Source:
Pioneer Period and Pioneer People of Fairfield Co., Ohio.
by C. M. L. Wiseman
Publ. F. J. Heer Printing Co., Columbus, O.  1901

Transcribed by Sharon Wick

FAIRFIELD COUNTY FAIR.
Page 141

THE GREAT AGRICULTURAL ATTRACTION OF SOUTHERN OHIO

     THE first county fair was held in the year 1852.  There had, some years previous, been an effort made to organize a fair, but it did not succeed, although some prominent men were at the head of it.
     John T. Brasee, John Reber, Daniel Kutz, Darius Tallmadge, John Shaeffer, Isaac Claypool, John Van Pearse, Daniel Keller, David Huber, John Gill, James W. Pearce, and the Ashrooks were the leading men in the enterprise, and gave it their time freely, and the full benefit of their example and influence.
     The site was on what is now known as the Caffee addition to Lancaster.  Eight acres were fenced off, the canal answering for the west side fence.  John Reber purchased a boat load of lumber in Cleveland to build the fence.  This lumber he afterwards sold with very little loss, and the society did not have much to pay.
     John Reber was the first president, Judge John S. Brasee the first secretary, and John Shaeffer the first treasurer.
     On the second day John T. Brasee delivered a prepared speech to a large and attentive audience.  Capt. Joshua Clarke pronounced it the finest speech that he had ever heard.  Judge Brasee remembers the speech and says that it was a fine effort.
     The premiums offered were small, compared with those paid now, but they drew a fine exhibit of stock.

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Brasee, Reber, D. Kutz, D. Huber, John Gill and Ashbrook were exhibitors of fine stock.  The entire receipts amounted to $825.  This sum paid the premiums and all expenses.
     James W. Pearse exhibited a saddle horse, ridden by his daughter, now Mrs. Matlack, of Lancaster, then a bright and handsome young woman.  An accident of some kind caused here to be thrown from her horse, but she was not injured.
     In 1853 Mr. Reber purchased the Wright farm, and reserving 13 acres for afair ground, sold the farm again at a price that gave him the 13 acres without cost to the society.
     On this spot, with many additions, the fair has been held for forty-six years.  John T. Brasee write the original constitution, and it was adopted at a meeting held at Shaeffer's hotel.
     Reber D. Kutz, David Huber and Brasee at that time were breeders of fine shorthorn cattle, and Brasee of mules.
     From this small beginning referred to, the fair has grown to vast proportions.  The early fairs were noted for very large displays of good horses in all classes.  At several fairs the number of horse entries was in excess of two hundred, and this at a time when trotting, as it is now understood, was unknown.  Reber's splendid stud of thoroughbred horses was always a great attraction.
     Of the outsiders who never held office in the society, but who worked for the interests of the fair for weeks at a time.  Dr. Davidson, druggist, is one of the most noted.  Dr. Davidson for many years exhibited fine horses, dropping in after Reber's death.

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     The old-timers are nearly all gone, and a new generation runs and patronizes our fair.  It is still a very live institution, and in good hands.  Men are at the helm who wear the mantle of the pioneers in the work with becoming grace and honor.
     In the years 1858 and 1859 John A. Fettus was the President, C. M. L. Wiseman, Secretary, and Joseph C. Kinkead Treasurer, there were over 200 horses shown for premiums in the ring.  Among them "Old Hoiatoga" and a splendid array  of his colts from one to four years of age, the best among them "Chieftain" owned by Brown of Thonville.  Sold as a five year old to Sam Crim for $1800.