining Rossville on the north, laid out an additional number of inlots in the upper part of the town, which are numbered from No. 101 to No. 112, inclusive, and also three outlots on the north of they burying-ground (now the park), Nos. 39, 40, 41 and 42.
     The original outlots numbered 9 and 10, in the northwest part of the town, were subdivided and laid out into building lots by Robert B. Millikin and William Taylor, on the twenty-eighth day of April, 1831.  They are numbered from No. 113 to No. 140, inclusive.
 

JOHN SUTHERLAND

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SALES OF LAND

     The original lots laid off in Hamilton measured 6 by 12 poles, 100 by 200 feet; eight such lots generally forming a block 400 feet square.  A comparison between the prices paid Mr. Ludlow or his immediate purchasers for these lots and their present value may not prove un-interesting reading.
     Take the square embracing Lots 99, 100, 101, and 102, bounded by High, Third, Basin, and Second Streets, now one of the most valuable blocks in town.  The records show the following first sales:

     Israel Ludlow's administrators sold to John Reily, on July 18, 1806, Lot 99, for $50; Lot 100, for $25.50; and Lot 101, for $20.
     Samuel Dick sold to John Reily, July 18, 1806, Lot 102, for $28.  The total for the block was $123.50.
     Colonel Campbell still resides on part of Lot 99.  The half block, bounded by Reily, Basin, Second and High Streets, is held by Mrs. Campbell, who inherited it from her father, John Reily, and her title deeds are probably the oldest of any resident of the city.
     In the square bounded by Dayton, Second, Heaton, and Third, the only lots in this block that have not been subdivided are those now owned by St. Stephen's Church, Ezra Potter, and Calvin Skinner.  Mr. Potter's lots (153 and 154), fronting 200 feet on Dayton and Third, were bought by John S. Gordon from David Gano, July 28, 1835, for $225.
     Lot 151, corner of High and Second, was sold by Ludlow to Michael McNamee, together with, Lot 18, June 22, 1795, for $28.  On Sept. 14, 1805, Michael Lafferty became the purchaser of Lots 151 and 152 (fronting 200 feet on Dayton by 200 on Second) from Samuel Enyart for $55.  On Feb. 22, 1830, James McBride sold those two lots to the St. Stephen's society for $500.  These four lots make the south half of the block.
     Lot 165, extending from James Neal's corner south on Second 200 feet to St. Stephen's property, and east on Heaton 100 feet, was sold by Ludlow to Rebecca F. Randolph, Oct. 2, 1795, for $2.
     Lot 166, cast of Neal's fronting 100 on Heaton by 200 deep, was sold by Ludlow at the same time and same price to Sarah F. Randolph.
     Lots 107 and 168, fronting 200 feet on Heaton and 200 on Third to Potter's Alley, were sold with fifteen other lots to Daniel Gano by Ludlow, July 13, 1827, for $700, and Gano sold the lots, 107 and 168, July 25, 1855, to John M. Millikin and William Bebb for $550.
     Fenton Lawson and others sold Lots 167 and 168 to W. H. Bartlett, Dec. 11, 1841, to $700, and on Feb. 18, 1844, Calvin Skinner bought the south halves of the lots, 200 feet front on Third by 200 deep, his present residence, from J. B. McFarland for $400.

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JOHN WINGATE.

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- POST-OFFICE AND PUBLIC MAILS

     In 1804 a post-office was established at Hamilton, and on the second day of August in that year John Feily was appointed postmaster, by Gideon Granger, then Postmaster-general.  There was at that time only one mail route established through the interior of the Miami country.  It was carried on horseback, once a week, leaving Cincinnati, and passing by Hamilton, Franklin, Dayton, and as far north as Stanton; thence to Urbana, Yellow Springs, and Lebanon, back to Cincinnati.  In a year or two afterwards the route was reversed, so as to go out by the way of Lebanon and return by Hamilton.  At that time all the people living north and west of Hamilton had to come to this post-office for their letters.
     John Reily held the office of postmaster from the time of his appointment, in 1804, until July, 1832, when he resigned, and James B. Thomas was appointed in his room.
     James Lowes was appointed postmaster and entered on the duties of the office on the first day of April, 1851.  He resigned on the thirty-first day of January 1853, and on t he next day James K. Thomas, son of the former postmaster, who had been appointed, took possessions of the office.
     On the eighth day of August, 1853, L. M. Furrow, who had been appointed postmaster in the stead of James K. Thomas, removed, took possession of the post-office, and entered upon the discharge of the duties of the office.
     On the twenty-sixth day of April, 1855, the postoffice in Rossville was discontinued, and the business transferred to the post-office in Hamilton.
     The following are the dates of the appointment of the postmasters at Hamilton and Rossville:
     Hamilton. - John Reily, Aug. 2, 1804; John Reily, June 29, 1818; James B. Thomas, July 9, 1832; James Lowes, Mar. 27, 1851; James K. Thomas, June 19, 1853; Lawrence M. Furrow, July 29, 1853; Jacob Troutman, Mar. 13, 1857; William H. Blair, Apr. 23, 1861; William H. Rossman, Mar. 30, 1871; John McKee, Sept. 8, 1873; Charles E. Giffen, Jan. 20, 1862.

     Rossville. - Joseph Wilson, Nov. 24, 1819; Robert B. Millikin, Sept. 2, 1824; Jacob Matthias, Sept. 21, 1836; Samuel G. Sweeney, Mar. 8,

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1837; Samuel Millikin, Mar. 29, 1839; Levi Richmond, May 1, 1844; Joseph Curtis, May 29, 1849; George Longfellow, Apr. 14, 1853; Robert Hargitt, Dec. 10, 1853.  Discontinued Apr. 19, 1855.

OLD ADVERTISEMENTS

- THE COUNTY JAIL

    As soon as it was known that this would become the capital of the county a paper was circulated for subscriptions to build a county jail.  Benjamin F. Randolph and Celadon Symmes were the agents of the county in collecting the money, which was not all got together for ten years.  The building, which was of stone, was begun in 1805 and finished in 1806.  It cost $1,600, a little more than the subscriptions.  The paper circulated reads thus:

SUBSCRIPTION LIST.

     Be it known by these presents, that we, the subscribers, do each and severally and separately firmly bind and obligate ourselves or heirs and assigns, to the county of Butler, in the State of Ohio, for the different sums annexed to each and every name in the particular articles herein described; viz., money, stone, brick, lime, lumber, mechanical work, labor, hauling, etc., etc., etc., - to be appropriated to the only use of said county to erect publick buildings, and such other purposes as the commonwealth of said county may deem necessary.  The same sums subscribed shall be recoverable at law by the trustees appointed for that and other publick purposes in said county, providing that the seat of justice of said county be appointed and established in the town of Hamilton, in said county of Butler - otherwise to be void and of no effect.  In witness whereof we, the subscribers, have severally and separately set our names with the sums annexed thereto, this eighteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and three.
     The sums subscribed are to be considered in dollars.

HAMILTON IN 1803

     The appearance of Hamilton in 1803, when Mr. Reily moved here, was then far different from what it is at present.  The fort had been dismantled and abandoned but a few years previously.
     The fort was opposite the place where the bridge over the Miami River has since been built, extending from

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Hydraulic Street to the site of the United Presbyterian Church, and from the river as far east as the ground on which the Universalist Church is built.  The ground east of the fort extending as far as Second Street, including the public square and High Street, had been occupied as a burying-ground for the garrison, and numerous rude grave-stones and graves were dotted over the surface.  A natural terrace, eight or ten feet high, ran along the west side of Front Street, separating the upper from the lower plane.  when this bank was excavated in grading High Street, several skeletons were taken up entire, and many human bones disinterred, which were all removed and buried.  Many more, doubtless, lie in this space.  As late as 1812 a paling inclosing a single grave stood in the middle of High Street opposite the Hamilton Hotel, but was removed that year.
     The inhabitants of Hamilton, when Mr. Reily came here, were few in number, and composed chiefly of soldiers, were few in number, and composed chiefly of soldiers and other persons who had been attached to Wayne's army, and had remained here when that army was disbanded at the close of the campaign.  These persons lacking energy and enterprise, spoiled for pioneer work by military camp life, and in many cases dissipated and immoral, were not the class of citizens best calculated to promote the rapid improvement of the place.
     Few houses had been erected.  A two-story frame house stood in the center of High Street, not far from the present bridge.  It was the old house erected by General Wilkinson for the accommodation of the officers of his army.  In this house William McClellan kept a tavern.  Above it, extending from near the river to the east line of the pickets, was a row of stables, built of round hickory logs with the bark peeled off, which were originally used for the horses of the officers and the cavalry, and afterward as stables for the tavern.  The artificers' shops stood further to the north, near where the hydraulic race now is.  The magazine stood in the south angle of the garrison, and some other dilapidated buildings were in and around the locality of the fort.  There was a well of excellent water, which is still in use, a few feet west of the dwelling of John W. Sohn, over which there was then a large wheel for drawing water.
     John Torrence kept a tavern at the corner of Dayton and Water Streets, in the house now owned and formerly occupied by Henry S. Earhart.  Mr. Torrence died in 1807, but his widow continued the business - even for years after she became the wife of John Wingate.  She was the daughter of Captain Robert Benham, whose adventures are frequently mentioned in the early history of the county, and a sister of Joseph S. Benham, formerly a prominent lawyer of Hamilton.  On the lot opposite, on the north side of the street, was a long-house, which was built by Darius C. Orcutt, and then occupied as a boarding-house by Mrs. Griffin, a sister of Abner Enoch.
     Isaac Stanley afterward kept a tavern with the sign of a Black House, on Front Street, in an old log-house, in the upper part of the town.
     John Sutherland kept a store in a house on the east side of Front Street, between Dayton and Hydraulic Streets, and carried on an extensive trade with the Indians.  It is now torn down.  In the upper part or then town were several cabins, in which lived James Heaton, Isaac Wales, George Harlan, William Herbert, and George Snyder.
     John Wingate commenced a store in a log-house where St. Mary's Catholic now stands, where he failed in 1806.  Thomas and Joseph Hough continued the business; and, after the death of the former, it was successfully occupied by Hough & Blair, and Kelsey & Smith, for the same purpose.  Nearly opposite, on the south side of the street, lived Thomas McCullough and Dr. Jacob Lewis.  In the south part of the town resided John Greene, Azarias Thorn, Barney McCarron, Benjamin Davis, Ludlow Pierson, and perhaps other not now recollected.
     On the west bank of the Miami River was a solitary log-house, occupied by Archibald Talbert, who kept a tavern and the ferry.  The town of Rossville was not then in existence.  It was surveyed and laid out by Mr. Reily in 1804.

EARLY DAYS OF THE TOWN.

     When Mr. McBride first settled himself in Hamilton in the year 1807, the inhabitants were few in number, and the improvements principally confined to the margin of the river.  William McClellan, who served eight years as sheriff of Butler County, then kept a tavern in the old garrison house, which had been erected for the accommodation of the officers of the army, which has already been described.  It was taken down in 1813.  John Torrence kept a tavern on the corner of Dayton and Water Streets.  William Murray kept a tavern on the opposite corner in a house on lot No. 145.
     Isaac Stanley also kept a tavern in an old log house in the upper part of the town, which stood on lot No. 162, on Front Street.  He was a justice of the peace as well as a tavern keeper, and kept his office in the bar-room.  (the only room in the house, except a little log hut standing back, occupied as a kitchen).  Here he dispensed justice and whisky for several years.
     A store was kept by John Sutherland, on Front Street, between Stable and Dayton Streets.
     Messrs. Joseph Hough and Thomas Blair had a store near the south-west corner of the public square.  It was kept in an old log house standing on the lot now owned by the Catholic Church.  John Reily, the clerk of the court, kept his office in a log house in the lower part of the town, as mentioned in a previous chapter.  Azarias Thorn lived on lot No. 9, in the lower part of the town.  After his death the same house was owned and occupied by Oliver Stevens.  Mrs. Greer lived in a log house,

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isolated, in the brushy wood near the north-east corner of Second and High Streets.
     Widow Davis lived in a very old house which stood on the corner of the alley and Front Street.  Barney McCarron lived in a cabin in the south part of the town.
     Doctor Daniel Millikin, the only physician in the place, lived in a house on the bank of the river, above Major Murray's Tavern.  In the same neighborhood also lived James Heaton, Isaac Wiles, George Snyder, William Herbert, and George Harlan, with, perhaps, some others.
     William Corry, the only lawyer in the place, kept  his office in the same building with the clerk of the court.  Several other lawyers, however, regularly attended the courts at Hamilton.  At that time, nearly all that part of Hamilton lying east of Front Street was an impenetrable thicket, covered with small, scrubby oaks, blackjacks, vines and hazel bushes.  True, paths and roads were in some places cut through them, to admit a free passage, but, aside from these, underbrush was so thick that it was only in some places a person could make his way through them, or see a rabbit at the distance of a few paces.  This was then the case from Sutherland's Corner to the Hamilton Hotel, and eastwardly to where the canal now is, and southwardly as far as the town lots extend.
     At that time it was common to meet with Indians in the streets of Hamilton almost every day, who came to trade their furs and peltries with the storekeepers.  In 1808 a band of seventy or eighty Indians encamped in the lower part of Rossville, and remained more than a week.  when they got liquor they frequently became intoxicated, and were then very troublesome.  One night, when a number of them were intoxicated, Mr. McBride took a seat on the bank of the river, concealed from their view, and remained a considerable time, watching the squaws taking the drunken Indians across the river, at the ford opposite the lower part of the town, to their camp, on the other side of the river.  Two squaws would take hold of an Indian, one on each side, and conduct him across the stream, singing a slow, monotonous song as they waded through the water.
     The improvements in Rossville were then still fewer than in Hamilton.  There was a log house near where the west end of the bridge now is, occupied as a tavern and ferry-house.  It was kept by Colonel James Mills, afterwards by John Hall, and years afterward by Lewis P. Sayre.  Michael Delorac kept a tavern and ferry.  The tavern was kept in a house in what was then the upper part of Rossville.
     Some years afterward Isaac Falconer built a house on the corner of Main and Front Streets, where he kept a tavern many years.  These, with two or three log houses in  the lower part, comprehended the extent of improvement.  Brushwood, elder bushes, and high weeds occupied the remaining part of the town.  In those days it was customary at court time, and on election and other public days, for great numbers of the people from the country to come to town, business or no business, and to devote their time to drinking and noisy revelry.  There were no temperance societies in those days.  Every man who had any pretensions to gentility must be hail-fellow well met with every one - must at least call for his half pint of whisky, which, in the taverns, was then measured out to customers in small half-pint and gill green bottles, like vinegar cruets.
     The upper part of the town of Hamilton, north of Dayton Street, was a beautiful natural prairie, unimproved and uninclosed, except a few straggling cabins near the bank of the river, pastured by the town cows and sheep.  The race-course was on this common.  Though now fallen into disrepute, horse-racing was, in those times, a favorite amusement, and an affair of all-engrossing interest.  Every business or pursuit was neglected during its continuance.  On public days - indeed, on almost every Saturday - the streets and commons in the upper part of the town were converted into race-paths.  The race-course comprehended the common from Second to Fourth Streets.  At Second Street, a short distance north of where the Roman Catholic Church is now built, was erected a scaffold, elevated a little above the heads of the people, where stood the judges of the race.
     On grand occasions the plain within the course and near it was occupied with temporary booths, erected with forks and covered with boughs, just cut and brought from the woods.
     Here every thing was said, done, sold, eaten, and drank.  Here was Black York, with his fiddle and his votaries, making the dust fly with a four-handed, or otherwise four-footed reel, and every fifteen or twenty minutes was a rush to some part or other to witness a fisticuff.
     Amongst the bustling crowd of jockeys were assembled all grades and classes of people, from the highest to the lowest.  Justices of the peace and other civil officers of the county were there.  Even judges of the court mingled with the crowd, and sometimes presided at those contests of speed between the ponies of the neighborhood.  But public opinion has undergone a change.  It now attaches odium to what in former times were regarded as only venial errors.
     Balls and dancing parties were frequent.  Though the inhabitants of the town were few in number on these occasions, the youth, and beauty of the county would assemble, and many a long winter night did they a___ themselves "on the light, fantastic _oc." measuring time to the sweet strains of Vanzant's fiddle, until broad daylight would warn them that it was time to retire.  These balls were generally held at Wingate's or Murray's tavern.  Sometimes there were social dancing parties at

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the widow Davis's, but in times of sleighing they were always held at Mother Broadbury's, two miles from Hamilton, on the Cincinnati road, where Wilkeson Beaty formerly lived in Section 35.

POPULATION

     The residents of Hamilton in 1810, according to the census, were 210, and those in Rossville, 84.  The following list, therefore, must embrace all who were here in 1807, when Dr. Daniel Millikin and Samuel Millikin came to Hamilton.
     John Reily was clerk of the courts, and agent for teh proprietors of the town of Rossville; John Sutherland was a storekeeper, as were Joseph Hough and Thomas Blair; William Murray kept a hotel, and so did John Torrence and John Wingate; William McClellan kept a public house; Lawrence Cavanaugh was a man of some means; William Hubbert was a proprietor of the town of Rossville; Isaac Stanley kept a hotel; John Greer was an associate judge, and James Heaton was the county surveyor.  The other names from this side of the river were George Snider, Anderson Spencer, Thomas Spencer, Oliver Stephens, Captain Azarias Thorn, Daniel Hill, Paul Bannell, William Riddle, Isaac Wiles, Gardner Vaughn, George Harlan, Mrs. Davis, Barnabus McCarron, Mr. Hagan, and Hugh Wilson.
     In Rossville, there were Michael Delorac, father of Alexander Delorac; John Aston, Robert Taylor, John Taylor, John Hall, Isaac Moss, James Ross, Archibald Talbert, the ferryman; Moses Connor, Leonard Garver, Samuel Spivey, and Samuel Ayres.  This gives twelve names for Rossville, and twenty-eight for Hamilton, which at the usual rate of computation, would give for the population of Rossville sixty persons, and for Hamilton, one hundred and forty.
     The first marriage in Butler County, after its erection, was by Celadon Symmes and the fortunate parties were Jacob Sample and Jane Hueston.  This was on the 8th of September 1803.  Marriages had undoubtedly taken place before this, but they were under the jurisdiction of Hamilton County, and are there recorded, if anywhere.
     Mr. Birch came to Hamilton in 1810 or 1811.  He first occupied the south room of the house now owned by Mrs. R Tapscott, and which was built in 1810 by Joseph Hough, deceased.  Subsequently, and before, the brewery was built, Mr. Birch resided in a small house built by himself on the west side of the road leading to Cincinnati, and some two hundred yards north of the pond.  The old brewery was built about 1813 or 1814.  

TAXATION

     It appears from the earliest tax duplicate that in 1804 fifty-eight lots were taxed in Hamilton.  Benjamin F. Randolph had eighteen; John Reily, one; Sutherland & Brown, five; John Sutherland, six; John Torrence, twelve; Azarias Thorn, two; Isaac Wiles, thirteen; and

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and seven mills!  The largest resident tax payer was Celadon Symmes, $21.6.9; after him, Joel Williams, $18,64; then Samuel Dick, $18.07, on 3,703 acres in what is now Ross; next, John N. Cummins, $15.81.

CORPORATION AND TOWN COUNCIL.

     The town of Hamilton was incorporated by an act of the Legislature, passed in January, 1810, in pursuance of which law a president and three trustees were elected by the citizens, who proceeded to Organize themselves and pass ordinances for the government and regulation of the town for four succeeding years.  A considerable number of the citizens were opposed to the corporate regulations, and some irregularity occurring in their proceedings, no election was held in the year 1815, in consequence of which the corporation became forfeited and so remained until the year 1827, when the town  was again incorporated, together with Rossville, under the name of "The towns of Hamilton and Rossville."  The powers and duties of the corporation were vested in six trustees, to be elected by the citizens, who should hold their office two years, and appoint out of their own body a president and recorder.  The towns were divided into two districts or wards.  Hamilton forming one and Rossville the other, the citizens to meet in their respective wards and each elect their trustees.  The corporation were vested with power to levy a tax of not more than one-eighth of one per cent on  the amount of the grand levy of the State.  In May, 1827, the citizens met at their respective places of holding elections, those of Hamilton electing Doctor Loammi Rigdon and others, and the citizens of Rossville, Israel Gregg and others, as trustees, who afterwards met and appointed Israel Gregg president and Loammi Rigdon recorder.  Under this corporation and manner of organization the towns continued to prosper, under a well regulated police, for four years.   In January, 1830, the Legislature passed by law authorizing the corporation to grant licenses to grocers and retailers of spirituous liquors.  In the course of time, jealousies springing up between the two of us, on the petition of the citizens of Russville, the connection between them was dissolved by the Legislature, in February, 1831, and each erected into a separate corporation.  In accordance with this amendatory law the citizens of Hamilton elected James O'Connor, John Woods, John C. Dunlavy, Jesse Corwin, John M. Millikin, and Henry S. Earhart, trustees, who organized themselves by appointing James O'Connor president and John M. Millikin, recorder, who continued to exercise the duties of their office for the two succeeding years.
     In February, 1833, the charter of the town of Hamton was modified by an act of Legislature, by which the government of the town was vested in a mayor and six trustees, to be elected by the citizens for the term of three years.
     By this act the corporation were authorized to levy a tax of one-fourth of one per cent for corporation purposes.  The citizens met in May, 1833, and elected James McBride mayor and John Woods and others trustees, who organized themselves and appointed John Woods recorder.  This board drew up and passed an entire new code of law s for the regulation and government of the  town, and commenced grading and improving the streets.  On the 14th of February, 1835, the Legislature authorized the corporation to draw water from the basin, for the purpose of extinguishing fires, on which privilege being granted, the corporation, in 1836, laid pipes from the basin down Basin Street as far as Front Street, with pipes leading from them to fill two cisterns, constructed in the public square.
     On the 7th of March, 1835, the Legislature passed a law, further modifying and amending the act of incorporation.  By this law the name of the corporation was changed to that of "The town of Hamilton."  They were authorized to levy a tax of one-half of one per cent on the grand levy of the State, for supplying the town with water and improving the streets.  The act authorized them to borrow money, not exceeding fifteen hundred dollars; to appoint a wharfmaster; gave them the use of the county jail, and provided for filling the office of mayor, in case of vacancy.
     The corporate powers of the town of Hamilton were vested in a mayor and six trustees.  The mayor presided at the meetings of the board and was the judicial officer to carry into effect the ordinances passed by the board, and had all the powers vested in a justice of the peace, either in civil or criminal matters, throughout the town.  In criminal cases the marshal might serve process in any part of Butler County.  The corporation had power to appoint a recorder, a treasurer, marshal, wharfmaster, supervisor of streets and highways, inspector and measurer of wood, tanner's bark, lumber, and other articles of domestic growth, and regulate their duties.  The corporation was vested with power to make ordinances and by-laws for establishing and regulating the market, organize fire companies, and provide for the extinguishment of fire; to regulate the streets, alleys, and highways, and generally to make such ordinances and regulations for the safety, health, cleanliness, and convenience of the citizens, as was usual in like corporations.

GROWTH OF THE TOWN

     The population of Hamilton, as shown by census in 1810, was 242, and of Rossville 84.  At the next decennial census, in 1820, it was all included under the name of Hamilton, and the population numbered 660 souls.  In 1830, at the next census, the population of Hamilton had increased to 1,072, and Rossville again appeared with 620 inhabitants.  There were 9 colored persons in Hamilton in 1810; in 1820, 33, and in 1830, 80.  No colored persons were in Rossville at either date.
     The Miami Intelligencer, No. 31, of Feb. 23, 1815.

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advertises a new huckster-shop, in which cider, green and dried apples, whisky, beer, tar, and other accommodations, if called for, could be had.  Boots and shoes were made.  The advertiser was James T. Morton, corner of Front Street and the Diamond.  Elihu Line had lost a large ram, and Paul Sanders had had a boy, named Briton Wright, an apprentice at the pottery business, run away from him.  He was aged seventeen years, stout made, dark skin and complexion, about five feet high, "much given to lying, and a little light fingered."  Whoever would take him up and return him would have six cents reward and no thanks.  Those indebted to the late firm of Kelsey & Smith were invited to come forward and settle up.  Absolem Goodnough, at his new shop, on Front Street, sold boots and shoes.  R. Birch, at the Hamilton brewery, refused to pay a due-bill of sixty-one dollars and fifty cents, payable in barley.  William Murray needed a hostler.  Michael Delorac, "being far advanced in age and unable to traverse the streets and by-roads of Hamilton in search of passengers and freight, but wishing to make an honest and honorable livelihood" by his calling, gave notice that his ferry was  in complete repair, the flats new, and that good entertainment for man and horse could there be procured.  Preliminary articles of peace had just been brought over from Ghent.

MRS. KENNEDY'S RECOLLECTION

     The oldest resident of Hamilton, at this date, is Mrs. Esther Kennedy.  Her husband was a noted builder in his day, and came hre to put up a house on the west side of the river, on the Seven-Mile Pike, near the corporation limits, known as the Rhea house.  This was in 1812.  While doing this, he boarded with William Murray, father of the late William Murray, who kept a tavern.  Soon after this they built the house now standing on High Street, one door west of Fye's grocery.  At this time, all business was done near the river, and chiefly on Front Street. The Sutherland corner, now occupied by Rothenbush & Ratliff and Dr. S. H. Millikin, was building, and was plastered by Mr. Kennedy.  Going up the streeet, there no buildings until the present house of L. D. Campbell was reached.  John Reily had put up a part of the house three years before, and it was used as his dwelling and office.  From that to Third Street was a pasture field, fenced in, in which Mr. Reily pastured his horses and cattle.  The third and last house from the river was that built by Mr. Kennedy for his own use.  The woods had been cut down and the clearing made from this site to the river.  On the west side of Third Street was a clearing running down to the burying-ground of the town, near the Fourth Ward Park, while on the other side the forest commenced and extended eastward.
     On Fye's corner stood a large, magnificent elm, beneath whose spreading branches divine service was held on Sunday.  Half-way down the river, on the west side, was the old jail.  The lower part of this was used as a jail, while justice was dealt out in the room above.  Preaching wa held in this building on the Lord's-day.  Part of the palisades of the fort were still standing, near the river.  There was no bridge there then.  The stream must be crossed by ferries.
     At the time of the war of 1812 Mr. Kennedy was engaged in building the Hamilton House; that, for many years, was the great resort for travelers.  He was drafted into the service for six months, but secured a substitute, and finished the building.  For nearly two years after their house had been completed, Mrs. Kennedy carried water from Mr. Reily's well.  There was then no resident lawyer except David K. Este, afterwards of Cincinnati.  Mr. Kennedy died in 1830.
     In 1813 Isaac Paxton, a veteran of Wayne's wars, set up a shop in Hamilton as a silversmith.  In 1814 Pierson Sayre settled on Lot 120, on Front Street, between Dayton and Stable Streets.

SUICIDE OF JACOB FOREMAN

     In 1814 there came to Hamilton from Canada a fine, handsome man of about fifty years of age, who was a shoemaker.  He engaged board at the house of Major Murray, and soon went to work. His name was Jacob Foreman.  He talked little, and no know knew any thing of his past history.  He seemed brooding over past troubles.  In the month of June, 1815, Mr. Murray having engaged a farmer named Oliver to bring him a load of wood from where the gas works now are, but which  was then covered by the original forest, requested Foreman to go out there and help load the wagon, which he willingly did.  When it was loaded, Oliver started back, imagining the shoemaker was walking in the rear.  When the wood was unloaded, however, he was not on hand to render assistance, nor did he come in soon after.  Mr. Murray had noticed that he appeared low spirited, and feared that some accident had happened to him.  Waiting a reasonable time, they then began a search, and continued it until late that night.  The next morning, Sunday, it was again begun, and was joined in by every man and boy in the village.  Placing a man on each rod of ground, they started near where the railroad track now is, and moved forward until they reached the ground just below the infirmary hill.  Here Freeman was found, hidden in the top of an old oak, blown down in a recent tempest.  He was alive and uninjured, but said he had tried at various times during the night to hang himself with a grape vine, failing in which he went to sleep.
     He went home with Mr. Murray, washed and shaved himself and dressed himself in his best clothes and at supper time seemed to be in better spirits than for weeks past.  After a night's rest he was up early the next morning, when he ate a hearty breakfast.  Shortly after this meal, however, he went up stairs, and, standing on the landing, deliberately cut his throat from ear to ear, almost severing his head from his shoulders.  In this con-

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dition he walked down stairs, tried to open the door leading into the dining-room, but failed, and fell in a moment, after trying the latch, dead upon the floor.  The noise attracted the attention of the inmates of the house, who opened the door, and were horrified to find the corpse.
     There was an immense assembly at the funeral, as the story had been noised abroad through the country.  The interment was made in the Sycamore Grove.  Shortly after the burial the body was exhumed by the physicians, the flesh removed, the bones boiled, bleached, and articulated, and the skeleton of the first suicide in Hamilton hung for many years in the residence of one of Hamilton's early physicians.

INDEPENDENCE DAY IN 1814

     The Fourth of July, 1814, was celebrated at Hamilton.  About one o'clock the Declaration of Independence was read, and an oration delivered at the court-house, after which a procession was formed and marched to Wayne's Spring, about a third of a mile below town, to partake of a dinner, to be provided for the occasion.  James Heaton, William Murray, and David Latham were the committee of arrangements.  Friends in the country were cordially invited to attend.

MURRAY'S RECOLLECTIONS.

     When William Murray was a boy, or from 1810 to 1820, the business of the town was done along the river bank, between the two ferries, one of which crossed the river at the foot of what is now known as Dayton Street, and the other at that point where the old bridge was situated.  This ground is now covered with shops.  A large market-house also stood on High Street.  Rossville contained but a very few houses.
     The first printing-office was opened and the first paper printed in 1814 in the old building then standing on the south-west corner of Dayton and Water Streets.  This paper was the Miami Intelligencer.
     This house of Mr. Murray stood on the lot opposite Snider's paper mill, and the lot is now used by that mill.  It was destroyed by fire in 1839.  Colonel Campbell's resident was built by John Reed in 1808.  Mr. Reed was at that time boarding with Mr. Murray's father.  The Sutherland corner, now occupied by Rothenbush & Ratliff, was built in 1810-11.  The court-house was commenced in the year 1813, and completed in 1815.
     Schmidtmann's corner, now called the Central House, was built in 1816, a portion of the original structure still standing.
     The first brick houses were built in 1817-18 on High Street, near Frethtling's new store, and were known as the "brick row."
     The covered bridge, washed away in 1866, was commenced in 1818, but was not completed until the latter part of the next year.
     Masonic Hall, corner of Third and Dayton Streets, was our first school-house.  This building was put up in 1817.  There was a little log cabin, standing near where the United Presbyterian Church now stands, which was taught by a Presbyterian preacher.  The village of Hamilton never attained to the dignity of a town until the Miami Canal was dug.  Soon after this was cut through, in 1826, the place began to grow, and became much healthier.  Before, it was no uncommon thing for every body to be sick with chills and fever, so that often there were not enough well to take care of the sick.

EDWARD MURPHY

THE BIGHAMS

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EDUCATION

     No record has been preserved of the earliest teacher in Hamilton, nor of the school over which he presided.  The town had lasted fifteen years before any pedagogue now remembered came upon the scene.  Mr. Ritchie, whose first name has not been preserved, came here about the year 1810, and taught upon Front Street, in the Third Ward, upon lot No. 174.  He afterwards removed to a log house, upon the site of St. Mary's Church.  There he continued teaching for several years, and being a bachelor, kept his own house.  One morning the pupils came at the usual hour, and found him dead.  He was a rigid disciplinarian, and did not spare the rod.  A school was carried on for some time after his death by another teacher, but the name is forgotten.
     In 1812 the Rev. Matthew G. Wallace, who had been preaching occasionally in Hamilton, came to the place to live, and organized a Presbyterian Church.  He also opened a school for instruction in the usual English branches and the classics, in the old court-house.  A drawing of the building hands in the present court-house.  The next school was on Second Street, on a part of lot No. 188, where the Benninghofen residence now is.  Here, about the year 1815, Benjamin B. Pardee gave instruction.  Very nearly at the same time there was a school in Rossville, near the river, half-way between the present suspension and railroad bridges.  It was conducted by Mr. Elder, and was attended by pupils from both sides of the river.
     At about the same time Alexander Proudfit, who had been classically educated, came to study medicine with Doctor Daniel Millikin, and at the same time to teach.   Doctor Millikin built him a school-house on the north side of Heaton Street, between Second and Third Streets, on lot No. 203.  It was of hewed logs.  Doctor Millikin's own children attended, and in course of time many from other families.
     In 1818 the Hamilton Literary Society erected, at the south-west corner of Third and Dayton Streets, the first story of a brick building, twenty-two by thirty-six feet, the Masonic fraternity afterwards adding a story for the use of its order.  Here taught the Rev. James McMechan and Henry Baker.  Joseph Blackleach followed them, remaining for two years, and having seventy or eighty pupils.  He died in 1819 or 1820, while on a visit to Oxford.  After him came Hugh B. Hawthorne.
     In 1819 Ellen A. McMechan, daughter of Rev. James McMechan,  who was then dead, opened a school on the north-east corner of Third and Buckeye Streets, lot No. 181, teaching there for one year.  Removing from this location, she continued her school on Ludlow Street, near the north-west corner of Third, where she taught for seven years.  She had about seventy pupils, of whom Mrs. L. D. Campbell and Mrs. John M. Millikin, and perhaps others, are still alive.  She had been thoroughly trained, and to have been in her school was regarded as being itself a compliment.  She charged three dollars for each term of five months, teaching five and a half days each week.  There were other teachers who did not ask as much.
     The Rev. Francis Monfort taught between the years 1820 adn 1822, in a frame house on the corner of Third and High Streets, lot No. 103, being the one now occupied by Hughes Brothers.  He gave instruction in the

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classics and higher mathematics, besides the ordinary English Branches.
     Benjamin F. Raleigh taught from 1825 to 1830.  He was a township clerk of Fairfield Township for several years, and was township superintendent of common schools.  This is the first notice we find of the common school system.  He was a large, powerful man, and administered the government of the school with vigor.
     Greer, another school teacher, whose place was on lot No. 72, was also a believer in the strong mode of teaching.  "From the center of the room where he sat he would reach and remind his scholars with a hickory rod ten feet in length."
     The most important school for the instruction of young ladies ever here was originated by John Woods in 1832.  He drew up articles of association for the foundation of a seminary designed to give a more thorough education than was then possible, to be entitled the Hamilton and Rossville Female Academy.  Subscriptions to the amount of two thousand five hundred dollars were soon obtained, and the stockholders met and elected John Woods, the Rev. Doctor David MacDill, the Rev. Augustus Pomeroy, James McBride, and Caleb DeCamp, directors of the association.  Lot No. 247 was purchased, on Water Street, and a school-house erected, being the one now occupied as a city building, and in which the fire recently occurred.  This was finished in the year 1834, and on the 7th of March, 1835, a bill was passed by the Legislature incorporating the academy.  The bill was drafted by William Bebb, afterwards governor of the State.
     Miss Maria Drummond was the first teacher.  On the 8th of October, 1835, Miss Georgetta Haven took charge of the school at a salary of four hundred dollars a year, but this was afterwards increased to five hundred dollars.  Miss Amelia Looker and Miss Eliza Huffman were employed as assistants at salaries of four hundred three hundred dollars respectively.  The academy soon became very prosperous, and in the Summer of 1836 there were one hundred and twenty-seven pupils upon the daily roll.
     At the close of Miss Haven's administration, which lasted several yearsr, the academy was conducted by Doctor Giles, Mr. Batchelder, Mr. Marchant, Mr. Furman, and others.  But the common schools had now gone into operation of the building interfared with it, and determined to try a new location, but, although twenty-six years have since elapsed, they have not found it.  The school had worthily fulfilled its mission, and from its halls many of our best ladies received their instruction.
     From an old circular of the academy, in 1841, we take the following names of the young ladies who attended:
     Margaret Abbot, Eliza Bebb, Margaret G. Bigham, Rebecca Beaty, Mary D. Budd, Catharine Brietenbach, Sarah E. Crawford, Dorcas Cooch, Mary E. Curtis, Isaphine Crane, Sarah A. Conner, Caroline Cornell, Sucan Daniels, Lydia A. Dunn, Julia Durrough, Mary E. Elmer, Keziah Elliott, Elizabeth Fisher, Jane Hunter, Mary Jane Hunter, Eleanor Hueston, Emma Ingersoll, Sarah Jones, Amanda Kline, Caroline Keyes,  Amanda Louthan, Emma Lefler, Marietta McBride, Lydia M. McDill, Mary McCleary, Amanda McDonald, Ellen M. Matthias, Emily E. Matthias, Elizabeth C. Meyers, Caroline Millikin, Elizabeth Meredith, Sarah Morris, Jane Payne, Ann Payne, Emma Payne, charlotte Potter, Lucy Rigdon, Ellen Rigdon, Laura Rigdon, Isabella Sutherland, Elizabeth Traber, Marcella Smith, Nancy A. Stearns, Sarah Sinanrd, Angelina Smith, Dell Scott, Martha Traber, Mary A. Taylor, Catharine Taylor, Sophia Thomas, Martha Woods, Rebecca Woods, Rachel Woods, Caroline M. Williams, Elizabeth Watkins, Mary Van Hook, Susan Van Hook.

     Another institution which had considerable celebrity in its day was the Rossville Presbyterian Academy, then under the direction of the Rev. Thomas E. Thomas.  An advertisement of his in 1848 reads:

     This institution, established a year since, under the direction of Oxford Presbytery, may now be regarded as upon a permanent basis.  The experiment of the past year has proved entirely successful; more than fifty pupils having been in attendance during that period.  The Institution is founded upon the principal of connecting careful religious training with intellectual education.  The Bible is studied systematically, and recited daily, by every scholar.  Our design is both to prepare young men for College, and to afford a good academical education for those who desire nothing more.
     The course of study will embrace Rhetorical Readings, Geography, Grammar, Rhetoric, Ariithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Ancient and Modern History, particularly that of the United States, the Constitution and Government of the United States, the Constitution and Government of the United States; Natural History, including Anatomy, Physiology, etc.; the Latin and Greek Languages; Old and New Testament History, the Epistles and Prophecies, Biblical Antiquities, and an abridgment of Horne's Introduction to the study of the Scriptures, together with stated exercises in Declamation and Composition.
     Terms per Session, five, seven, or ten dollars, in proportion to the advancement of the pupils; to be paid invariably in advance.
     Boarding may be had, in private families, for one dollar and fifty cents per week.
                                        THOMAS E. THOMAS, Principal,
                                         JOHN THOMAS, Assistant.

By order of Presbytery,
                THOMAS E. THOMAS, Chairman of Committee
October 2, 1848.

     The common school system was inaugurated in 1825, but met with much opposition.  From the time it went into effect down to 1851 the schools of what are now the Second, Third and Fifth Wards were under the control of the school authorities of Fairfield Township, and those of the First Ward were under the directors of St. Clair Township.  The Second and Third Wards were then School District No. 1, and the Third Ward was District No. 10.  It appears from the records that sharp bargains were made with the teachers whever practicable, and they were frequently engaged by day.

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     The first school-building for the use of common schools was erected not far from 1837.  In this Mr. Bebb took great interest.  He suggested the plan, advanced a large portion of the money needed, and devoted much time to the completion of the work.  This is now a part of the Third Ward School, on Dayton Street.
     April 19, 1851, an  election was held in which the electors voted for or against the adoption of the act of Feb. 21, 1849, providing that cities and towns may be formed into one district, to be governed by a board of six directors and three examiners.  It was adopted and the officers chosen soon after took their position.  Two of the directors, John W. Erwin and John W. Sohn, are still living in Hamilton.  The examiners, Isaac Robertson, Doctor Cyrus Falconer, and William Huber, all are alive, and in the active practice of their professions.  June 21, 1851, the first tax was levied by the board, being one and one-fourth mills on the dollar.  June 30th, the township funds were transferred to John W. Sohn, treasurer.  In 1852 the schools were classified.  In 1853 Mr. J. W. Legg, of Piqua, was engaged, at a salary of fifty dollars per month.  In 1854, after the union of Rossville and Hamilton, Alexander Bartlett was appointed superintendent of schools, at a salary of eighty dollars per month.  The ladies employed as teachers, who this year received twenty-five dollars per month, petitioned for an advance, but it was not granted.
     It had been a condition of the union of the two towns that a school-house should be erected in the First Ward, and on the 29th of May, 1856, the board of education adopted a resolution requesting the city council to advance sufficient money to build the house.  On the 14th of August the council passed an ordinance appropriating eleven thousand dollars in aid of the work.  The building was put up, but its cost far exceeded this amount.  In June of this year the pupils were classified.  In 1857 the office of superintendent of schools was separated from the duties of principal of the high school, and G. E. Howe was chosen superintendent, at a salary of one thousand a year, and on Jan. 12, 1858, S. A. Norton was placed in charge of the high school, at a salary of eight hundred dollars per year.  This was the time at which the First Ward school-house was completed, the force of teachers having in the meantime been increased from eight, employed in 1854, to seventeen.
     In 1861 the schools were under the superintendency of John R. Chamberlin, now of Cincinnati.  Doctor W. W. Caldwell became a member of the board of education in 1859, and was president in 1861.  In 1862 he was elected treasurer of the board, holding that office until 1875, making a total of sixteen years' service.  The German-English department was organized in 1851, the first teacher being Matthew Pfae__in.  The superintendent continued to hear lessons, as a part of his duty, until 1870.  Mr. Chamberlin was succeeded by Mr. H. T. Wheeler, and he by John A. Shank, John Edwards, and E. Bishop, the latter retiring in 1871.  Little is known about their labors.
     The colored school was organized in September, 1853, and was taught in a dilapidated old shanty, situated on the site now occupied by the colored church.  In 1867 a building was finally erected, at a cost of two thousand dollars.
     In 1871 the public schools passed under the management of Mr. Alston Ellis, and he was succeeded by Mr. L. D. Brown, the present superintendent, Mar. 1, 1879.
     In 1873 it was resolved to build a school-house in the Fourth Ward.  A lot had been purchased three years before, at a cost of four thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight dollars.  The plans and specifications of the building were prepared and approved in June, 1873, and the contract was awarded in July.  The house was first occupied in September, 1874, and had ten commodious, well ventilated school-rooms, each having a seating capacity for fifty-six pupils, and a large room for general exercises on the third floor.  The building is very thoroughly put up, and every thing was done in the best manner.  When completed and the bills brought in a very severe criticism was indulged in, on account of the cost, which was much beyond what had been expected.  The following are details:

     There are now in Hamilton five school-buildings, one for each of the first four wards, and one for the colored schools.  The Fifth Ward, being lately organized, has no school-house.  School is taught 200 days in the year, 2,008 children being enrolled, with a supposed number of a thousand children in the private and parochial schools.  There were 5,058 children of school age, showing that two thousand do not attend school anywhere.  The valuation of school property in the district  is $5,600,525, on which the tax levied is five mills on the dollar.  The school property is valued at $125,000.  Thirty-six teachers are employed, 13 of whom are in the German-English department and one in music.  The average pay of teachers per year was $540.  There were 51 teachers in the public schools.  On the whole, the schools seem to be conducted in a very satisfactory manner.

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BANK OF HAMILTON

     On the 19th of December, 1817, the Legislature of the State of Ohio passed a law incorporating the Bank of Hamilton, with a capital of three hundred thousand dollars.
     In the Spring of 1818 books for the subscription of stock opened, and an amount sufficient to authorize the bank to go into operation being subscribed, an election for directors was held.  On the 11th day of July, 1818, the board of directors elected met for the first time, and appointed John Reily president and William Blair cashier of the bank.  Bank notes having been engraved and prepared for circulation, the directors met on the 30th of July, made their first discounts, and the bank went into operation.  The bank was kept north of the Public Square, immediately opposite the courthouse, in the front room fo Dr. Jacob Hittel's brick house, then owned by William Blair.
     The capital stock paid into the bank was $33,062.68, on which they continued to discount and do a small but respectable business for several years.  In the all of the year 1818, the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States required all payments due the United States required all payments due the United States to be made in gold or silver or bills of the Bank of the United States, in consequence of which the banks of the State of Ohio, and the banks in the West generally, suspended specie payments about the 1st of November.  The Bank of Hamilton suspended specie payments on the 9th of November, 1818.
     In May, 1819, the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank of Cincinnati, by an agreement with the treasury department, became a depository of the public moneys, on which they resumed specie payments.  Under these circumstances application was made to the Bank of Hamilton on the 27th of May, 1819, by their agent, Nicholas Longworth, for a loan of $10,000 in specie, in order to enable them to sustain themselves and carry out their agreement with the treasury department.  This, it was represented, they were abundantly able to do, as they were to have a permanent deposit from the government of $100,000 which, it was stated, exceeded the amount of their paper in circulation, consequently they could only be pressed for a short period, the specie to be returned at any time, on a moment's warning, and not to be affected by any amount of the notes of the Bank of Hamilton which they might have in hand at the time.  It was also proposed to make the notes of the Bank of Hamilton receivable in the land office, if desired, on terms that would be mutually satisfactory, and on the general resumption of specie payments they proposed to reciprocate the accommodation in any way that might be most advantageous for the Bank of Hamilton.  The proposition was acceded to by the directors of the Bank of Hamilton, and the sum of $10,000 in silver paid over to the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank on the 15th of June, 1819.  A few weeks afterwards the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank suspended specie payments and closed their doors.  A correspondence was commenced with the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank on the subject of the loan, which they were unable to return or secure.  Finally, in May, 1820, a deed was made by the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank to the Bank of Hamilton, for their banking house and lot, being the three fourth parts of lot No. 103, on Main Street, between Front and Columbia Streets, in the city of Cincinnati, which was accepted in full for the loan of $10,000, including interest.
     The property was taken possession of by the Bank of Hamilton and rented to John & Gurden B. Gilmore for a broker's office and residence.  In December, 1824, a writ of ejectment, issued from the Circuit Court of the United States for the district of Ohio, in favor of the heirs, of Israel Ludlow, deceased, was served on the tenant of the Bank of Hamilton for the recovery of the house conveyed to him by the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank on the ground that the lot had been illegally sold by the administrators of Israel Ludlow after his death.  At the January term of the Circuit Court in 1827 a judgment was rendered in favor of the heirs of Ludlow against the Bank of Hamilton, which the Bank of Hamilton took up on a writ of error to the Supreme Court of the United States at Washington.  When the cause came on for hearing at Washington the judgment of the court below was affirmed, which rendered the title of the Bank of Hamilton void.
     The property conveyed by the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank being thus lost to the Bank of Hamilton, and the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank unable to make good their warranty, the whole appeared in a manner lost.  However, on examination, it was found that the property had been conveyed to the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank by John McIntyre, by deed of general warranty dated the 31st of May, 1815.  John McIntyre lived in Madison, Indiana, and was perfectly solvent.  The agent of the bank accordingly called on him on the 29th of October, 1829, when John McIntyre agreed to pay to the Bank of Hamilton the sum of $2,000, which was accepted, and Mr. McIntyre released from his warranty on the payment of the money, and the agreement was afterwards complied with.
     The bank was crippled severely, and its transactions were virtually wound up.  From 1824 till 1835 the stockholders did nothing more than to elect directors to keep the bank alive.  In the latter year $50,000 additional shares were subscribed, and it again went into operation.  After a few years, however, the pressure of the times compelled them to close, and they finally shut their doors on the 9th of February, 1842, when an assignment was made.

STORE DEALINGS

     The following is a bill of goods sold by John Sutherland probably not far from 1810.  The luxuries were appreciated and indulged in even at that early day

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WILLIAM ALYEAR TO JOHN SUTHERLAND.

     Whisky was worth at the above figures 25 cents per quart in our currency; tobacco, forty cents per pound; playing cards, seventy-five cents per pack; hair ribbon, sixty cents; white flannel, $1.20; Irish linen, $5.75; good prices for a pioneer to pay with corn selling at ten cents the bushel.

JOSHUA DELAPLANE

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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REGISTER OF THE FIRST ADULT MEMBERS

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METHODIST CHURCH

     The Methodist Episcopal Church in this county did not have as early an origin as some others.  Services were held at the Spring Meeting-house in Liberty Township and at Oxford long before they were held here.  Hamilton existed for fifteen years before any Church organization at all was attempted.  Among these the Methodists were third in order.  There were very few ordained ministers to labor in the field.
     The minutes of the Ohio Conference give as the bounds of the Miami District in 1813, Cincinnati, Mad River, Xenia, Scioto, and Deer Creek, Solomon Layden was presiding elder.  The appointments were Cincinnati, Little Miami, Lawrenceburg, White Water, and Oxford.
     In 1817 Miami District extended to Piqua.  David Sharp was the presiding elder.
     The Rev. Samuel West was appointed to travel on the Miami Circuit in the Fall of the year 1818, continuing for one year.  When he came to that circuit there was no Methodist preaching in Hamilton, nor was there any organized society of that denomination in the plane.

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THE THEATER

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UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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HENRY S. EARHART

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MRS. MARGERY McMECHAN

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BARBARISM

THREE CENTS REWARD

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HAMILTON BASIN

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TAYLOR WEBSTER

CYRUS FALCONER

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POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OF 1840

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LEVI RICHMOND

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THE OLD POST OFFICE

JOHN W. SOHN

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THE LIBERTY PARTY

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JOHN L. MARTIN

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LEWIS D. CAMPBELL

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GLENWOOD CEMETERY.

     For some years previous to 1847, the citizens of the villages of Hamilton and of Rossville became impressed with the necessity of abandoning the use of the burial grounds provided for each town, and the urgent duty of obtaining new places for the purpose of sepulture.  No steps had been taken to effect the desired object until the Fall of that year, when John W. Erwin, in connection with other gentlemen, determined to ascertain the views of the citizens, and to raise, if possible, a sufficient amount of money for the purchase of suitable grounds for cemetery purposes.  Thereupon, in the Fall of 1847, the following paper was prepared and presented to the citizens of Hamilton and vicinity for their subscriptions:
     "The undersigned citizens of Hamilton and vicinity, believing it to be of the utmost importance that a rural cemetery should be established in the neighborhood of said town, do hereby associate ourselves as a joint stock company for that purpose, each share of stock to be twenty-five dollars, and when a sufficient amount shall have been subscribed, the same to be applied for the purchase and improvement of grounds suitable for that purpose, to be laid off in walks, carriage-ways, alleys, and subdivisions, and sold in lots under the direction of the association.  Stock subscribed to go in payment of lots purchased, and the balance of the proceeds, if any, to be expended from time to time in defraying expenses and improvements on the grounds," etc.
     Mr. Erwin, and others diligently sought to obtain

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subscribers to the paper.  They encountered many difficulties in their efforts.  Some thought there was no pressing necessity for new cemetery grounds.  Some thought the enterprise chimerical, and that a sufficient amount of money could not be raised to accomplish the object.  Others, who sometimes and to some extent found themselves in antagonism with movements made by Hamilton, were impressed with the idea that Hamilton was too unhealthy for a burying-ground.  Notwithstanding the many objections urged to the undertaking and the difficulties encountered, persistent efforts were made to secure subscriptions.  Finally, an amount deemed sufficient to justify a more complete organization and the purchase of grounds was subscribed.
     Very opportunely, just when most needed, the Legislature of Ohio, on the twenty-fourth day of February, 1848, passed a general law for the organization of cemetery associations.  By the passage of this act the friends of the enterprise were greatly assisted in their undertaking.  At a meeting held at the court-house in Hamilton on the 25th of February, 1848, John M. Millikin, John W. Erwin, and William Bebb were appointed a committee to personally examine several sites suggested, and on the subsequent third day of March, 1848, the committee submitted a report, in which they discussed the character of the subsoil best suited for a cemetery and other essential qualities, such as an undulating surface, the amount and quality of the natural growth of timber, location, etc.  The committee reported fully on the merits and demerits of the several tracts offered, and concluded by recommending the purchase of the grounds offered for sale by the executors of Daniel Bigham, deceased, supposed to contain twenty-four acres, at one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre.  The subject was fully considered by the stockholders present, who voted by a large majority for its purchase.  William Bebb, John M. Millikin, and L. D. Campbell were appointed a committee to conclude a contract with the executors for its purchase.
     On the sixteenth day of March following Governor William Bebb presented to the meeting then held a certified copy of the act passed upon the subject of organizing cemetery associations, and the following resolutions were adopted:
     "Resolved, That we accept the act passed Feb. 24, 1848, entitled, 'An Act Making Provisions for the Incorporation of Cemetery Associations,' and hereby organize ourselves into a cemetery association.
     "Resolved, That we will meet on the fifteenth day of April next, at two o'clock P. M., at the court-house in Hamilton, for the purpose of electing seven trustees and one clerk for the association."
     In obedience to the second resolution, due notice of an election was given.  The result was the choice of the following persons as trustees:  William Hunter, Henry S. Earhart, William Wilson, William Bebb, Lewis D. Campbell, John W. Erwin, and John M. Millikin.  At the same time John H. Shuey was elected clerk.  The committee appointed for that purpose reported that they had concluded a contract with the executors of David Bigham for the purchase of the tract of land officered, which was found to contain 21-29/100 acres.  At a meeting held by the stock-holders on the 18th of May, for the purpose of choosing a name, several were suggested.  Twenty-four votes were cast for the adoption of "Greenwood" as the name of the cemetery association, and seventeen votes for "Hamilton."  The result was the choice of the former name.  On the 20th of May, 1848, the trustees held their first meeting, John H. Shuey, the elected clerk, being present.  John M. Millikin was chosen president, and William Wilson, treasurer.  Upon due consideration heretofore made of 21-29/100 acres was altogether insufficient, and an additional strip of ground adjoining the former purchase, containing 5-57/100 acres, was purchased.  This strip of ground, lying on the east, was very desirable, - indeed, it was deemed indispensable, and the board of trustees did not hesitate in making the purchase from Mr. James Bigham, at one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre.  The addition enlarged the cemetery to 26-76/100 acres.
     The trustees found that they had onerous duties to perform, which demanded immediate attention.  The purchased grounds had to be paid for; prompt collection of stock subscribed was required; the grounds were to

MORE TO COME

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HENRY L. MOREY.

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JAMES E. MOREY

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MICAJAH HUGHES

UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.

     As nearly as we can ascertain, the history of Universalism in Butler County dates back to 1838, when occasional preaching services were held in the city of Hamilton, and at various other places in the county.
     James McBride estimated the attendance upon the various Churches in Hamilton, in 1842, as follows: "Methodist, 300; Presbyterians, 200; Associates Reformed, 200; Episcopal, 59; Reformed Presbyterians, 100; Baptists (Old School), 30; Universalists, 100.  Total population of Hamilton and Rossville, 2,552; of age to attend Church, 2,089.  Total attendance, including 200 Catholics, 1,030; non-attendants, 1,059."
     In one of our old county papers we find the following announcement: "Rev. D. R. Biddlecome, Universalist, will preach at Jacksonburg, at 3 P.M., and in Hamilton in the evening.' About this time there was an occasional sermon by some Cincinnati missionary Universalist minister, who preached at Oxford, Bunker Hill, and other places.  Rev. Henry Gifford, Rev. Abel C. Thomas, Rev. John Garley, Rev. George Rogers, Rev. E. M. Pingrey, Rev. W. W. Carry, Rev. B. F. Foster, Rev. J. C. Petrat, Rev. N. M. Gaylard (brother-in-law of General Van Derveer), Rev. Mr. Davis, and Rev. Mr. W. S. Baron were the early occasional ex-pounders of this faith "once delivered to the saints."
     Among the old-time attendants upon the Universalist Church services we find the following names: Jacob Matthias, Isaac Matthias, John W. Erwin, John K. Wil-

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son, Perry G. Smith, John O. Brown, Peter Jacobs, Thomas Reed, Richard Easton, and Isaac Warwick.  At this time these friends of liberal thought met in the lower rooms of the court-house, which were ordinarily well filled, and the religious services were always characterized by most excellent music.  Their present church was erected in 1851 and cost about $9,000.  Besides other generous contributions, John W. Erwin donated the church bell, which was a premium bell, and cost five hundred dollars cash.  Christopher Hughes, Ludwick and Jane Betz, and Jasper Johnson were now attendants upon public worship with his congregation.
     The Rev. Jonathan Kidwell, a most able controversialist, and other prominent Universalist divines, occasionally held public debates with the ministers of opposing faiths at various places in Butler County.  Churches have been built at Oxford and Bunker Hill, which have for many years had preaching about every alternate Sunday.  Rev. C. H. Dutton, Rev. William Tucker, Rev. J. P. MacLean, and Rev. C. L. Haskell, in the order named, have been the more recent pastors of the Hamilton society.  It has an interesting Sunday-school, with about eighty names enrolled, and an average attendance of probably fifty-five.
     Unfortunately the church property of this society has become involved in litigation, which for final adjudication has been appealed to the Supreme Court.  H. L. Morey, J. E. Morey, B. F. Thomas, John W. Erwin, R. N. Andrew, Dr. S. H. Potter, S. O. Peacock, and various influential citizens of Butler County attend this church.  Should the Supreme Court finally decide adversely to this society, it proposes at once to build a new and beautiful modern church edifice; otherwise, to entirely renovate its present house of worship.

JAMES E. CAMPBELL
(with portrait)

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CAPTAIN ISRAEL GREGG

JOSEPH E. HUGHES
(with portrait)

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THOMAS V. HOWELL

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WILLIAM B. VAN HOOK

JOHN F. NEILAN
(with portrait)

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HAMILTON AND ROSSVILLE HYDRAULIC COMPANY.

     For several years an idea had been entertained by some of the citizens of Hamilton of the practicability of taking the water out of the Miami River, at a bend about four miles above, conveying it by a race to the town, and thereby creating a water-power which would be advantageous to the place.  In the summer of 1840 John W. Erwin, an experienced and skillful engineer, surveyed and leveled the route, and made a map and estimate of the expense of the work.  This estimate and map were forwarded to the succeeding Legislature, with a petition praying the incorporation of a company to effect the object contemplated.  On the presentation of this the Legislature, on the twenty-fifty day of March, 1841, passed an act incorporating a company by the name of "The Hamilton and Rossville Hydraulic Company," and gave them power to erect a dam across the Miami River at any point between the head of New River and Allen's mill, and to construct a canal or race thence to the town of Hamilton, for the purposes of creating a water-power for propelling mills and other machinery.
     The assent of the owners was required to be obtained over whose lands the water should be conducted or works erected.  The capital stock of the company was limited to one hundred thousand dollars, divided into shares of fifty dollars each.  On twenty thousand dollars being subscribed they were authorized to elect a board of directors and proceed with the object of the undertaking. 
     At the next session of the Legislature a law was passed modifying the provisions of the original act so that the business of the company should be conducted by nine directors, instead of seven as provided by the first act, and prohibiting the directors from involving the company in debt to a greater amount that the stock subscribed, unless authorized by two-thirds of the stockholders.  The assent of owners of land to the right of way being required by the act of incorporation, in the Spring of the year 1841 John W. Erwin obtained a release of the right of way from John Mitchel, George R. Bigham, William Bigham, James Bigham, and David Bigham, on the condition that the Hydraulic Company should build each of these persons a good bridge on their land, for the passing of wagons and cattle over the company's canal.
     A difference of opinion existed between the citizens of Hamilton and Rossville as to the point where the water-power should be erected, and on which side of the river the water should be brought.  The act of incorporation appointed Samuel Forrer, of Dayton, a civil engineer, to survey and estimate the route on each side of the river, and to establish it on the best and most practicable route.  On being notified by the company, Mr. Forrer attended at Hamilton, in October, examined the different routes, and after making an estimate of the expense, on the 26th of October, 1841, made a report deciding in favor of the one on the Hamilton side.  Books for the subscription of stock were opened on Wednesday the first day

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of December, and twenty-two thousand dollars immediately taken.
     An election was held at the office of Lewis D. Campbell, secretary, on the first day of January, 1842, at which John Woods, William Bebb, Loammi Rigdon,  Jacob Hittel, Andrew McCleary, Lewis D. Campbell, and Jacob Matthias were elected directors.  William Bebb was chosen president, and Lewis D. Campbell, secretary.  Henry S. Earhart was afterwards appointed and John C. Skinner, engineers, to re-survey the route, and prepare the work for being let.  After the work had been prepared for letting, John W. Erwin declining to serve further as engineer, John C. Skinner was appointed, at a salary of four hundred dollars per year.  A number of proposals were received, and the whole work put under contract at prices from five to thirteen cents per cubic yard for excavation and embankment.  The contractors immediately commenced work, and prosecuted their jobs with vigor, so that, notwithstanding the great embarrassment of the times, and the difficulty of raising funds, the whole was finally completed, and the water let in at an early date.
     The commissioners appointed by the general government to examine and make a report of the most suitable place for the establishment of a United States armory, on some of the Western waters, being in the county at the time, a committee of citizens drew up a statement of the advantages of Hamilton, and the eligibility of the place for such an establishment.  The Hydraulic Company proposed to furnish them three thousand cubic feet of water per minute, over a fall of twenty feet, for the use of their works, free of charge, provided they would erect a tight dam over the river at the head of the race, and invited the commissioners to visit the place.  On the 13th of September, 1842, they arrived at Hamilton, and spent three or four days in examining the town and vicinity.
     The Hydraulic Canal, from the north line of Hamilton, passes down near the bank of the river, through a space of ground lying between the town lots and the river, previously held as public common.  A conversion from public to private use it was alleged might interfere with the title, as it had originally been granted by Israel Ludlow, who laid out the town, for the purpose of a public common.  An arrangement was accordingly entered into between the Hydraulic Company, the heirs of Israel Ludlow, decreased, and the town of Hamilton, by which the company was permitted to construct their canal over this ground.  The space between the hydraulic canal and the river was laid off into lots.  Those south of Buckeye Street were divided equally between the Hydraulic Company and the heirs of Ludlow.  The portion lying north of Buckeye street was divided equally between the town of Hamilton, Ludlow's heirs, and the Hydraulic Company.

START ON SECOND COLUMN

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F. D. BLACK
(with portrait)

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WILLIAM BECKETT

POLITICAL HANDBILL

     It is interesting to see that the great political crisis which threatens the country this year, and threatened it last year and the year before, has always been existing.    It can not be said that the campaign of 1852 was conducted on any other than party issues, or that there was any thing remarkable in the situaton of the country.  Yet see the appeals in the Intelligencer:

BASE FRAUD!
OUTRAGEOUS ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT
L. D. CAMPBELL

     We have it upon reliable information, that on Monday last, JOHN CARR, formerly representative from this county, and one of the trustees of Fairfield Township, was in Mason, Warren County, wanting to hire TWO HUNDRED HANDS to work in this county.  He there represented that Campbell would be elected by a small majority, doubtless as a blind to cover his real intentions.

     FREEMEN OF THE THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT!   What say you to such infamous conduct on the part of the Lo___fo__os of Butler County?  Desperation is seen in every movement.  Campbell must be defeated, say they, at all hazards; and, to our certain knowledge, one of the State officers has boasted that he could beat the world at pipelaying.
     Whigs of the townships, be on your guard.  Some of these hirelings will be quartered in every township in the county.  GUARD WELL THE POLLS!  See that none but LEGAL VOTES are deposited and a triumphant victory is sure.

JOHN M. MILLIKIN

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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

     On the 31st of December, 1841, Dr. Loammi Rigdon, Rebecca Rigdon, Aaron Potter, and Emeline Potter, being desirous to have Baptist preaching, resolved to make an effort to maintain a minister one-half of his time, and engaged the Rev. A. Drury of Cincinnati, for that purpose, at the rate of four dollars for each visit.  In 1842 he closed, and Elder Quant succeeded, staying, however, but a short time.  In April, 1843, the Rev. Mr. Osborn began preaching, receiving two hundred dollars per year.  Of this Dr. Rigdon and Mr. Potter each paid seventy-five dollars, and the Ohio Baptist Association, fifty dollars.  There being no organization of the Church at this time, an arrangement was made with the Muddy Creek Church to receive into their membership any who might wish to join at Hamilton.  It should be remembered that all this time there was a Baptist Church here which adhered to the anti-mission side.  The split had occurred in 1836.
     In 1844 the Lockland Church received the members of the Hamilton congregation into membership, and constituted it a branch Church.  The members were L. Rigdon, Rebecca Rigdon, Aaron Potter, Emeline Potter, Eve Davis, Elizabeth Walton, Sarah Steele, Sarah Garrison, Mary Garrison, Mary Kelley, S. Jane Walton, Louisa Pharis, and Louisa Boatman.  When Mr. Osborn's term expired no other preacher was called, but services were held occasionally, at which neighboring ministers officiated.  Meetings were held in the court-house and at the Female Academy.  Oct. 20, 1844, the Rev. D. Bryant was called as pastor, and a couple of months after it was resolved to erect a meeting-house.  This house was in due time erected, at a cost, with the lot, of $3,311, and, with an addition afterward made, was occupied tll 1858, when it passed into the hands of William Miller, the German Lutheran Church, and the Episcopal Church, successively.  It is now changed into stores.
     Mr. Bryant accepted another call in 1845, and William Roney was installed as pastor soon after.  April 15, 1846, the Church was received into membership with the other Baptist Churches of the State, under the title of the First Baptist Church of Hamilton.  The first trustees were L. Rigdon, A. Potter, J. L. Batchelder, Joseph Shotwell, and J. S. Beat_y; treasurer, L. Rigdon; clerk, W. S. Going; deacons, L. Rigdon and Joseph Shotwell.  Mr. Roney left on the 4th of June, 1848, and was succeeded by William Ashmore.  In 1850 he went to China as a foreign missionary, and for a year the Church was without a pastor.  The Rev. H. M. Richardson became pastor in 1852.  The membership at this time was seventy-two.  He stayed with the Church ten years, and did much good service.  During his ministrations it wa sthat the new church was built, at a cost of ten thousand five hundred dollars.  He was succeeded by C. B. Keys, J. M. Pendleton, V. W. Snow, R. Telford, N. A. Reed, Thomas Hanford, J. R. Ware, W. E. Lyon, W. A. Smith, P. M. Weddell, and Homer Eddy.  The last is the present pastor.
     On Sunday, Jan. 17, 1875, the church building was partly destroyed by fire.  The other churches, the Young Men's Christian Association, and the Masons

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promptly tendered their aid.  The loss was fully covered by insurance.  About this time, too, the Church became straitened for means, could not pay the pastor's salary, and was for several short spaces of time without preaching.  It is now, however, on the upward wave.  The membership is increasing, and there is much interest felt.  The Sunday-school has had as superintendents Aaron Potter, E. G. Dyer, W. Richardson, W. E. Scobey, George P. Brown, Walter Webster, Joseph R. Gibbons, and F. P. Stewart.  Much of the success of this Church was owning to the indefatigable zeal of Mr. Aaron Potter and Dr. Loammi Rigdon, who put their shoulders to the wheel and made the Church an accomplished fact.

WILLIAM MURPHY

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COLONEL A. DUNN

JAMES BEATTY

THE NATIONAL ARMORY

     Among the projects agitated in Hamilton forty years ago was one for the establishment of a national armory.  Congress had ordered the construction of several new ones, and this place had several advantages which it was thought out to secure the erection of such an establishment here.  It was to be located in one of the Western States.  Ohio had peculiar claims, owing to its superior representative numbers, and in consideration of its long line of exposed frontier.  This place was better than any point further east or further north, because the navigation of the river and the canals is less interrupted by ice and extreme low water.  From here arms could be transported with east to the North on the lakes, or to the south or south-west.  A meeting was held in Hamilton in 1841, at which an elaborate report was made.  It pointed out that the prices of property were low and rents always obtainable; provisions were cheap.  There was an abundance of timber, stone, and other materials.  No carting would be required, as in Cincinnati, and coal could be cheaply delivered.  The prospective hydraulic works would furnish all of the water power, and an excellent location was shown at the north end of town, just below Millikin's Island.
     Brigadier-general Armistead and Colonel Long, of the United states topographical engineers, in  their report to the Secretary of War, say:
     "Of the Miami country generally beauty rather than grandeur is strikingly characteristic of its main features.  The immediate valley of the Miami River, in particular, represents a beautiful expanse of intervale land, bounded on both sides by greatly sloping hills, and like that of the Muskingum, embosoming two or more beaches, or plains,, rising by gentle gradations one above another, but far more spacious on the former than on the latter.  These valley lands are remarkably rich and productive, and are for the most part cleared, and in a high state of cultivation.  A view of some portions of this interesting valley, early in September, when contiguous fields, as far as the eye can reach, are clad in the luxuriant vendure of growing corn, is one of the most delightful prospects that can be witnessed.  On returning from the valley and reaching the uplands, a view not less interesting, though less captivating, is presented; a broad surface, generally of a rolling, but occasionally of a gently waving aspect, and stretching to the farthest limits of the horizon, here meets the eye.  In richness of soil, variety of products and healthfulness of appearance, all combined it is not surpassed, probably, by any upland region to be met with in any other part of the United States. 
     "The country around Hamilton and Rossville, for many miles in every direction, presents the more comely and interesting features generally exhibited by the Miami country.  The woodlands, which formerly presented a dense and heavy growth of timber, shrubbery, vines, grasses, etc., have given way to cultivated fields, yielding all the necessaries of life inthe greatest profusion.  Corn, wheat, rye, barley, oats, potatoes, tobacco, hay, fruits of all kinds common or peculiar to the climate, peas, beans, hemp, flax, etc., are among the products of the soil, and these, together with horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, poultry, beef, butter, lard, tallow, etc,. constitute the leading articles produced for market, all of which can be supplied in abundance, and on the most moderate terms.
     "The facilities afforded to this neighborhood by the hydraulic canal for trade and intercourse by water with remote parts of the country are invaluable.  A broad basin, nearly a mile long, and fifteen to twenty feet deep, connecting the town of Hamilton with the canal, affords a spacious and commodious port for the commercial business of the neighborhood.
     "The valley of the river and the adjacent country on both sides, in this neighborhood, are similar to what they are represented to be in the neighborhood of Dayton

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except that the uploads present an aspect considerably more rolling and diversified in the vicinity of the site now under consideration.  The river, in its passage through this neighborhood, is more serpentine, shoally, and rapid than in other places, and embosoms an island containing three hundred and ten acres, called Millikin's Island, which is situated a little above the town site of Hamilton."

D. W. McCLUNG

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FIRE COMPANY

     Hamilton had a fire company as far back as 1839, and it is possible it had one at a much earlier date, although we have no record of it.  It was entitled the Hamilton Fire Company, No. 1, and was to consist of not more than fifty members.  The officers of the company were Thomas h. Wilkins, foreman; James Reynolds, James B. Cameron, Ira M. Collyer, Sineas Pierson, Richard Cornell, H. S. Earhart, G. W. McAdams, J. H. Smith, John Davis, James C. DeCamp, Aaron Potter, John Herron, Philip Berry, John Rinehart, James Albert, J. B. McFarland, James Watson, William Cornell, Benjamin Davis, Stephen West, John S. Wiles, M. W. Clyne, George Krug, Isaac M. Walters, William Conley, Robert Whitehead, Aaron Woodruff, W. B. Saunders, John Eichleberger, Joseph Durbin, D. G. Rose, John Jewell, F. T. Walton, J. Bayles, Jacob Wayne, Joseph Wallace, A. Rollins, Thomas Fawcett, Otis Brown, Jonathan Conover, Samuel Johnson, Andrew Stewart, James O'Connor, Peter Myers, M. L. Serrel, and Nelson Ralph.

MASONIC LODGE

     In the year 1811 the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, at Chillicothe, granted a dispensation or charter, authorizing the establishment of a lodge of Freemasons at Hamilton.  The dispensation was signed by Lewis Cass, grand master, and Henry Brush, grand secretary, and dated the 7th of September, 1811.  On the 10th of October, 1811, a number of Freemasons met at the tavern then kept by William Murray, on the south-west corner of Dayton and Water Streets, in Hamilton, and organized themselves into a lodge, by the name of "Washington Lodge, No. 17, " the first officers of which were Joseph Hough worshipful master; Thomas Blair, senior warden; Matthew Hueston, junior warden; Robert Taylor, senior deacon; Joseph Hough, worshipful master; Thomas Blair, senior warden; Matthew Hueston, junior warden; Robert Taylor, senior deacon; Joseph Potter, junior deacon; William Wallace, tyler; John Taylor, treasurer; and Alexander Sackett, secretary.
     At that time not more than nine Freemasons were known to reside in Hamilton or the vicinity; but soon after the establishment of a lodge a number of persons joined, and were initiated into the mysteries of the craft, and standing in society.  They continued to hold their meetings at the house of William Murray for several years.  The lodge was then removed to the house on the south-west corner of Second and Basin Streets, where a tavern was then kept by Thomas Blair, and afterward by James Wilson.
     Afterwards they leased from the Hamilton Literacy Society the second story of a building erecting for an academy on lot No 140, at the intersection of Dayton and Third Streets, then belonging to the literary society, on condition that they would erect a finish the second story, and maintain it in good repair at their own expense.  This they fitted up in a neat and tasteful manner, and the lodge was removed to that room, where it was continued until 1831.  A school was kept in the lower apartment.  The building standing in an isolated place, some evil-disposed persons broke upon the room, carried away their jewels, and injured the furniture.  This induced them to remove to a more secure place.  Accordingly on the 1st of April, 1831, they leased the fourth story of the Hamilton Hotel for a term of twenty years, at a rent of eighteen dollars per year, which they forthwith fitted up in a neat and appropriate manner for the accommodation of the lodge.
     The number in 1843 attending the lodge, as actual members, was forty.  In addition to these, there were about fifty more who belonged to the order, but were not in the habit of attending regularly, making in all about ninety Freemasons within the jurisdiction of the lodge.
     The excitement as to Masonry and anti-Masonry which prevailed in several parts of the United States from 1827 to 1836, did not agitate (at least to any considerable extent) the neighborhood of Hamilton.  The fraternity was not interfered with by the community.
     The worthy masters have been Thomas Blair, Samuel Bayless, Joseph Hugh, Joseph Benham, Alexander Proudfit, Lewis West, Daniel Millikin, Charles K. Smith, William B. Van Hook, Jesse Corwin, John H. Dubbs, T. M. Thomas, Elijah Vance, Thomas Reed, Benjamin F. Raleigh, William Sheeley, Isaac Robertson, George W. outhan, William C. Hunter, John M. Parks, H. H. Wallace, George W. Dye, John B. Lawder, John

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Crane, William Fenn, J. Conover, and Allen Andrews.  There are other Masonic institutions here, but we have been unable to get information about them.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH

     A society of Baptists was formed in Hamilton and organized in 1829, at which time they numbered twenty-seven members.  Leonard Garver, of Rossville, made them a donation of lot No. 151, in the south part of the town of Rossville, on which, in 1833, they erected a brick building as a place of public worship, at a cost of about one thousand dollars.  In February, 1833, the Legislature passed an act incorporating the Hamilton and Rossville Baptist Church, under the name of "The Hamilton and Rossville Regular Baptist Church," by which act Samuel Fields, Leonard Garver, Isaac T. Saunders, Isaac Paxton, and William Morris were elected trustees to manage the property of the association.
     The first stationed preacher in the congregation was the Rev. Daniel Bryant, who settled in Hamilton in 1829, and continued to officiate for two years and four months.  He was succeeded by the Rev. Stephen Gard, of Trenton, who preached to the congregation three yeas.  The Rev. Thomas Childers, then officiated four years, and was succeeded by the Rev. Joseph H. Flint, who remained two years, and then the Rev. Wilson Thompson officiated two years up to May, 1844, at which time the number of members belonging to the society was about thirty-five.  Number of members at the time the society was organized, twenty-seven; there had been added by baptism, thirty-four; by letter, forty; total, one hundred and one.  There had been dismissed by letter, forty; excluded, eight; deceased, eighteen; total, sixty-six.  Number of members in April, 1844, thirty-five.  Owing to the smallness of the congregation, it has been impossible to obtain any definite particulars of the later years of this society.  In the division between the Old School and New School, in1836, they adhered to the Old School, and their numbers gradually diminished.  For some time past they have had preaching once a month by Mr. Danks, of Cincinnati.

CHARLES L. WELLER

GERMAN METHODIST CHURCH

     The German Methodist Episcopal Church was organized as a branch of the Methodist Episcopal Society of Hamilton in 1843.  The first members were Conrad Stonebreaker, Mrs. Ruoff, and Mr. Griesel.  A few others came to Hamilton with their families, when a Sunday-school was begun, and a church bought in 1860, formerly the property of the Lutheran Society.  They paid for it two thousand two hundred dollars.  The trustees were Philip Berry, S. W. Mower, Joseph Lashhorn, and Conrad Stonebreaker.  They were much persecuted by the members of the other German Churches, who tried to keep their members away. 
     They have grown considerably in the last three years,  now having sixty-two members.  A year ago they bought a lot, and intend shortly to begin the erection of an edifice on the east side of the river.  The Church is still a mission, and receives support from the general Church fund.  The first pastor was the Rev. Martin Hartman, and since that time they have had as preachers Messrs. Kessinger, Voltz, Rinehart, Jacob Gabler (under whom the church was bought), Brenning, Charles Helwig, John Felsing, and John Bier.  The Sabbath-school has eighty

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scholars, and fifteen officers and teachers.  Frank Keller is superintendent.  There is also a Christian Church, on the west side, of which Elder Gaff is the pastor, of whose history we are not informed.

THOMAS MOORE

ALEXANDER DELORAC

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

      In the early part of 1842 a few colored families felt the need of a Church.  They had been worshiping in the white congregation, but on account of prejudice were compelled to sit in pews near the door or in the gallery.  A meeting was called at one of the houses, and an organization offered with the following families as members:  Andrew Sampson and wife, Stephen Hall and wife, Samuel Jones and wife, Robert G. H. Anderson and wife, Julia Samson, Silas Dixon, and Walter C. Young.  This little company of believers grew rapidly, and a house

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of worship became necessary.  A small building was erected, and in August, 1842, it was dedicated, and the Rev. Owen T. B. Vickers, of Cincinnati, preached the dedicatory sermon.
     Too feeble to support the regular pastor, the conference made it a circuit station, and sent them a preacher every two weeks.  The Rev. Henry Atkinson and the Rev. M. M. Clark were its first preachers.  The latter gentleman was one of the best educated colored ministers of his day.  He was pious and eloquent, and his influence is still felt among the people.  There is but one person living who was among the founders in 1842, Mrs. Harriet Sampson.
     A new chapel was erected in 1877.  It is a capacious edifice, situated in a desirable part of the city, of brick structure, sixty-two by forty.  It will seat three hundred persons, and cost about six thousand dollars.  At the entrance of the auditorium, against the east wall, there is a marble slab with the following inscription on it:

WILLIAM ANDERSON

JOHN W. RENNINGHOFEN

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JOHN CRANE

GEORGE W. TAPSCOTT

ODD FELLOWS

     In 1842 the Old Fellows of this town met to established an organization, and the following persons applied for a charter to the Grand Lodge, which was granted, Apr. 16, 1842: Thomas Robinson, Samuel Shaffer, Alf. Breitenbach, J. M. Spiller, William Anderson, and S. W. Morris.  Harmony Lodge, No. 14, I. O. O. F., was instituted by Charles Thomas, grand master, May 20, 1842.  The first officers of the lodge were Samuel Shaffer, N. G.; S. W. Morris, V. G.; Alf. Breitenbach, secretary; J. M. Spiller, treasurer.  The following persons were initiated at the first meeting of the I. O. O. F., in Butler County: Ferdinand Creighton, Samuel Millikin, Augustus Breitenbach, George Myers, Charles Snider, Michael L. Delorac, Michael Hoffman, Jacob Ebert, Aaron Reiser, David Taylor, Charles K. Smith, Josiah Breitenbach, and Ephraim Ayres, seven of whom are still living.  William Anderson and Samuel Shaffer are the only living members who applied for charter No. 14, I. O. O. F.  Mr. Shaffer had served in Lodge No. 4, in Cincinnati, and was initiated in 1837.
      Hamilton Lodge, No. 17, Independent Order of Old Follows, was instituted in the third story of the Lohman biulding, then owned by Norris Crane, Jan. 21, 1843, by Charles Thomas, M. W. G. M.; Thomas Sherlock, M. W. D. G. M.; David T. Snelbaker, G. W.; Samuel W. Corwin, G. S.; Isaac Hefley, G. T.; Henry M. Bates, G. G.; William Aconn, G. C.
     The chartered members were as follows: John W. Erwin, I. M. Spiller, Wilson Cummins, Charles K. Smith, O. S. Witherby, William Wilson, James B. Cameron, John S. Brown, James Reynoolds, Jacob Ebert, Charles Snyder, Samuel Johnson, Henry Richmond, R. H. Lewis, and Thomas Davis.
     The first meeting of the organizers was held on Main Street, Rossville, near Perry G. Smith's drag-store.  They held their meetings for some times there, until the Odd Fellows' Hall was built by a stock company.  It

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cost ten thousand dollar, and is a large and handsome building.  It was afterward sold by the sheriff, and was bought byb Daniel Sortman.  It is now owned partly by the Odd Fellows.  The only surviving members are John W. Erwin, of this city; O. S. Witherby, of California; Samuel Johnson, of Cincinnati; and Thomas Davis, of Illinois.

     The lodge is now located in their own building, on the south-west corner of High and Third Streets, with a membership of one hundred, and from its organization to this date has been able to furnish relief according to the requirements of the laws of Odd Fellows.  There is also a German lodge in this city.

B. W. HAIR
(with portrait)

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ST. JOHN

     St. John's Church was founded about the year 1830, and has had the following ministers: Messrs. Rosenfeld, Hardorf, Clements, Gebel, Fischer, Thomen, Richter, Anker, Gremm, Wetterstroem, Gerwig, Poster, Pfaefflen, Heimech, Gahring, Herrmann, and Stempel. On the 10th of July, 1867, the corner stone for a new church was laid, and on the 27th of May, 1868, it was consecrated. According to the record, the cost of the church amounted to $28,568. The Rev. Philip Stempel, its pastor, has been here since 1875. The services are in German.

ZION CHURCH.

     In 1844 some members seceded from St. John's Church and organized a new society. Their first meetings were held in a frame building in Rossville, and they also worshiped in the Rossville Presbyterian Church. After several years they began building in Hamilton, diagonally opposite where the church now stands. Some of the walls are still in use. The pastors have been the Rev. Messrs. Hardof, Conradi, G. Grau, F. Groth, from November 14, 1852, to 1861; R. Herbst, until 1873; and G. H. Trebel. Under Mr. Herbst's pastorate the new church was erected, at a cost of from twenty-eight to thirty thousand dollars. The denomination is Evangelical Lutheran. At its organization the society had eighteen members; it now has eight hundred and fifty communicants and a voting membership of one hundred and fifteen.

REFORMED CHURCH

     The Reformed Church in this city dates back as far as the 15th of April, 1866, when steps were taken toward its organization.  Meetings were held at the German Methodist Episcopal Church every other Sunday until Sept. 30, 1866, and then for two weeks in Rumple's Hall.  Services were discontinued till Spring, when they were held for a short time in the Universalist Church.  During the latter part of the season they held meetings in the Christian Church, in West Hamilton.  An organization was begun at this period, at which F. B Tomson, Belle Tomson, Ada Tomson, Louisa Bower, Mary M. Wehr, Jesse Jacoby, and John Breitenstein met at the house of Augustus Breidenbach, and Constituted the First Reformed Church.  F. B. Tomson and George Huber, deacons; and F. B. Tomson, Daniel Brosier, and Jesse Jacoby, trustees.  The names of those who were not present, but signified their assent, and became members, were Mrs. F. B. Tomson, Mattie Tomson, Maggie Bowerman, Mrs. Sophia Breitenstein, Elizabeth A. Eckert, Mrs. Elizabeth Rothenbush, and George Huber.
     On the 11th of September, 1867, the lot on which their house stands was purchased of Thomas Millikin by the pastor, the Rev. G. Z. Mechling, and Jesse Jacoby, on their individual responsibility.  It was afterwards deeded to the congregation, and paid for by them.  The lot is on the corner of Ross and Third Streets.  It is eighty-six and a half feet by one hundred for sixty feet, fronting on Ross, and cost nine hundred dollars.  Mr. Mechling at once began canvassing the neighboring Churches for means to erect a building, and met with gratifying success.  Fourteen hundred dollars were obtained from Seven-Mile, St. Paul, and Millville.  Jesse Jacoby obtained some five hundred dollars in Pennsylvania.  The Xenia charge gave one hundred, West Alexander one hundred and thirty-five, and other Churches contributed liberally.  On the 11th of June, 1868, ground was staked off and workmen began at the foundation.  The cornerstone was laid on the 30th of August.  The building was not completed sufficient to occupy until the 19th of September, 1869.  The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. T. P. Bucher.  The church is sixty feet high, and center of the ceiling twenty-eight feet.  It is a very pretty Gothic edifice, the handsomest in town, and cost about eight thousand dollars.
     No effort had been made to gather a congregation of size until the church was ready.  Yet the body grew slowly.  The first year nineteen members were received, the second, four; the third, eight; the fourth, two; the fifth, eleven; the sixth none; the seventh, eighteen.  The whole number of members up to 1876 were seventy-seven, and then appearing on the Church rolls forty-six.  Number of members dismissed, seven; deaths, six; removed from the bonds of the congregation, nineteen; dis-

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affected, seven.  Up to the present time there have been one hundred and five persons on the list.  The Church belongs to the Reformed Church in the United States of America, and is commonly known as the German Reformed.  Its standard of faith is in the Heidelberg Catechism, and its government is Presbyterian.  In connection with the Church is a flourishing Sunday-school.  The Rev. G. Z. Mechling has been the pastor since the beginning.

CHRISTIAN HENRY SOHN
(with portrait)

JEWISH SYNAGOGUE

     The first organization of the Israelites in this town was in August, 1866, at the residence of Mr. Moses Klein, Mr. Klein being elected president, pro tem., and F. Sternfield, secretary.  Mr. Rosenthal, of Dayton, as the first one to officiate at services.  Those belonging to this organization were as follows: Jacob Maas, Jacob Grabenhewer, David Koppel, Mayer Roth, Moritz Sauer, Hermann Gugenheimer, Louis Davis, Jonas Hirsch, F. Sternfield, Samuel Ganz.  The first place used for public worship was at Morner's building, on High Street.  On Apr. 6, 1878, they bought a building lot on Fourth Street, upon which there was erected a synagogue, which was built by the members and the public.  Its cost was $2,450.  It was dedicated by the Rev. Dr. Wise, of Cincinnati, Sept. 21, 1878.

ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH

     The first Roman Catholic that ever preached at Hamilton was the Rev. Mr. Hill, who delivered two or three discourses in the court-house in the year 1825.  In the early part of the year 1820 the Rev. James Mullin, then of Cincinnati, but who has charge of St. Peter's

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Church in the city of New Orleans, visited Hamilton, and preached a sermon in the court-house to a large and respectable assembly of people, many of whom had never heard a Roman Catholic preach before.  He occasionally visited Hamilton several times afterwards, during that and the succeeding year, and delivered discourses in the court-house to large and attentive audiences.  His manner and eloquence, which was of the first order, attracted considerable attention, and tended much to dissipate and do away with the prejudices existing against that denomination of Christians.
     The Right Reverend Edward Fenwick, bishop of the diocese of Cincinnati, also delivered two or three discourses, and the Rev. Mr. Montgomery preached several times about the same period.  A proposal was made by some of the citizens, that if the Catholics would build a church in Hamilton a lot of ground should be furnished them free of expense.  The proposal was acceded to by Bishop Fenwick.  A subscription was accordingly put in circulation, and lots numbered 151 and 152 in the town of Hamilton were purchased for the sum of four hundred dollars, which were conveyed to Bishop Fenwick in 1830, in trust for the purpose of erecting a Roman Catholic Church thereon.
     At this time there were no persons belonging to the Roman Catholic Church residing in Hamilton, and not more than a dozen known to live within the limits of Butler County.  The subscription to purchase the lots was obtained wholly from persons belonging to other denominations, and those who were not attached to any particular church.  An additional subscription of three hundred dollars was afterwards obtained to aid in the erection of the building.  The lots are beautifully situated, on the corner of Dayton and Second Streets, forming, together, a plat of ground two hundred feet square, the most eligible location for a church in the town.  In the year 1832, a brick building in the Gothic style was erected, and inclosed on the ground under the superintendence of Mr. A. White, of Cincinnati..  The wood-work for finishing the interior of the building, was got out and prepared in Cincinnati, but when nearly ready to be brought out and put up in the Fall of the year 1833, the carpenter shop of Mr. White was consumed by fire with all the work which had been prepared ready for finishing the interior of the church.  Consequently the finishing of the building was delayed for some time.  Mr. James Murray was afterwards employed to finish the interior of the building, which was completed in the year 1836.
     The church was of brick with a stone foundation, built in the Gothic style, sixty feet long by forty feet wide, and twenty-two feet high to the caves.  The entrance was from Dayton Street by a door on the south.  The altar was at the north end.  The interior was finished in a plain but neat manner, having pews capable of seating at least five hundred persons.  Over the altar was a splendid painting, and on the east a figure of our Savior on the cross as large as life.  An excellent organ was obtained and placed in the church.  On the south end of the building was a very neat steeple covered with tin and surmounted by a small guilt cross.  The whole presented a handsome appearance, the principal defect being that the foundation of the building was not raised high enough from the ground.
     A neat brick building, two stories high, with an attic story, was afterwards erected near the south-west corner of the lot, on which a select school was taught.  The rest of the building was designed for the accommodation of the officiating priest and other having the immediate charge of the Church.
     The number of members belonging to the Roman Catholic Church of Hamilton, in 1844, was about six hundred.  In June, 1840, the Rev. Thomas R. Butler arrived at Hamilton and took charge of the Church and congregation, and continued as the officiating priest from that time until about the first of January, 1845, when he removed from Hamilton to St. Louis.  During Mr. Butler's residence his urbanity and gentlemanly deportment acquired him the esteem of all those with whom he had intercourse.  As a speaker he was eloquent, and as a polemic debater he acquired considerable celebrity. 
     Up to 1848 the German and English speaking Catholics were united in their services, but there were serious difficulties connected with his mode of worship.  Many of the Germans understood no English, and none of the Irish people understood any German.  So it was thought advisable to separate, each nationality to have its own church.  A plan was laid before the members of the congregation by which it was stipulated that as the church property then was appraised at six thousand dollars, one of the two parties was to raise three thousand and pay it to the other portion of the congregation, which would go out and erect a new church.  The Germans being successful in obtaining subscriptions to that amount, became, by decision of Archbishop Purcell, the owners of the existing church building and the property thereto attached.  The Rev. Nicholas Wachter, of Franciscans, became their first pastor.  The congregation increased in numbers steadily until it was found necessary to replace the old church by a new house of worship.  In the year 1852 the corner-stone of the present edifice was laid, the church being completed in 1853, at a cost of about twenty thousand dollars, under the supervision and pastorate of the Rev. Pirmin Eberhard.  The congregation increased and flourished, it having its own school as early as 1849.  In the course of time other buildings, such as a new school, vestry-room, and parsonage, were built, each attended with considerable expense.  At present, St. Stephen's is one of the most complete churches of the arch-diocese of Cincinnati, a monument to the zeal and liberality of the German Catholics of Hamilton.  The congregation numbers at present three hundred and

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seventy-five families, or very nearly sixteen hundred souls.  Ever since the congregation became entirely German, the Franciscan order has had charge of it.  The present pastor is the Rev. Nicholas Holtel.
     The school, which is under the supervision of the pastor, is divided into classes for the boys and girls.  The male pupils are taught by brothers of the Holy Cross, from Notre Dame, Indiana, while the female pupils are taught by the sisters of Notre Dame.  Three hundred and eighty children attend the school, and are taught all the elementary branches.  A branch from this Church is known as St. Joseph's, and is situated in the lower part of the town.  Its pastor is the Rev. A. Biene?.  It was organized in 1866.  There is a cemetery belonging to St. Stephen's, in which are many handsome monuments.

GEORGE ADAM RENTSCHLER
(with portrait)

WILLIAM HUBER

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 F. B. PUTHOFF

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CONSTANTINE MARKT
(with portrait)

- DR. STEPHEN H. POTTER

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JOHN C. MCKEMY

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- SAMUEL DAVIDSON

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- GEORGE W. WHITE
(w/photo)

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- JAMES T. GRAY

- ARTHUR W. ELLIOTT

- EVAN EVANS

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WILLIAM C. MILLER

LEXANDER F. HUME

THOMAS MILLIKIN

CITY GOVERNMENT

     For a long time the citizens of both Hamilton and Rossville had perceived the vital necessity which existed for a union, and the project was taken up seriously and moved to a successful completion in 1854.  Ordinances of annexation were passed by the common councils of both villages, and at an election held on the first Monday of April, in the year just mentioned, the question, having been submitted to the legal voters, was adopted, and the consolidation soon after became a fixed fact.
     The mayors of Hamilton before that event had been, about 1834, Ezekiel Walker, Richard Easton, and Jonathan Pierson; about 1842 to 1846, M. P. Alston about 1851, David G. Leigh, James Daugherty, John S. Wiles, and Robert Hargitt.  Since the union they have been Robert Hargitt, John S. Wiles, Ransford Smith, Daniel Longfellow, who served three terms and died in office; A. C. Stephenson, who served out two terms and the

Page a366 -
remainder of Mr. Longfellow's; M. N. Maginnis, John B. Lawder, M. N. Maginnis, Edward Hughes, Frederick Egry, and F. B. Puthoff.
     The city is now under the government of a mayor and common council.  It is divided into five wards, the last having been erected within the year, and has ten councilmen.  They elect a clerk and sergeant-at-arms.  All city officers hold their positions for two years.  The mayor has jurisdiction as a justice of the peace, and has, in addition, power to enforce the city ordinances.  He takes part in the deliberations of the common ordinances.  He takes part in the deliberations of the common council, but has not vote.  He is the chairman of the newly elected body until its organization.  The police are appointed by the mayor, with the confirmation of council.  The latter appoint a market master, city solicitor, city clerk, street commissioner, marshal, who, by virtue of his office, is chief of police, and chief of the fire department.  The department is paid.  There are three engine houses, three steamers, and a hook and ladder company.  Of the police there are a captain and fourteen men.
     The valuation of the city is $5,500,000, and the rate of taxation is twelve mills on the dollar.  The city debt is 25,000, which is lessening at the rate of $5,000 a year.  There is a board of health.  There are two parks, each formerly a burying-ground.  The streets are wide and clean the town presents a handsome appearance.

LANE FREE LIBRARY

      The Lane Library is the result of a gift by Clark Lane.  He had long noticed the destitution of the place of his residence in some intellectual respects, and had resolved to do something to remedy the defect.  But his efforts to enlist his fellow-citizens in such an enterprise proved unavailing, and he then determined to found a library himself.  On some lots opposite his residence he began the erection of a handsome brick building, and when complete furnished it with books and magazines, lighted and warmed it, placed his niece in as librarian, and paid all expenses himself.  The gift was received with enthusiasm by the citizens, and the whole was finally transferred to the city, being now supported by taxation.  Miss Florence Schenck is the present librarian, with Miss Laura Rodefer as assistant.  The former public school library has been added to this collection, the whole now embracing about four thousand volumes.

JOHN W. ERWIN

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES: