Source: Independent Inquirer
Dated: Oct. 19, 1833

Culture of Silk - The Eaton Register says that Mrs. Alfred Newcum, of Preble county, Ohio, has the present season, with the aid of one small girl and two boys about twelve years old, fed and attended about 50,000 silk worms with the leaves of a common mulberry. From her labors (about 6 weeks) she will realize about $225, even should she sell the materials in a raw state. But should she manufacture the cocoons into sewing silk, which she does with ease and facility, the products of her labor will amount to near $400. The silk she manufactures is equal for strength and evenness to any foreign silk. Farmers who can command some twenty or thirty mulberry trees, will find, it a pleasant and profitable employment for some of their daughters. The necessary labors are simple and easily attended.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Transcribed from: Ohio Statesman Oct. 3, 1837

Departed this life on Wednesday evening, the 27^th of this inst., Mr. John G. Jameson, of New Paris, Preble county, Ohio , in the 43d year of his age.

Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from: Ohio Statesman Oct. 3, 1837

Departed this life on Wednesday evening, the 27^th of this inst., Mr. John G. Jameson, of New Paris, Preble county, Ohio , in the 43d year of his age.

Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Transcribed from the Pittsfield Sun, 1842-05-19

Terrible Death – The Eaton ( Ohio ) Register states that on the 18th ult. A young man names Thos. J. Clarke, who was employed in Killough’s steam saw-mill, Preble County, got entangled in the fly-wheel, and was instantly torn and crushed to pieces; a part of his head and one arm being thrown several feet from the body. Mr. Clark was formerly a resident of Perrysville , Indiana .
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Transcribed from: New Hampshire Sentinel August 12, 1847

Singular Development of Crime - One Reuben Maddox was recently committed to jail in Eaton, Preble county, Ohio , on a charge of arson. The editor of the Democrat, published at that place, relates the following, which strongly reminds one of the revelations in the accounts respecting the schemes and doings of Murrell and his gang:

We attended the examination in the Court House, which was crowded to excess, and the startling disclosures there made, were enough to arouse the whole community. It appeared by the testimony of one who turned State's evidence against his comrades, that there is a mammoth company of pickpockets, thieves, robbers and murderers, by the name of the "Royal Band” or "Boston sons that have their head-quarters at Pittsburgh, Pa. At Lawrenceburgh , La. , they have another resort, for the convenience of the “Sons” and one at Eaton, a small branch yet organized under a regu­lar captain, who enjoys the noted sobriquet of “Captain Kidd." This gang had laid their plans for burning the houses, and other property of our citizens, and of robbing, and even murdering some business men in our town. We state what was given in evidence, and which has not been denied by any evidence whatever. The testimony left several persons implicated in these transactions. Some of them have left the place; those who remain have in their power to show, by their conduct and actions, that these charges are without foun­dation, or that entire reformation has done its work. We are alarmed to know that in this quiet and peaceable community such men are to be found. We are none of us safe while these wretches are at large, and it is the imperative duty of every citizen of the place to help to prosecute all who are in any way concerned in these atrocities. “Gentle­men at large” had better have a care in respect to visiting our town under present circumstances. The people are on the alert.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Transcribed from the New Hampshire Sentinel, 1850-07-11

Trial For Seduction – Heavy Damages

A trial came of recently at Eaton , Ohio , in which appeared Michael Keever, plaintiff, and Dr. William R. Winston, defendant. The action was to recover damages from the defendant for debauching plaintiff’s daughter, Harriett Keever. The parents of the young lady placed her, by the solicitations of the doctor, under his charge, to be treated for club or reeled feet. The young lady was removed to the residence of the physician for treatment. The patient was operated upon for the lameness, after which the doctor went to his patient’s room every morning to wash and dress her feet. In the course of a few days, while washing her feet, the defendant made improper advances to his patient, and finally, by force, and against the will of Miss Keever, and while she was scarcely able to turn in her bed, accomplished his infamous design, and sent her forth to the world a ruined and dishonored woman. The young lady is about nineteen years of age. From evidence given, this was an aggravated case, and after argument from counsel and charge from the court, the jury retired, but shortly returned, giving a verdict of $15,000 damages for plaintiff.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Transcribed from the New York Herald, 1857-01-12

New Patents Issued William Cady, Eaton , Ohio , for improved cross cut sawing machine.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Transcribed from: The Sun Oct. 21, 1857

Snow Storm – It is stated that a snow storm occurred in Preble county, Ohio , on Thursday morning last, and that the ground was quite white with snow, which remained until melted by the sun. The previous night it both rained and hailed pretty severely.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Transcribed from the Ohio State Journal, 1858-11-17

An old citizen, Adam Quinn, died near Eaton , Ohio , on Tuesday 9th last, aged 82 years. He was a native of Philadelphia , but for fifty eight years he has resided in the West. When a young man, he joined a company of volunteers, called into service by the State of Pennsylvania . His company, when on its march to Harrisburg , was reviewed by General Washington. Of those who served with him on that occasion, he was the last survivor.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Transcribed from the New-Hampshire Patriot, 1861-10-30

Stephen Cromwell of Camden , Ohio , has made a contract by which he is to furnish 150,000 cords of wood for the Ohio Central Railroad Company. The magnitude of this contract can be understood only when we take into consideration the fact that it makes a pile four feet high, and not less than 257 miles in length, and requires the delivery of nearly 50 cords a day (Sundays excepted) for ten years.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Transcribed from: Flake’s Bulletin May 8, 1867

Heavy Forgeries in Preble County , Ohio

From the Dayton Journal, April 20

A chronic case of dishonesty and crime was, we are credibly informed, recently brought to light in Preble county. William Gifford was a well-to-do farmer, residing on a large and valuable farm near Euphemia. Besides the regular business of farming, Gifford had been for several years engaged in buying and sell­ing stock, etc., and he had on several occa­sions borrowed money in considerable quanti­ties from wealthy farmers in the vicinity of West Alexandria , in most cases giving his note, with a brother-in-law named Jacob Fudge, for security.

A week or two ago, we are informed, Gifford met another brother-in-law named Fudge in West Alexandria , and asked him to go on a small note for him. Fudge refused, and made some remarks disparaging to his credit, and Gifford left the room greatly offended. A farmer who was present remarked, after Gifford withdrew, "Why, you don’t seem to have as much faith in G. as your brother Jacob, who goes on his paper to any amount desired." Fudge replied that none of the family had much confidence in Gifford, and he would warrant that Jacob Fudge was not on his paper for $5. This alarmed the farmer, und he showed Gifford's note to Jacob Fudge, who pronounced the name forged to the document. This expose brought matters to a crisis.

In the meantime Gifford ascertained what was going on, and he made over his farm, stock etc., to his brother-in-law, Jacob Fudge, and gathering up some ready means, he fled—it is not generally known where— leaving his family to be provided for by his relatives. Besides the farm, there was a large amount of stock on hand – enough, Gifford assured Fudge, to make him safe on the notes to which his name had been signed. The matter got noised abroad, and then Gifford's paper began to come in. The stock was soon swallowed up in liquidation; yet the notes kept coming in for redemption, until the brother-in-law, seeing no possible end to it, shut down 011 the transaction until he can make himself sure on the farm, which is by no means a sure thing, for about $6,000 of notes have been redeemed, and it is estimated that about $3,000 are yet outstanding.

The forgeries of Gifford over there have been going on, it is affirmed, some five years. The notes were not given in his own neigh­borhood, and as they were regularly renewed, and interest punctually paid, the fraud was not discovered until the accidental conversa­tion about surety in West Alexandria , the other week, brought it to light.

The conduct of Gifford is most inexplicable. As his farm was unencumbered, and he had not lost in his speculations in stock, it is a mystery what he did with the money he raised on the forged notes. The mystery will probably be developed in the course of time. The affair has created a great deal of excitement and wonder in that part of Preble county and has greatly shaken the confidence of the people in private negotiations.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Transcribed from Flake's Bulletin, 1867-05-15

Polly Haskins, of Camden , Ohio , claims to be 115 years old.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Source:  Cincinnati Daily Gazette
Dated: November 20, 1867
From Preble County.  The Preble County "Varmint" - A Disgusting Rape Case.
Special Correspondence of the Cincinnati Gazette.
         WEST SONORA, O., November 17.
     Cities are the hot-beds of skepticism.  Simple faith in God and humanity flourishes as naturally in the rural districts as vines grow toward the sun.  It is not a difference of actual goodness nor yet intelligence, but the result of local influences, over which men, as individuals, have but little, if any, control.  In the city, the duplicity of human life is constantly set before you in all its phases.  In the country, the frankness of nature meets you on every hand.  As iron sharpeneth iron, so men become incredulous and cunning by frequent contact with each other; and, as the warmth of one sun gives life to all vegetation, so does the spirit that pervades diversified nature impel all hearts to faith in the Creator and confidence in His creature, man.  Let him who doubts this spend a week in the crowded metropolis and then slip out, Saturday night, to some quiet country home, or meek little village with its one or two white frame churches, to enjoy the Sabbath.  When he opens his eyes next morning the change is so marvelous that he can almost imagine himself in a spirit land, where the "busses" cease from rumbling and the weary are at rest.  The sun shines down through an atmosphere innocent of stone coal smoke, and the autumn winds do not moan through damp and covenous alleys, but, fur the child of nature, sing lullabys among the half clad branches of the trees.  An hour more, and the little church bell rings in the time of Sabbath school or meeting, and young and old turn out to honor as well as enjoy the happiest day of all the seven.  When the preacher tells them that the righteous  shall never be forsaken and their seed shall never beg bread, each one feels that he or she wears an amulet against which sickness and famine shall not prevail.  No subtle philosophy is needed here to interpret prophesy.  When the good man tells them that the righteous shall be clothed with wings as the angels in heaven, and that the wicked shall forever be tormented in a lake that burns with fire and brimstone, they accept the statement as a simple fact, and never dream of troubling their heads with such questions as whether angels' wings are callow or feathery, and where all the brimstone will come from which is to be used in smoking the wicked forever.
     But I am rambling from the real purpose of this letter.  What I started out to do was to give you the news from Preble county, on the border of which this little village is hanging.  Sonora is the half-way place on the Dayton & Western Railroad, between Dayton and Richmond.  Its trade is considerable for the size of the town, but is principally carried on by the two houses of Wm. Leas and John D. Niswonger & Son.  It has a telegraph office, two churches, a pocket saw mill and a bishop.  Its fine and commodious school house is yet in the breeches of a few thoughtful gentlemen whose lands do not lie adjoining the town.
     This town being about six or eight miles from the headquarters of the notorious Preble county "Varmint," I am enabled to give some additional facts concerning that wonderful beast.  That its size and color are variable is now a well established fact.  According to the evidence, its maximum size is that of a large panther, and its minimum that of a small wild cat.  Some believe it to be a panther, others a lynx, while not a few pronounce it the original whang-doodle which came down from the mountains of Hepaidam.  It feasts on mutton chops and stuffed veal.  One man testifies that it made a breakfast, not long sine, on a yearling heifer, after which it stuck its nose in the ground and howled for more.  It followed some children home from school, and after they had got there it reared up on its hind legs and looked in at them through a second story window.  As two young gentlemen were escorting their ladies home from singing school the varmint got after them and they became utterly demoralized, left their girls and ran for dear life.  The animal not feeling disposed to make a lunch on cold calico, allowed the young ladies to proceed unharmed.  It met another young man going out "sparking", and turned him back on the double-quick; and he has not gone to see his Betsey Jane since.  One Sunday it made its appearance, at maximum size, to a youth who was going over to a neighbor's to trade horses.  Reports say he is now under deep conviction, and will never break the Sabbath again.
     I have heard numerous other statements with regard to the nature and performances of this beast, but the above are the only ones which I regard as perfectly reliable.
     The most disgusting rape case that has ever disgraced the records of this county is at present being tried in the Common Pleas Court at Eaton.  The plaintiff is the daughter of a respectable miller, and the defendant is a farmer forty-five years of age, a man who has hitherto born an excellent character and has held several responsible offices in the county.  He is the father of six or seven children (the eldest being now grown), and has his second wife.  The case came up a year ago, but the jury hung, eight being for acquittal and four for conviction.  The defendant has already succeeded in establishing the fact that the girl's virtue was not very strongly fortified, and has, by testimony, so far removed the probability of rape that he will, no doubt, be acquitted.  It is a sad comment on manly virtue, however, when such acquittals must be secured by the confessions of a score or more of honorable (?) men (nearly all married) to a crime only less than the one with which the defendant in this case is charged.                        D. S.
Contributed by Sharon Wick

Transcribed from the Macon Weekly Telegraph, 1873-03-25

CURIOUS CASE OF SECOND SIGHT – It is a historical fact that the Rev. Joseph Buckminster, who died in Vermont in 1812, just before his death announced that his distinguished son, the Rev. J. S. Buckminster, of Boston , was dead. It afterwards turned out that the son had breathed his last about the moment that his father made the announcement.

The Eaton ( Ohio ) Telegraph tells the following incident, which may be taken as a parallel to that of the Buckminster’s:

On Wednesday morning last at four o’clock General John Quinn breathed his last. But a few minutes after that Joseph Deem, who also died on the 14th, aroused from his sleep and said to his son John, who sat by his side: “John, General Quinn is dead.” To this John said: “I reckon you are mistaken, father; you have been dreaming. I guess General Quinn is not dead. He is not even sick, but goes down town pretty regularly every day for his mail.” “Yes,” said Father Deem, “I know he is dead.” And he had scarcely finished speaking when Benjamin Homan walked in, about five o’clock, as was his habit, and said to them:

“General Quinn is dead!” What is strange about it is that Father Deem did not know of General Quinn’s illness, and in all probability had not heard his name mentioned. Was it the freed spirit of General Quinn, on its first mission out of the body, to carry the news to an old and dear friend also near the portals of death? Or was it a wider vision, a supernatural sight given to Father Deem, so that, as he stood on the confines of the unseen world, he took in the scope of his sight things unseen to the natural eye? Did he see with the freed spirit’s eye? However this may be answered, it is full of interest to the inquiring mind.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Transcribed from The New York Times, July 15, 1873

The United States Marshal yesterday arrested John Ridgeley and Isaac Cole at Eaton , Ohio , on a charge of counterfeiting. It is believed they belong to a large gang
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Transcribed from the Inter Ocean, 1875-07-21

Eaton, Ohio, July 20 – The daughter of Edward Statles, age 14 years, was caught in the shafting of her father’s mill at West Alexandria, Ohio, yesterday evening, and had both her legs crushed. She died from the effects of the shock this morning.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Transcribed from the Inter Ocean, 1877-03-14

WILL CONTEST

Columbus , Ohio , March 13. – Smith M. Danser, of Camden , Ohio , uncle of the late Mary M. Danser, of New York , who left a fortune of nearly a million dollars to charitable institutions, is here, and has taken steps to contest the will.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Source: Camden, Ohio Nov. 19, 1879
The following is a short sketch of the life of an old pioneer, who died November 8, 1879, and has gone to that land from which no traveler returns:

Lydia Bonnel was born July 20, 1790, in the State of New Jersey, in a village called Chatham. In the year 1791 her parents, Samuel and Elizabeth Bonnel, came with her to Ohio, and landed at the mouth of the Little Miami River, at Columbia, Hamilton County, Ohio; lived there five years before they dare move out on their land for fear of the Indians; in the year 1796 they moved out on their land, six miles from Columbia. In the year 1808 she was married to Samuel M. Frazer, with whom she lived till he died, which took place in 1855; they raised a family of five children, three sons and two daughters; she was eighty-five years old before she met with the loss of a child. Since the death of her husband she has lived with her son on the old homestead in Butler County on which they moved in 1829. Two weeks before her death she went to visit her daughter, Sarah Kennedy, near Camden, Ohio, where she was taken sick with heart disease and died, being at the time of her death 89 years, 3 months, and 18 days old. She never belonged to any church, but she was a strong believer in Universalism; she was strictly moral, upright and honest in all her dealings, and died in the full hope of a glorious immortality where God will wipe all tears from our eyes, and where sorrow, pain or death are felt or feared no more. Our Savior says in My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. Yes, thank God. He has gone to prepare a place for her and all others that live in obedience to His commands. Our Savior says, If ye love Me, keep My commandments; ye are My friends if you do whatsoever I command you.
Benj. P. Kennedy
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Miss Maggie Kline is visiting in Logansport, Ind. Abel Risinger will spend a week in Kokomo, Ind.

     We learn that Justice Hornady, of West Elkton, impaneled a jury and held an inquest upon the body of William Holly, killed recently in a saw mill accident.  Coroner Stephens  should have held the inquest, but was not notified.

     The closing scene of '79 was the funeral of Willie Munger from the Presbyterian Church, yesterday afternoon.  The services were conducted by the pastor, assisted by Rev. C. W. Garoutte.  A male quartet rendered several very appropriate selections.  Mr. and Mrs. Munger  have the sympathy of the entire community in this heavy bereavement.  Willie, though only four years old, was a general favorite.
(Transcribed from Genealogy Bank by Sharon Wick on 6/7/2009)

Transcribed from the Inter Ocean, 1880-01-09

A PRAYER-BOOK IN A TREE’S HEART

A correspondent writing form Eaton, Ohio, says: “Recently Nelson Davis, of West Alexandria, this county, cut down an oak tree about six feet in circumference, in the center of which was a cavity about seven inches square, partly filled with some rotten kind of wood and a roll of cloth, which crumbled, when touched. Inside of all was a German Catholic prayer-book, bound in leather and much worn. The book was printed in 1729, and had a Latin introduction, while some of the blank leaves are filled with writing in French, part of which is unintelligible, but enough is easily read to show that the owner was a French soldier, tells what battalion, and mentions the name of one of the officers as De La Magne. It may be of interest to the members of the Historical Society. A growth of at least five inches over the hole where it had been slipped into the tree hermetically sealed and preserved the book. It is now in the hands of W. C. Barnhart, at his book store in this place, and is regarded by all as a great curiosity.”
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Transcribed from: The Sun April 24, 1880

In Preble county, Ohio , Robert Savage, colored, fatally shot a daughter of George Williams, also colored, because she refused to marry him, and then shot but did not kill himself.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Transcribed from: The New York Times May 8, 1880

Dayton, Ohio, May 7 - A man was found murdered on the road to the Soldier's Home, near this city, this morning. He was lying in the road with a bullet-hole through his head, but wagon tracks near the body showed that it had been brought there from the city, where the murder was committed. The deceased man was a veteran of the Home named Valentine Scroeth, and was from Eaton, Ohio. No clue to the murderers has yet been found.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

July 29, 1880 Cambridge City Tribune (Indiana)

R. B. Whitesell, a teacher of Preble County , Ohio , has been spending his vacation with his brother, S. C. Whitesell, Esq., of this place.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Source: Wheeling Register
Dated: May 6, 1881

Thrown Over a Fence – Narrow Escape With Life

West Alexandria , May 5. – Yesterday afternoon as O. B. Aker, of this place, was driving a wagon loaded with tin spouting, et., two miles north of here, one of the bolts in the shafts came out, letting the side fall down, frightening the horse, and causing him to run off. He ran into a stake-and-ridered rail fence, demolishing the wagon, scattering the tinware and pitching Mr. A. clear over the fence, bruising and skinning him severely, but not dangerously.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah.

Transcribed from the Evening Bulletin (Maysville, Ky.) 8-29-1882

At New Paris, Ohio, Dr. Haynie’s residence was set on fire by incendiaries about 3 o’clock Friday morning, but was saved by prompt work of citizens, with comparatively small damage.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Source:Evening Bulletin (Maysville, Ky.)
Dated: June 22, 1882
Near West Alexandria, Ohio, two masked men went to the house of John Harris and demanded money. Being refused, they proceeded to hunt for it, and while so engaged were fired at by a son of Mr. Harris with a shotgun. Young Harris was severely wounded with a knife by one of the rascals, both of whom escaped.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

April 2,1883
Camden, Ohio March 31 – This afternoon intelligence was received here that “Uncle” John Ross, the oldest pioneer of this county, has died at his country residence, southeast of town. He has a very interesting pioneer history connected with his life, and was one of the first settlers of Ohio. Old age is assigned as the reason. He was ninety-four years old at the day of his death.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from the Cincinnati Enquirer Feb. 24, 1884

Shields On February 22, 1884, at 8:15 PM, William, the beloved son of Elizabeth Shields, in his 32^nd year.

Funeral, Monday, February 25^th, from late residence, 557 Central Avenue. To be interred at Eaton, Ohio.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from The New York Times October 29, 1884

THREATENING LYNCH LAW

Dayton, Ohio, October 28 - A telephone message from Eaton, Ohio, states that Marshal Ryan was murdered about 7 o'clock last night by a rowdy. Some time ago Ryan arrested a murderer and used a club a few times in taking him to jail. A few days ago he was liberated, and has since been looking for Ryan. Meeting him last night he opened fire upon the Marshal, shooting him three times, the third shot being fatal. The murderer was captured, and threats are made to lynch him.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from: Weekly Telegraph and Messenger 1885-06-19

Poisoned by His Wife

Cincinnati , June 10—On June 6th Martin Eddins, a laborer living at Hamburg , Preble county, Ohio , was taken sick after eating lettuce for supper. On June 11th he died in great agony, soon after taking a powder prepared by his wife. She was arrested yesterday, and was sent last night to jail without bail. She made a confession last night stating that she gave arsenic to her husband at the suggestion of William Rowe, a man with whom she bad been intimate some time. Bowe is not to be found. She says be made her promise be­fore be went away to poison her husband. She maintains that the arsenic did not kill him, and is apparently not much con­cerned about her situation.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from: The Daily Inter Ocean Dec. 9, 1886

William Mussel went Tuesday night to the home of Daniel Christman, an aged farmer living in Preble county, Ohio , fifteen miles from Richmond , Indiana . He split the old man’s head with an ax, knocked his wife senseless on the bed, on which he then threw a lighted lamp, robbing the house of $20.00 and decamped. The woman recovered, put out the fire, and gave the alarm, but the murderer is yet at liberty.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from the San Jose Mercury News, 1887-08-02

A BOY FIEND

A Thirteen-Year-Old Youth Murders His Mother

Eaton , Ohio , Aug. 2. – John Beall, thirteen years old who has been in jail for six weeks on a charge of killing his mother made a confession this morning.

On June 13th the boy was at home alone with his mother at a farmhouse.

About 4 o’clock he alarmed the neighbors, by saying three tramps had killed his mother. He was asleep he said, but was awakened in time to see them leaving with a watch and some money.

The watch has since been found where he admits he hid it. He had shot his mother twice and then nearly beheaded her with an axe.

No motive for the crime is assigned. It is believed he was angry at what seemed to him to be evidences of favoritism shown to his sister by his mother.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from the Inter Ocean, 1890-05-13

SUICIDE OF A DOCTOR

Eaton , Ohio , May 12. – Yesterday Dr. A. C. Hawley shot himself dead in his office. A note beside him said he had taken a quantity of morphine. Some letters were found on his desk, which will be examined by the Coroner when the inquest is held. He was about 32 years old and stood well in his profession.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from: Wheeling Sunday Register Date: 1890-07-24

To Hang His Cousin.

An Ohio Attorney Who Put Duty to Law Above Relationship

Columbus, O.. July 23. In the Ohio Su­preme Court today a novel and striking spectacle presented itself to those who knew the circumstances. A motion for a new trial for Elmer Sharkey, the boy matricide, was before the Court, and on behalf of the State there appeared J. L. Risinger, Attorney of Preble where the crime was committed, who is a first cousin of the condemned young man. There is no enimity between the two cousins, and Mr. Risinger appeared as a matter of duty. To the few present who knew of the relationship it was an impressive scene, as the eloquent young attorney stood before the last tribunal with power to save his cousin from the scaffold and urged the Court not to grant him a new trial.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from: The American Antiquarian by Stephen Denison Peet

Discovery of an Ancient Burying Ground.—The Cincinnati Commercial, for October 11th, contains a communication from Eaton, Ohio, which describes the discovery of an ancient burial place. The skeletons, about fifty in number, were taken out of a gravel-pit, near Lewisburg, Ohio, and seem to have been those of seven women and children, mingled indiscriminately. The writer, in speaking of their position says: "There is a very curious fact in regard to the burial of these bodies, as a great many seem to have been buried face downward, and in some cases they were found in
a sitting posture. In one place several skulls, were found in a circular position, and in the center of this ring was found a single skull, all of which were baked in a tremendous hot fire, as the clay in which they were burned, so to speak, had
been heated to such an extent that the ground for many feet deep was almost calcareous. Many suppose that the skull in the center of the ring was that of a distinguished chief, and that their curious way of burial was a curious whim of their
religious rites, while others think they were Mound-builders and not Indians, as the remainder of a number of skulls were buried in trenches which radiate from this circular assemblage of skulls. In many places it appears that these bodies were
not buried in the bare ground, for in many cases they have a bed of charcoal under and above them, a good preserver; the bones would have disappeared long since had they been buried otherwise. Many of these skeletons were found not more than from three to four feet under ground.
Lewisburg is a small place, situated in a beautiful locality in the northeastern part of this county, on the west bank of Seven-mile, one of the principal branches of the Miami river. Joseph Singer, one of the first settlers of Ohio, built a small cabin within one hundred yards of this ancient burying ground, in the year 1798, and cleared off and improved the same farm now owned by his son. When he first settled on this farm it was used very often by the Miami tribe of Indians as a camping ground, there being several excellent springs nearby. There has been no one buried at this place
so far as the present generation can reach.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

TWO MURDERERS HANGED

Elmer Sharkey and Henry Popp Expiate their Crimes

Columbus, Ohio, Dec. 13 — Elmer Sharkey and Henry Popp were executed by hanging in the annex of the Ohio Penitentiary shortly midnight. Sharkey was the first to go, and, contrary to expectation, he did not weaken. He stepped on the scaffold at 12:05, and sixteen minutes later was pronounced dead. His neck was not broken and death resulted from strangulation.

He made no confession nor statement from the gallows, simply saying: "I will answer to God for what I have done and forgive all.” Eight minutes after Sharkey was pronounced dead his body hid been removed and the scaffold prepared for Popp, who stepped out from the death cell at 12:29. In less than one minute his arms and legs had been pinioned, the cap and rope adjusted, and the lever pulled which launched him into eternity. His neck was broken by the fall and he died without a struggle. Elmer Sharkey killed his mother, a widow, near Eaton, Preble County, Jan. 12, 1889, crushing her skull with a maul while she was sleeping. He feigned a burglar had committed the crime, but suspicion was so strong that he was arrested at the funeral or his mother and after a few days confessed the crime. The motive was to get possession of the farm and remove the objections of his mother to his marriage with a girl of the neighborhood. Sharkey had two trials, at both of which he was convicted. He claimed more recently that the confession was forced from him through threats of lynching. Commutation of sentence was urged on the ground of insanity in the family. He claimed to have no remembrance of committing the crime. Sharkey’s age was 23.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from: The Topeka Weekly Capital Date: 1891-01-08

John T. Miller Arrested for Making Bogus Money

Cincinnati, January 1 - John T. Miller, living near Pittsburg, Preble county, Ohio, was placed in the county jail last night by a United States secret service detective, charged with making counterfeit gold coin. His arrest was made by means of a confession of one of his agents. Last week at Urbana, Ohio, an elderly Grand Army man hired a buggy and drove out to a farm house and, bought a turkey, paying for it with a new five dollar gold piece and receiving change therefore. He went to other places and bought turkeys, paying each time with gold coin. The woman who first sold her turkey went to a store for goods, and was told the money was counterfeit. This led to the arrest of the man when he returned with his buggy. He gave the name of Robert Alexander, but it was soon, discovered that he was an ex-convict and his name was Patterson. He consented to tell his story to save himself from punishment and said Miller supplied him with the coin.

He gave a letter to the detective asking Miller to sell the detective a supply. The ruse worked. Miller offered to make some, but he had none on hand. When a case was made out he was arrested though he fought bravely. The premises were searched and dies and preparations for electroplating were found. Miller used babbit metal and coated it first with copper and then with gold. The coin was about two-thirds the proper weight and easily detected. Miller refused to say after he was arrested.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from The New York Times June 1, 1894

CHILDREN KILLED BY A STALLION

Eaton, Ohio, May 31 – Two small children of county commissioner P. B. Fisher wandered into a barn near their home, near here, last evening and were trampled to death by a vicious stallion, which had escaped from his enclosed stall.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from the Wheeling Register, 1895-04-10

SAYS HE LIED ABOUT HER

A Woman at Camden, Ohio, Takes Vengeance on a Policeman – A Severe Penalty

Columbus, O., At Camden, O., last night, Mrs. Walter Beasley threw a handful of red pepper in the in the eyes of William Foster, a Polesman, (policeman) and then drew a horse whip from her cloak and lashed him unmercifully. “You have lied about me,” she cried, as she pulled the whip. Her husband stood by with a revolver, threatening to shoot Foster if he resisted. Foster was badly punished.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from The Cincinnati Commercial Gazette 9/1/1895

John and Richard McGriff are twin brothers who were born in Preble County, Ohio, Aug. 31, 1804. Their father and mother died at the age of seventy-five years, leaving several children, four of whom are still living – the twins and two other brothers, whose ages run from sixty-five to ninety-one years. All of them were married. The wives of the twins died about fifty years ago. They never remarried. John has two sons about sixty years old, with one of whom he makes his home, within a mile of his brother Richard, who lives at Deerfield, Ind., and has six children, four boys and two girls, the most distinguished of those being Ambrose, a lawyer of Portland, Ind., who was a partner of Gov. Gray, deceased. They have been farmers all their lives, and extensive stock dealers.

They have lived but a short distance apart, meeting almost every day. They are mentally and physically sound, jovial, hearty, and well-preserved men. Uncle Richard walks four miles every day, carrying the United States mail, and enjoys the exercise. This he has been doing for twenty years. He will not ride, because he says it is too much trouble to get in and out of a wagon. Politically, this pair of pioneers have always been Democrats, and so are all of the relatives that have a voice or vote in political matters. Away back in the forties, Uncle John was elected Commissioner of his county, the only Democrat elected on the ticket. Richard never held office. In fact, neither one aspired to public positions, but both were always at the polls on election day to vote. From their general appearance and good health now, it is believed they will live to be over 100 years old. This is the wish of all who know them.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Reno Evening Gazette October 6, 1897

Peculiar Facts Arise Which Call For an Exhaustive Investigation of the Case of Deem and Lizzie Hoel on the Reservoir Saturday Night

The drowning of Squire Deem, the young man from Eaton, Ohio, whose bloated and disfigured body was found floating in the reservoir yesterday afternoon is the talk of the city today. No event has transpired in the past six months has created more comment on the part of the public in general than this peculiar one.

There is a mystery surrounding young Deem’s death which will probably never be solved. All the public has to go on now is the statement of Lizzie Hole, which in brief is, that Deem asked her to go boat riding and after they had rowed a few squares he made indecent proposals to her which she repulsed. He then, according to the girl’s story, asked her: “Who would you rather drown with, me or Ed?” To which she says she answered, “Why, Ed.” This was the last she knew until she was taken from the water by the man who heard her cries for help and came to her rescue. She says Deem placed his hand on her neck and pushed her from the boat into the water. She also stated on the evening of the affair that he swam out of the water and escaped.

This is known to be a false premise inasmuch as Deem is dead, and the probabilities are that he did not swim out, but drowned when he fell into the water. There are some peculiar facts connected with the whole affair which would bear an exhaustive investigation. Lizzie Hoel charges Deem with having attempted to rape her and murder her, but the public does not seem inclined to accept the story without some doubt.

Deem, according to all that can be learned of him from those who knew him best, was not a mean or in any manner depraved young man. He might have been inclined to be a trifle wild-probably was-but he had at no time in his life developed traits of depravity of which Miss Hoel accuses him. In addition to this he is known by his most intimate friends to have been a good swimmer. These points make an investigation of the case absolutely necessary.

While for recent months, so far as known, Lizzie Hoel has been conducting herself in a respectable manner, it is known that at one time she figured in a difficulty which grew out of her intimacy with a young man, whose identity is not at present known.

Theories are numerous concerning how young Deem came by his death. The peculiar conditions of his body when found only serve to strengthen the belief that an investigation of the affairs might develop some interesting information.

When Deem’s body was found yesterday Lizzie Hoel was at work in the Pearl Steam laundry. She did not see the patrol as it passed the laundry bearing the repulsive corpse of Deem, nor was she informed for several hours afterward of the discovery that had been made.

     About 5 o’clock her brother, who was in the city and had heard of Deem’s death, called at the laundry and informed his sister of the outcome of the affair. The young girl grew deadly pale when she heard the news and manifested considerable excitement. She afterward expressed regret that Deem had met his death. Miss Hoel was given a short vacation by her employers and left on the evening train with her brother to spend a few days with her parents at Somerville.

On the same train Wirt Deem accompanied the remains of his brother, ‘Squire Deem, to Eaton, where they will be buried today.

It is understood that an investigation will be made of the case from its very bottom, and it is hoped any mysterious circumstances attending the affair will be cleared away
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from The El Dorado Bee 6/15/1899

The brothers and sisters W. J. Kyle, deceased, desire to express their sincere thanks to the friends and neighbors for their assistance, kindness, and sympathy received from them in the last rites of respect to their beloved brother.

A typographical error missed our notice last week, in stating that the age of W. J. Kyle; it should have read, born in 1850 instead of 1820.

Harvey Ault and wife visited Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Miller last Sunday and called on many other friends, who were glad to see them back once more.

Charley Thompson and daughters of Mercer, O., were visiting relatives and friends in this vicinity the latter part of last week and the first of this week.

Frank Rowe has been learning the stone mason trade this season. He has made rapid improvement and is now contracting for himself. His first was that of covering the public well. Bert Eddins of Hamburg is now his apprentice. We wish them success.

The funeral of W. J. Kyle occurred at Otterbein last Thursday A. M. Mrs. Shewman of Kokomo, Ind., and Mrs. Chesman of Hamilton were present and completed the entire number of six sisters and one brother present; al the near relatives of the deceased.

Rev. W. L. Bunger, who has been in the hospital for the removal of the appendix has fully recovered and able to drive about.. He drove from his home in New Hope to this place Monday.

Walter Carney and granddaughter, Miss Katie Ward, visited friends in Germantown from Saturday until Tuesday.

Mrs. Mary Reese has traded her property for property in Dayton.

The celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. George Kimmel will occur Tuesday, June 27, 1899….(signed,) George Kimmel and Lettie Kimmel.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from the Dallas Morning News, 1901-11-25

Insane Man Causes Damage

Eaton, Ohio, Nov. 24. – Between midnight and Sunday morning $5,000 worth of plate glass windows in the business district of this town were broken by William Rossman, who had recently been discharged from the asylum for insane at Dayton as cured.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from the Wilkes-Barre Times, 1904-08-24

FATHER KILLED BY A SON WHILE DEFENDING MOTHER

Eaton, Ohio, Aug. 24. – Harry Miller, 17 year, shot and instantly killed his father, John W. Miller, aged 50 years at their home, eight miles northeast of here last evening. The tragedy resulted from a quarrel between the elder Miller and his wife, Miller and his wife had been living apart for some weeks. He returned home under the influence of liquor, it is stated and demanded his wife go away with him and leave the children behind. She demurred. Then he drew a revolver and threatened to kill her if she did not accompany him. It is stated he also threatened to kill any of the children should they interfere with his plans. Fearing the father would carry out his threat, Harry the eldest of the children procured a shotgun and stepped into the yard, where the father was with a revolver in his hand flourishing it menacingly in his wife’s face. The boy discharged two loads of shot in the face of his father, tearing away the greater portion of his head. The boy says he shot in self defense as the father pointed the revolver at him as he came out of the house with the shotgun. After the shooting, young Miller gave himself up to Sheriff Huffman.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1906-01-15

SUICIDES IN CROWD

Ohio Man Kills Himself in Los Angeles Depot

Los Angeles, Cal., Jan. 15. – Albert Wilson, 30 years of age, whose relatives reside at College Corner, Ohio, shot himself in the forehead in the presence of hundreds of people at Arcade Station yesterday and died in the receiving hospital two hours later. The shot was fired with suicidal intent and evidently in a moment of mental aberration.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from: The Duluth News Tribune 1906-12-11

Worry over Duties Cause of Suicide

RICHMOND. Ind. Dec 10.—W. S. Clayton, county commissioner elect of Preble county, Ohio, killed himself to­day by hanging at his home 15 miles east of this place. Worry over the responsibility attached to his official duties is said to have been the cause of his suicide.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from the Duluth News Tribune 10-27-1907

From The New York Herald:

An extraordinary and fully authenticated medical case has developed at Gratis, a village in Preble County, 10 miles from Hamilton. It is reported by Dr. R. C. Lawrence and substantiated by several Hamilton doctors.

A woman 55 years old in the village developed a horn on her forehead. It grew to a length of two inches and was attached to the skull. Some two years ago she struck a door and broke one inch from the bony growth. It again developed more rapidly than before, and attained a length of five inches. It was about one inch in diameter at the base and tapered to a point.

Dr. Lawrence recently sawed off the entire horn, which in every way resembles a ram’s horn. He confirms the statement in all details, and has exhibited the growth to many Hamilton, Ohio, physicians, who pronounce it a genuine horn. The woman’s general health is not affected.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Mansfield News Jan 3, 1908

Eaton, O., Jan 3- Mrs. John Leach, wife of a civil war veteran is dead, and her husband may die as the result of an accident. The two went to a shed to strip tobacco. Mrs. Leach stood before the stove and her clothing caught fire. She was so badly burned that she died in a few hours. Her husband was badly burned in trying to save her, and as a result of the burns and the shock of his wife’s death may not recover.
(Submitted by Linda Dietz)

Transcribed from the Belleville News Democrat, 1908-02-13

Many Ill With Typhoid

Dayton, O., Feb. 13. – Three persons are dead and twenty dangerously ill in the vicinity of West Manchester, Ohio, with typhoid fever, an epidemic of which was caused by impure water from an old well. The whole neighborhood has been poisoned and other deaths may follow.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Hamilton Evening News April 17, 1908

Mrs. Mary Doty, an old resident of Camden, met with a serious accident in the department store of Waite Bros. While standing at the counter she became dizzy and before anyone could assist her, she sank to the floor, badly fracturing her hip as she fell. After she had partially recovered, she was carried home where her daughter and sister-in-law are taking care of her. On account of Mrs. Doty’s extreme age, there is little hope of her ever recovering the use of her limb.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from the Philadelphia Inquirer, 1909-09-05

Slayer of Woman Must Die

Eaton, Ohio, Sept. 4. – Harry Rife, slayer of Lida Gilmore, was today sentenced by Judge Fisher to be electrocuted on January 19, 1910. The jury deliberated on the case fourteen hours. Mrs. Lida Gilmore, a widow, was the public librarian of Eaton. She was highly respected. Rife, it is supposed, was enamored of Mrs. Gilmore.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from the Hopkinsville Kentuckian 12-13-1910

In a remarkable deathbed confession Mrs. Clark Howard, of New Paris, Ohio, renounced her love for her husband, who had been her companion for 20 years, and reaffirmed her love for Daniel Desman, who years before had divorced her. Both men stood beside the bed and heard her story.

The two men, who had been strangers to each other, wept as the woman lay dying. Nearby stood the three Desman children, whom the mother had not seen for 20 years.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

James F. Stout and J. Ed Ryan, given an indeterminate term in the Mansfield reformatory for confession to a burglary charge, were taken to that institution Tuesday by Sheriff Wertz and Special Deputy R. H. Marshall, of Camden. The lads robbed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Loan, an aged couple residing near Campbellstown.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from The Evening Herald (Klamath Falls, Or.) 4-26-1915

John Mattix, who will be 98 years old in June 16 next, expects to do a man’s work on that day.

“How do I do it?” queried Mattix today. “Listen, Eat plenty of onions, do plenty of work, get plenty of rest, chew and smoke plenty of tobacco and don’t worry.”

Mattix frequently walks 16 miles in a day.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from the Philadelphia Inquirer, 1916-08-14

King Retains Roque Title

Chicago. August 13. – Charles C. King, of Chicago, retained his title of the Western Roque Association by defeating J. D. Kramer, of West Alexandria, Ohio last night in the closing contests of the association at Lincoln Park courts. F. E. Parmalee, of Chicago, finished first in the second division group and M. T. Reeves, of Columbus, Ind., took the honors in the third division.
Contributed by Nancy Hannah

Transcribed from Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1920-07-07

COX’S FATHER SAYS HE’S HAPPIEST MAN IN UNITED STATES

CAMDEN, Ohio, July 7 – The residents of this little town are bursting with pride. They claim for themselves some of the honor attendant upon the residence here of Gilbert Cox, father of the Democratic Presidential nominee, Governor James M. Cox of Ohio. Cox, who is 87 years old, was sitting on the porch of his modest home yesterday afternoon when a representative of the Associated Press called.

“I am the happiest and proudest man in the United States today. I hope and know that Jim will be as good a President as he has been a son,” said Cox. Word came as members of the Cox household were at breakfast yesterday morning. “I don’t know what to say,” confessed the father. “I only know I am very happy and proud and Jim will be a good President.”

Asked if he would go to Washington to witness the inauguration if his son be elected, Cox said, “I don’t know. I’d like to go one better than Dr. Harding, who said he would drive his shay in the parade, but I’m getting along in years now.”
Contributed by Nancy Hannah