The History of the Wayne County Jail

Your Links to the Past

Michael L. Franks

August 27, 2019

History of the Wayne County Jail

Wayne County, Ohio, named for Revolutionary War Brigadier General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, was formed in 1796, as part of the Northwest Territory which originally took in parts of Ohio and several of our neighboring states. At that time, Detroit (Michigan) was the county seat. When the state of Ohio was formed, in 1803, the Wayne County we know, today, still did not exist. It wasn't until 1812, that Wayne County became a reality, reorganized by the state legislature. At that time, it had but one township, Killbuck, and included parts of (present-day) Ashland and Holmes Counties. Holmes County was formed in 1825, and Ashland County was formed in 1846, leaving the Wayne County we know, today.

The need for a county jail was realized early on, and the county commissioners, Oliver Jones, Samuel Mitchell and Robert McClaran, struck a deal with Benjamin Jones, to build one. He was to build the jail on lot #57, in the city of Wooster. It was agreed upon that the building would be completed no later than the 1st day of May, 1817, at a total cost of $1,311. One third was to be paid to Jones upon signing the contract. Another third upon completion of room #2, and the the final third at the completion of the project.

On August 7, 1817, the commissioners met, and released this statement, “The commissioners do hereby to accept of the jail erected by Benjamin Jones in the town of Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio, as being agreeable to his agreement with them”.

This building was constructed of timber, largely taken from the old “Fort Stidger” blockhouse, named for General George Stidger, of Canton. It was 26 feet, square, and placed 40 feet from the north-west corner of lot #57. The foundation was stone, laid in lime and sand mortar. The floor was oak planks, laid on sleepers of sufficient quantity. It was one story, with eleven foot ceilings. The gable ends were weather-boarded, and it was covered with a shingle roof. There were four doors, each four inches thick, and all hung on three massive iron hinges. Each door had “a good, strong lock on the inside and the outside”.

The first prisoner, in the first Wayne County Jail, was, according to B. Douglass, Thomas Porter. He was notorious for escaping jail, and “other service.”

A trip to the office of Wayne County Recorder was needed to pinpoint the location of Lot #57. It was a long, narrow lot, that is bounded South Market Street, on the east side, the alley between South Street and Henry Street, on the south side, the alley between Market Street and Walnut Street, on the west side, and lot #58, on the north side. Today, that is the parking lot, just north of Wooster Appliance Center, in Wooster.

The first Wayne County Jail was immediately north of the alley, north of Wooster Appliance Center.

The second jail is only briefly discussed by Douglass. He describes it as a “solid, dungeon-like structure.” He goes on to note that it burned on December 18, 1863, when Joshua Wilson was Sheriff. At that time, there were two inmates, a boy named John Bowers, and Isaac Wiler, who was accused of attempting to kill his wife. In a Wooster Daily Republican article, dated December 24, 1863, the fire destroyed everything except the stone walls. The belief at the time was that one of the inmates started the fire. The jail was built in 1839, and cost $20,000.

An advertisement in the April 16, 1863 edition of the Wooster Daily Republican reads,”Drs. J.D. Robison & T.A. Smurr have associated themselves for the practice of medicine & surgery. Office north-east corner of the public square, opposite the jail, Wooster, O”. So that would put the 2nd jail on the south-east corner of the public square, where Gallery in the Vault used to be.

The second Wayne County Jail was located where the Westfield Bank is, today

Perhaps surprisingly, the third jail, was also only briefly discussed by Douglass, in his epic Wayne County History. His only note is that it is located on the corner of North Walnut and North Street, and that it had, “one of the finest edifices of its kind in the State, and is constructed of brick, stone and iron, at great cost and a view of solidity, permanence and security”.

That third jail is still there. It is one of Wooster's, and Wayne County's, “Links to the Past”.

The third Wayne County Jail still stands, at the NE corner of North and Walnut Streets

It was built in 1865, and served as Wayne County's jail for over 100 years. It housed the county police, as well as most of the county's criminals. Notoriously, it was the site of the county's first, and only government-sanctioned execution, December 2, 1880, of John Callahan, for the knifing murder of John Tormie, at the Wayne County Fairgrounds.  In 1977, the third jail ceased it's service to Wayne County, with the opening of the new Justice Center, right across the street. In 1980 the building was registered as a historical landmark and in 1995 was purchased by a private business owner. Today, it is a popular restaurant and tavern.

This image of the third jail, is from Picturesque Wayne, published in the late 1890s

Over the years, Wayne County has had 42 Sheriffs. The first was Josiah Crawford, who served from 1812 to 1814, who, evidently, served without a jail. Maybe there weren't enough people in the county to justify it. The first sheriff to have a jail, the log one built by Benjamin Jones, was Robert Orr, who served from 1814 to 1818. Seven more sheriffs came and went, until the second “dungeon” jail was built, in 1839, when M.C. Shant was in office. Seven more sheriffs served the county, until the third jail was built in 1865, when John B. France was sheriff. Twenty two men served as sheriff, in that grand old building, ending with James Frost, who was the last sheriff to serve in the third jail, and the first to serve in the new Wayne County Justice Center. Since then, Wayne County has had three sheriffs, Loran Alexander, Thomas Maurer and Travis Hutchinson.

Wayne County Justice Center, opened in 1977. It is across the street from the third Wayne County Jail

TUMULI OF WAYNE COUNTY
Benjamin Douglass
excerpt from
The History of Wayne County
1897

The order of tumuli observable in Wayne county, Ohio, is of the character of defensive enclosures and sepulchral mounds, and comes under the classification of earthworks. The exact number that may have been within its limits at the first settlement we are not able to define, as the traces of many of them have been entirely blotted out. Civilization, it would appear, sometimes uncivilizes man; for in his highest estate of it he will mutilate pyramids, destroy palaces and level monuments. These monuments of our pre-historic age should be preserved by the owners of the soil. The voice within them, that the centuries have throttled, may yet speak.

Of those that still exist there is an indefinite number. Concerning others the places that mark them are now known only by the oldest people. Others are found in a partially obliterated condition, while a few may be observed with shape and contour of first construction, abraded and worn by the friction of centuries, and but faintly exhibit their original outlines. The one in Canaan township, a merely circular embankment, near the Killbuck, and in the earlier days quite sharply defined, has been sacrilegiously obliterated.

In the eastern portion of the county, those in Sugarcreek township, present some quite prominent features and possess keen interest. The one south-west of Dalton has a diameter of about three hundred feet east and west, and north and south a diameter of about two hundred and twenty-five feet. It is bisected or cut in two by a road, and that part of the circle south of the road is included in a field of John Swartz, which is cultivated, and where there no longer remains a vestige of embankment or ditch. The other segment is on the farm of Joseph McElhenie,

1873 map showinng the McElheny and Swartz properties

Satellite image (Google) of the McElheney and Swartz properties

Topographic map showing sharp elevation difference between the two properties

Ground level view of the two properties

and as yet remains in forest. There is also in this township on the lands of Mr. Graber, in a dense and elevated wood, what we have chosen to style a sepulchral mound, four or five feet in height, and with the other average dimensions of this class of tumuli. Many of those of East Union, Clinton, Wooster, Plain, etc., with their faded outlines, have their history, but we see them best in the glamour of tradition.

Concerning some of those in Wooster township, Mr. Jeffries in his late work says :

"Two mounds of this class are upon the author's premises within the limits of the city of Wooster, Ohio. They are situated upon an eminence, and constructed of fine gravel and sand, and not of the same material of the surrounding country. The gravel and sand composing these tumuli were brought from some other locality. On opening one of the mounds fifteen years ago, and reaching a point on a level with the surrounding plain, the workmen came upon a deposit of black loam, in which were found two stone axes, one of which was granite,

Sepulchral mounds, like this one in Athens, Ohio, were common in Wayne County

the other flint. The granite had a deep groove, or crevice, extending around the main body of the axe, near the pole, evidently designed to sustain the handle. The pole was flat, with edges rounded ; the other end shaped like a common axe, and sharp, as much so as stone could be made. The other instrument had a pointed pole and sharp ax-bit, the whole surface being smooth. It was originally, when discovered, about six inches long, the axe end being about two and a half inches wide. Both of these instruments were of symmetrical pro- portions. Several arrowheads of flint were also found in the mound. The aborigines occupying this valley when the whites first settled here, had no knowledge, by tradition or otherwise, as regards the builders of these mounds. Their constructors had passed away long before the Shawnees, Delawares, and other Indian tribes had entered the country."

"On the highlands overlooking the city of Wooster, at the south, is an ancient fortification enclosing several acres of land. Only part of it now remains unobliterated, the main portion being in cultivated fields. That part uncultivated, lying in the woodland, is still visible, though the embankment is greatly worn down and the trench nearly filled up. Thirty  years ago the whole enclosure was easily traced, even through the plowed fields and across the public road, which was cut through the banks of the enclosure. The fort was not fully circular, that portion of it overlooking the Killbuck river to the west being an obtuse angle."

Fort Hill - In Wayne township, on the farm of Hugh Culbertson, Esq., 3 miles north-west of Wooster, is situated a most remarkable work. It consists of an enclosure and two mounds on a beautifully elevated bluff or ridge, the Chester township line taking off a very small portion of the western slope of the bluff. In the neighborhood, and with persons acquainted with it, it is familiarly known as " Fort Hill."

1873 map showing location  of  Fort Hill

Topographic map showing distinct elevation difference

On Overton Road, a view of the bluff where Fort Hill  was

From the point on its western slope traversed by the Chester township line north and south, it is six hundred feet in length to its eastern termini; its greatest width being about one hundred and fifty feet. The bluff is oblong with a slight curvature on its north side, its western point bearing faintly north of west, and its eastern extremity inclining north of east. A small ravine on its north side separates it from the bolder inclines of the Killbuck valley banks, the ravine defining its western slope and extending eastward its whole length to the Cedar Valley road. The road, penetrating the valley of Little Killbuck to the eastward on its northern side, approaches the ravine on the north at a mixed angle, forming, with the ravine, its southwest and northwest boundaries, and then, bearing in a more southerly direction, constitutes its southern boundary. On the extreme east passes the Cedar Valley road. The bluff faces to the south on the Little Killbuck Valley road, and has a perpendicular height of about 35 feet above the road and the valley below. The circle is west of the center of the bluff, and is about 112 feet east and west by 82 feet north and south, it being apparently broken now on the south by the falling away of the bank. About 65 feet from the enclosure, and a little north of west, and about 100 feet from the same, north of east, are two mounds 30 feet in circumference, with elliptical elevations of 8 feet above the surrounding surface. Out of these mounds human teeth and bones have been taken, and on the south side of the bluff, midway to its summit, a party of hunters, several years ago in digging after a ground hog, came in contact with and excavated human bones. These mounds on Fort Hill bear indisputable resemblance to those sepulchral ones already described. The bluff is a semi-isolated elevation, and its superficies are studded with stately trees and others of lesser growth.

Other earthworks in the County - Opposite to this point, across the Killbuck valley, due east one mile, on the farm of Rose Ann Eicher, in Wayne township, is another of these lines of circumvallation, consisting of an inner moat or trench and parapet. This work is emphatically a defensive enclosure, and as a simple fortification possesses great natural strength, and in its selection and arrangement indicates war-cunning and masterly ideas of defense. From trench to trench, east and west, its greatest length is 300 feet, and similarly measured, its greatest width, from north to south, is 195 feet. It is situated in the woods, and covered with a stout and ancient growth of timber. On its north side, in the trench, is growing a gum tree, over two feet in diameter, and on the south-east side, in the trench, stands a sturdy soft maple, 27 inches in diameter at the time it was measured. Other and larger trees occupy this enclosure. This extensive and formidable work is situated on the western declivity of the hills, east of the Killbuck valley, and is most acutely defined. The trench is several feet wide, and from its bottom to the top of the embankment or parapet, the distance is probably over four feet. Its extreme western boundary extends to the banks of the Killbuck stream, which affords water protection in front. On its north and south sides are ravines breaking the surface beyond the farther east line of the work, flanking each side of the enclosure, very close to the same, and to the stream. These ravines are abrupt and deep, and, before the waste and deposition of the ages, were difficult of passage.

Fort Tyler - On the western border of the county, and on the "mile strip," about two miles southwest of Blachleyville, is situated the most complete, interesting and perfectly outlined tumulus of the county. Since the memory of the oldest man runneth it has been known as " Fort Tyler. " In point of grandeur of location, determinate configuration and perfection of physical outline, we may well doubt if any in the range of the State surpass it. The site of the mound, with its regularly expressed elliptical circle, is on an imposing eminence, variously estimated from one hundred to one hundred and fifty feet above the surrounding levels and bottoms at its base. This vast elevation is coniform in character, with steep, but gradually descending sides, and on its vertex, in primitive woodland seclusion, and under the friendly shelter of a nascent forest, is to be seen this mute but eloquent monument of the faded, Conjectural Man. The view from the summit, were it not obstructed by the young growth of trees, dotted all over the great cone, would be picturesque and charming. To the north-east, north and west, and forming a portion of its base, lie the rich alluvial levels of the Muddy Fork and Mohican valleys, while on the east and southeast repose  the deep bottoms of the Big Prairie, stretching far to the south a beautiful scroll of nature, pinned, on either side, to the skirts of the upland and hill.

Topographic map of  Fort Tyler area

Fort Tyler as seen from Blachleyville Road

Satellite image of the Fort Tyler area. An interesting outline can be seen immediately Northeast of the bluff. It has a shape similar the Great Serpent Mound, in Southern Ohio.

This tumulus is 1,200 feet in circumference in the trench, 300 feet across east and west, and 500 feet north and south. The trench, at this time, is two feet deep, and sufficiently wide to drive two horses abreast in it. What its depth and width was at the period of its construction is left to hypothesis. The embankment retains very marked proportions. Within this enclosure is a mound,  five feet high, with a base circumference of over one hundred feet, and a summit, or top diameter, of twenty feet, and is situated west and north of the center of the circle. The timber- growth covering this elevation is of the character of that which we find growing in what is recognized as the " Plains " of the county, the largest being a wild cherry, fourteen inches in diameter, though the different oaks, of approximate size, flourish abundantly, When John Collier, Major Tyler, John Tryon, etc., settled in that neighborhood over sixty years ago, this growth of saplings, as they may now be denominated, were but sprouts and shoots, through and over which the fleet deer could be seen springing, and which furnished browse for cattle in the winter.

Skeleton Exhumed -Thomas Bushnell, Esq., of Hayesville, Ashland county, Ohio, an archaeologist of local repute, having for half a century had knowledge of this tumulus, and believing that the interests of archzological science might be promoted by exploring it, resolved to penetrate it, and see if within its depths there was not an answer to its own dark mystery. On the 17th of June, 1877, calling to his aid George C. Blanford and John Andrews, he introduced the work of excavation. They commenced digging about the center of the mound, and, after descending to the depth of about six feet, discovered a human skeleton, some of the bones of which were entirely gone, others much wasted, and others, again, in a fair state of preservation.

So far as inference is valuable, the judgment of the excavators was, that from the time of interment the body had been undisturbed. Its position was face upward, indicating a civilized burial, head lying to the south, and represented a human being six feet in length. Drs. Kindig and Armstrong, of Hayesville, examined it, and pronounced it the skeleton of a male, the "structural intention" and contour being rather massive and heavy. The thigh bones, femur heads and sockets were large. The skull was in pieces, with the exception of the upper part and frontal section, and directly underneath where it lay, was a deposit resembling fine sifted dirt. The forehead was low, but the general cranial development was full. Ten sections of the vertebrae were found in a fair state of preservation. The nasal bone was readily identified, though the teeth and jaw-bones were missing. The shoulder blades and ribs were present. The arm, hand and finger bones were in an exceptionally well-conditioned state, and seemed to be near the center of the chest region of the skeleton-a proof that the arms were folded in death. The bones lower than the ankle joints were entirely gone.

Mr. Bushnell says, that, notwithstanding he exercised the most watchful scrutiny, he was wholly unable to detect the slightest vestiges of a coffin, either in the discoloration of the earth or other manifestations. In the clay he observed two flint scales, and near the body, about a half-bushel of ashes in a sunken hole and some charcoal. A boulder, weighing two hundred pounds or more, was encountered, lying in the abdominal or pelvic region of the skeleton.

Alexander Finley settled on the farm on which Tylertown is located, in Wayne county then, but in Mohican township, Ashland county now, as early as April, 1809, and Thomas Eagle, in the month of May, of the same year, and they, during their lives, had no knowledge of any burial in that mound; and Mr. Bushnell says he has repeatedly visited it during the last fifty years, and there has been no interment there.

Sarah Collier, wife of John Collier, the first white settler in Plain township, is buried directly north of this mound a short distance. A weather-blurred headstone, sadly leaning over the remains of the buried mother, dimly reads:

"Sarah Collier died, 1830, Aged, 38"

Some pitying, church-yard-haunting Old Mortality, straying hither, might employ his chisel and renew the fading words of death upon this mossy stone.

Reminiscences of an Early Milton Township Pioneer

Philip Fritz, is a native of Venango county, Pa., where he first saw light, June 29, 1804, and with his father, Martin Fritz, came to Milton Township. He was married July 27, 183 I, to Mary A. Long, of Pennsylvania, having had six children, Catharine, Jacob, John, Michael, Elmore and Margaret Jane Fritz. His occupation has been that of miller and farmer, and he has lived longer in this township than any man in it now.

Reminiscences of Phillip Fritz.—When my father removed to Milton township, in 1814, he had to cut out the road to where I now live. Bears, wolves, wildcats, porcupines, wild hogs, deer and turkey were plenty. We often shot the wild hogs, as they made good meat. Porcupines were numerous; the dogs would attack them and we would pull out their quills with bullet moulds. We made sugar by the barrel in our camps, took it to Canton and sold it. The wolves on one occasion chased us all out of the camps. Times looked pretty blue when we came here. We had to go fourteen miles, to Rex's mill, in Coventry, to get our grinding done. I helped to grub out and clear up the Knupp graveyard, and build the school-house, in 1817, where the Knupp church now stands.

In the early days I hunted a good deal, and often with the Indians. They would come to our house and get corn, and bring venison to exchange for it. They weighed it, themselves, the corn in one hand and the venison in the other.

Samuel and John Fritz, Isaac De Courcey, John Huffman and myself went up to Chippewa lake to hunt, and took our provisions with us. I was left in charge of the eatables, and the balance went to the woods to hunt. While I was watching the provisions eight Indians approached me, and I was terribly frightened. They, at once, commenced laying off their knives, guns and tomahawks, and advancing to where I had a large fire built, one of them, who could speak English, said, "White man foolish, makes big fire and sits away oft.  Indian makes little fire and sits up close." They then went to the edge of the lake and began jumping on the musk-rat houses, and just as fast as the inmate popped out they popped him, and so they kept on until out of one of these largest mud-houses sprang a beaver, which was instantly killed, and then they whooped and danced and drank. Its hide was worth $16. When our hunting party came in the Indians wanted to buy their dogs.

An Indian squaw went into a marsh in Canaan township to pick cranberries. She had her papoose along with her, and tying it to a board set it down. While she was in the marsh a large hog came along and killed it. She lamented and yelled fearfully.

When we came here there were a good many Indians about—called themselves Delawares, Shawanee and Wyandots. They had quite a town on the south side of Chippewa Lake, probably thirty families. I used to go to the settlement often, saw the little Indian boys roasting gammons of meat and gnaw at them. I saw them shoot pieces of silver out of split sticks, with bows and arrows, and never miss. They captured a good deal of wild honey and carried it in deer skins turned inside out. They would cut down a tree, carve out the stump, crush their corn in it, and then put it in pots and boil it, and then put in the meat. An Indian never uses salt.

Within about ten rods of where River Styx—the north branch of the Chippewa—empties into Big Chippewa, an Indian was found in the drift, shot through the waist, and it seems about this time the Indians got scared and very suddenly disappeared.

Source: Wayne County, Ohio, From the Days of the First Settlers and Pioneers, to the Present Time; Benjamin Douglass, 1878

The First Man to Die in Wayne County

The First White Man to Die in Wayne County

An excerpt from

The History of Wayne County

by

Benjamin Douglass

Published

1878

The first white man who died in Wayne county was Alexander Crawford, brother of Josiah Crawford, the owner then of what is now known as Bahl's mill. Shortly after his arrival in Wooster, his horse was stolen from him by the Indians. He immediately started in pursuit of the savage thieves, going on foot, which was at that time the popular method of travel. He persevered in his search as far as Upper Sandusky, but failing to overtake or capture them, he abandoned the pursuit. On his return he could obtain no water to drink, save what lay in pools in the woods and by the roots of fallen trees, and being very dry, was compelled to slake his thirst with this green-scummed and poisoned water. This was in 1808, and his pathway was amid the solitudes and stolid glooms of dense and dreary woods. On his return to Wooster, he was burning with a violent fever, when he found a stopping place, and to him a dying place, under the protecting roof of William Larwill.

He was sick but a few days, and died in the small office of Mr. Larwill's store, which was situated on the grounds known now as the drug store of Harvey Howard, No. 4 Emporium Block. Mr. Larwill describes his sufferings as being terrible. He had no medical aid. For him "there was no balm in Gilead, there was no physician there."

How, and Where Buried

Near the present First M. E. church the proprietors of Wooster, William Henry, John Bever and Joseph H. Larwill, had laid out and donated to the town what was called the ''Public Graveyard." Here his remains were interred. John Larwill, Benjamin Miller, William Larwill, Abraham Miller, and one or two others dug the grave and buried him. His coffin was made of rough boards by Benjamin Miller and his son Abraham, and he was carried to his final repose upon spikes of wood on which the coffin rested. His grave no one can identify. The sombre years have swept over it, and it casts no shadow unless upon some stricken heart. The death-ground holds him, and his sleep is as sweet as if under the granite shaft.

According to Ben - The History of Wayne County, Ohio - Chapter 2 (Part 1)

Chapter II

The North-West Territory

At the time Sebastian Cabot discovered North America, in 1498, the print of the foot of the white man was not upon its soil.  He had traversed wide, billowy and "hilly seas," and peopled waste and desert places of the earth, but here, on the sun-down side of the Western Hemisphere, he was not found. It was the empire of the native American, barbaric hordes who roamed like untamed beasts over its extensive domain and secreted themselves in its shady groves and cloistered valleys, unrestrained and ungoverned by any of the rules which regulate civilized life.

Cabot's discovery paved the way, as also did that of Columbus, for European immigration. Soon Spain, France and England vied with each other for the ascendancy in the New World.

Spain had the honor of establishing the first colony in North America, which was done at St. Augustine, Florida, in 1565, and is now the oldest city, by forty years, within the limits of the Republic. The French planted the second in 1604, at Port Royal, in Acadia, the original name of Novia Scotia, and the English the third, at Jamestown, in April, 1607, which was the first permanent settlement of the English in America.

England, becoming alarmed at the encroachments of the French in the northern part of the New World, divided that portion of the country which lies between the thirty-fourth and forty-fifth degrees of north latitude into two grand divisions. Then James I., by grant, disposed of that portion of the country included between the thirty-fourth and forty-first degrees to an association of merchants, called the London Land Company, and to the Plymouth Company, which subsequently settled New England, the territory between the thirty-eighth and forty-fifth degrees. These grants crossing over each other, to some extent, became a source of trouble to the Crown. The Cabots had visited Nova Scotia as early as 1498, though there was no European colony established until the year above named. Henry IV of France, had, as early as 1603, granted Acadia to DeMonts, a Frenchman, and his followers, and some Jesuits, who, for several years, endeavored to form settlements in Port Royal and St. Croix. They were finally expelled from the country by the English governor and colonists of Virginia, who claimed the country by right of the discovery of Sebastian Cabot. This grant to DeMonts comprised the lands between. the fortieth and forty-sixth degrees of north latitude, and hence included the lands at present composing the (northern half of) State of Ohio.

The grant of James I. of England to the London Company also embraced Ohio, and the grant of the same monarch to the Plymouth Company included a portion of it. France, knowing to the importance of seizing and holding the sway over the much-coveted lands of the western sun, equipped and sent out her boldest adventurers to explore and possess the country, prominent among whom appeared LaSalle, Champlain and Marquette. Forts were erected by them on the lakes and on the  Mississippi, Illinois and Maumee rivers, and the whole North-western Territory was included by them in the province of Louisiana; in fact our entire, country, according to their geographers, was New France, except that east of the great ranges of mountains, whose streams flow into the Atlantic; and of this portion they even claimed the basin of the Kennebec, and all of Maine to the east of that valley. As early as 1750 they had strong and well-guarded fortifications erected at the mouth of the Wabash river, and a line of communication opened to Acadia, by way of this stream, the lakes and the St. Lawrence. The English not only claimed the North-western Territory by reason of discovery, and by grant of the King of England, but by virtue of the purchase of the same, from the Indians by treaty, at Lancaster, in 1741. By that treaty the Six Nations ceded the lands or territory to the English, as they claimed. For the purpose of formally possessing it and vying with the French in its settlement, a company denominated the OhioCompany was organized in 1750, and obtained a grant in that year from the British Parliament for 600,000 acres of land on or near the Ohio river; and in I750 the English built and established a trading house at a place called Loramie's Store, on the Great Miami River, and which was the first English establishment erected in the North-west Territory, or the great valley of the Mississippi. In the early part of 1732 the French demolished this trading-house, and carried the inhabitants off to Canada. Its destruction involved something of a conflict, and the Ottawas and Chippewas assisting the French, fourteen of the red warriors were killed and several wounded before it succumbed.

In 1762 the Moravian missionaries, Post and Heckwelder, had established a station upon the Muskingum River. In 1763 the French ceded their possessions in the North-west, and, indeed, in North America, to Great Britain, and from that time forward the English had only the natives with whom to contend. After many bloody conflicts, in which valuable lives were sacrificed, the haughty Briton became master of the soil. In 1774, by act of Parliament of the English government, the whole of the North-west Territory was annexed to, and made part of, the Province of Quebec.

July 4, 1776, the colonists renounced further allegiance to the British Crown, and each State or Colony then claimed jurisdiction over the soil embraced within its charter. The war of the Revolution terminating favorably to the colonists, the King of England, September 3, 1783, ceded all claim to the North-west Territory to the United States. By charter, Virginia claimed that portion of the territory which was situated north-west of the Ohio River, but in 1784 she ceded all claim to the territory to the United States.

By virtue of this act or deed of cession the General Assembly of Virginia did, through her delegates in Congress, March I, 1784, "convey (in the name and for and on behalf of the said commonwealth), transfer, assign, and make over unto the United States in Congress assembled, for the benefit of said States, Virginia inclusive, all right, title and claim, as well of soil as of jurisdiction, to the territory of said State lying and being to the north-west of the river of Ohio." The deed of cession being tendered by the delegates, Congress at once resolved, "that it be accepted, and the same be recorded and enrolled among the acts of the United States in Congress assembled."

Title to the vast territory of the north-west having thus been secured to the United States, at an early date the prudent consideration of Congress was directed toward preliminary measures pointing to the permanent organization of civil government in the same, it now being within the legitimate province of its legislation. July 13, 1787, that August body, after considerate investigation, deliberate thought, and cautions inquiry into the subject, combined with tedious, dispassionate, and exhaustive analysis of  the vital issues involved, proclaimed the outgrowth of their matured action to the civilized world in what they saw proper to denominate, "An ordinance for the government of the territory of the United States north-west of the River Ohio," which is popularly, known as "the Ordinance of  87.'' This ordinance was the supreme law of the territory, and upon it was joined and in harmony with it, our entire territorial enactments, and all our subsequent State legislation. As we are greatly indebted to that document, the product of a sound, wise, and far-reaching statesmanship, for a large share of our greatness, prosperity and happiness, we here reproduce it:

Ordinance of 1787

An Ordinance for the government of the Territory of the United States northwest of the River Ohio.

Section 1. Be it ordained by the United States in Congress assembled, That the said territory, for the purposes of temporary government, be one district, subject, however, to be divided into two districts, as future circumstances may, in the opinion of Congress, make it expedient.
Sec 2. Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid, That the estates, both of resident and nonresident proprietors in the said territory, dying in testate, shall descent to, and be distributed among their children, and the descendants of a deceased child, in equal parts; the descendants of a deceased child or grandchild to take the share of their deceased parent in equal parts among them: And where there shall be no children or descendants, then in equal parts to the next of kin in equal degree; and among collaterals, the children of a deceased brother or sister of the in testate shall have, in equal parts among them, their deceased parents' share; and there shall in no case be a distinction between kindred of the whole and half blood; saving, in all cases, to the widow of the in testate her third part of the real estate for life, and one third part of the personal estate; and this law relative to descents and dower, shall remain in full force until altered by the legislature of the district. And until the governor and judges shall adopt laws as hereinafter mentioned, estates in the said territory may be devised or bequeathed by wills in writing, signed and sealed by him or her in whom the estate may be (being of full age), and attested by three witnesses; and real estates may be conveyed by lease and release, or bargain and sale, signed, sealed and delivered by the person being of full age, in whom the estate may be, and attested by two witnesses, provided such wills be duly proved, and such conveyances be acknowledged, or the execution thereof duly proved, and be recorded within one year after proper magistrates, courts, and registers shall be appointed for that purpose; and personal property may be transferred by delivery; saving, however to the French and Canadian inhabitants, and other settlers of the Kaskaskies, St. Vincents and the neighboring villages who have heretofore professed themselves citizens of Virginia, their laws and customs now in force among them, relative to the descent and conveyance, of property.
Sec. 3. Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid, That there shall be appointed from time to time by Congress, a governor, whose commission shall continue in force for the term of three years, unless sooner revoked by Congress; he shall reside in the district, and have a freehold estate therein in 1,000 acres of land, while in the exercise of his office.
Sec. 4. There shall be appointed from time to time by Congress, a secretary, whose commission shall continue in force for four years unless sooner revoked; he shall reside in the district, and have a freehold estate therein in 500 acres of land, while in the exercise of his office. It shall be his duty to keep and preserve the acts and laws passed by the legislature, and the public records of the district, and the proceedings of the governor in his executive department, and transmit authentic copies of such acts and proceedings, every six months, to the Secretary of Congress: There shall also be appointed a court to consist of three judges, any two of whom to form a court, who shall have a common law jurisdiction, and reside in the district, and have each therein a freehold estate in 500 acres of land while in the exercise of their offices; and their commissions shall continue in force during good behavior.
Sec. 5. The governor and judges, or a majority of them, shall adopt and publish in the district such laws of the original States, criminal and civil, as may be necessary and best suited to the circumstances of the district, and report them to Congress from time to time: which laws shall be in force in the district until the organization of the General Assembly therein, unless disapproved of by Congress; but afterwards the Legislature shall have authority to alter them as they shall think fit.
Sec. 6. The governor, for the time being, shall be commander in chief of the militia, appoint and commission all officers in the same below the rank of general officers; all general officers shall be appointed and commissioned by Congress.
Sec. 7. Previous to the organization of the general assembly, the governor shall appoint such magistrates and other civil officers in each county or township, as he shall find necessary for the preservation of the peace and good order in the same: After the general assembly shall be organized, the powers and duties of the magistrates and other civil officers shall be regulated and defined by the said assembly; but all magistrates and other civil officers not herein otherwise directed, shall during the continuance of this temporary government, be appointed by the governor.
Sec. 8. For the prevention of crimes and injuries, the laws to be adopted or made shall have force in all parts of the district, and for the execution of process, criminal and civil, the governor shall make proper divisions thereof; and he shall proceed from time to time as circumstances may require, to lay out the parts of the district in which the Indian titles shall have been extinguished, into counties and townships, subject, however, to such alterations as may thereafter be made by the legislature.
Sec. 9. So soon as there shall be five thousand free male inhabitants of full age in the district, upon giving proof thereof to the governor, they shall receive authority, with time and place, to elect a representative from their counties or townships to represent them in the general assembly: Provided, That, for every five hundred free male inhabitants, there shall be one representative, and so on progressively with the number of free male inhabitants shall the right of representation increase, until the number of representatives shall amount to twenty five; after which, the number and proportion of representatives shall be regulated by the legislature: Provided, That no person be eligible or qualified to act as a representative unless he shall have been a citizen of one of the United States three years, and be a resident in the district, or unless he shall have resided in the district three years; and, in either case, shall likewise hold in his own right, in fee simple, two hundred acres of land within the same; Provided, also, That a freehold in fifty acres of land in the district, having been a citizen of one of the states, and being resident in the district, or the like freehold and two years residence in the district, shall be necessary to qualify a man as an elector of a representative.
Sec. 10. The representatives thus elected, shall serve for the term of two years; and, in case of the death of a representative, or removal from office, the governor shall issue a writ to the county or township for which he was a member, to elect another in his stead, to serve for the residue of the term.
Sec. 11. The general assembly or legislature shall consist of the governor, legislative council, and a house of representatives. The Legislative Council shall consist of five members, to continue in office five years, unless sooner removed by Congress; any three of whom to be a quorum: and the members of the Council shall be nominated and appointed in the following manner, to wit: As soon as representatives shall be elected, the Governor shall appoint a time and place for them to meet together; and, when met, they shall nominate ten persons, residents in the district, and each possessed of a freehold in five hundred acres of land, and return their names to Congress; five of whom Congress shall appoint and commission to serve as aforesaid; and, whenever a vacancy shall happen in the council, by death or removal from office, the house of representatives shall nominate two persons, qualified as aforesaid, for each vacancy, and return their names to Congress; one of whom congress shall appoint and commission for the residue of the term. And every five years, four months at least before the expiration of the time of service of the members of council, the said house shall nominate ten persons, qualified as aforesaid, and return their names to Congress; five of whom Congress shall appoint and commission to serve as members of the council five years, unless sooner removed. And the governor, legislative council, and house of representatives, shall have authority to make laws in all cases, for the good government of the district, not repugnant to the principles and articles in this ordinance established and declared. And all bills, having passed by a majority in the house, and by a majority in the council, shall be referred to the governor for his assent; but no bill, or legislative act whatever, shall be of any force without his assent. The governor shall have power to convene, prorogue, and dissolve the general assembly, when, in his opinion, it shall be expedient.
Sec. 12. The governor, judges, legislative council, secretary, and such other officers as Congress shall appoint in the district, shall take an oath or affirmation of fidelity and of office; the governor before the president of congress, and all other officers before the Governor. As soon as a legislature shall be formed in the district, the council and house assembled in one room, shall have authority, by joint ballot, to elect a delegate to Congress, who shall have a seat in Congress, with a right of debating but not voting during this temporary government.
Sec. 13. And, for extending the fundamental principles of civil and religious liberty, which form the basis whereon these republics, their laws and constitutions are erected; to fix and establish those principles as the basis of all laws, constitutions, and governments, which forever hereafter shall be formed in the said territory: to provide also for the establishment of States, and permanent government therein, and for their admission to a share in the federal councils on an equal footing with the original States, at as early periods as may be consistent with the general interest:
Sec. 14. It is hereby ordained and declared by the authority aforesaid, That the following articles shall be considered as articles of compact between the original States and the people and States in the said territory and forever remain unalterable, unless by common consent, to wit:
Art. 1. No person, demeaning himself in a peaceable and orderly manner, shall ever be molested on account of his mode of worship or religious sentiments, in the said territory.
Art. 2. The inhabitants of the said territory shall always be entitled to the benefits of the writ of habeas corpus, and of the trial by jury; of a proportionate representation of the people in the legislature; and of judicial proceedings according to the course of the common law. All persons shall be bailable, unless for capital offenses, where the proof shall be evident or the presumption great. All fines shall be moderate; and no cruel or unusual punishments shall be inflicted. No man shall be deprived of his liberty or property, but by the judgment of his peers or the law of the land; and, should the public exigencies make it necessary, for the common preservation, to take any person's property, or to demand his particular services, full compensation shall be made for the same. And, in the just preservation of rights and property, it is understood and declared, that no law ought ever to be made, or have force in the said territory, that shall, in any manner whatever, interfere with or affect private contracts or engagements, bona fide, and without fraud, previously formed.
Art. 3. Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged. The utmost good faith shall always be observed towards the Indians; their lands and property shall never be taken from them without their consent; and, in their property, rights, and liberty, they shall never be invaded or disturbed, unless in just and lawful wars authorized by Congress; but laws founded in justice and humanity, shall from time to time be made for preventing wrongs being done to them, and for preserving peace and friendship with them.
Art. 4. The said territory, and the States which may be formed therein, shall forever remain a part of this Confederacy of the United States of America, subject to the Articles of Confederation, and to such alterations therein as shall be constitutionally made; and to all the acts and ordinances of the United States in Congress assembled, conformable thereto. The inhabitants and settlers in the said territory shall be subject to pay a part of the federal debts contracted or to be contracted, and a proportional part of the expenses of government, to be apportioned on them by Congress according to the same common rule and measure by which apportionments thereof shall be made on the other States; and the taxes for paying their proportion shall be laid and levied by the authority and direction of the legislatures of the district or districts, or new States, as in the original States, within the time agreed upon by the United States in Congress assembled. The legislatures of those districts or new States, shall never interfere with the primary disposal of the soil by the United States in Congress assembled, nor with any regulations Congress may find necessary for securing the title in such soil to the bona fide purchasers. No tax shall be imposed on lands the property of the United States; and, in no case, shall nonresident proprietors be taxed higher than residents. The navigable waters leading into the Mississippi and St. Lawrence, and the carrying places between the same, shall be common highways and forever free, as well to the inhabitants of the said territory as to the citizens of the United States, and those of any other States that may be admitted into the confederacy, without any tax, impost, or duty therefor.
Art. 5. There shall be formed in the said territory, not less than three nor more than five States; and the boundaries of the States, as soon as Virginia shall alter her act of cession, and consent to the same, shall become fixed and established as follows, to wit: The western State in the said territory, shall be bounded by the Mississippi, the Ohio, and Wabash Rivers; a direct line drawn from the Wabash and Post Vincents, due North, to the territorial line between the United States and Canada; and, by the said territorial line, to the Lake of the Woods and Mississippi. The middle State shall be bounded by the said direct line, the Wabash from Post Vincents to the Ohio, by the Ohio, by a direct line, drawn due north from the mouth of the Great Miami, to the said territorial line, and by the said territorial line. The eastern State shall be bounded by the last mentioned direct line, the Ohio, Pennsylvania, and the said territorial line: Provided, however, and it is further understood and declared, that the boundaries of these three States shall be subject so far to be altered, that, if Congress shall hereafter find it expedient, they shall have authority to form one or two States in that part of the said territory which lies north of an east and west line drawn through the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan. And, whenever any of the said States shall have sixty thousand free inhabitants therein, such State shall be admitted, by its delegates, into the Congress of the United States, on an equal footing with the original States in all respects whatever, and shall be at liberty to form a permanent constitution and State government: Provided, the constitution and government so to be formed, shall be republican, and in conformity to the principles contained in these articles; and, so far as it can be consistent with the general interest of the confederacy, such admission shall be allowed at an earlier period, and when there may be a less number of free inhabitants in the State than sixty thousand.
Art. 6. There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said territory, otherwise than in the punishment of crimes whereof the party shall have been duly convicted: Provided, always, That any person escaping into the same, from whom labor or service is lawfully claimed in any one of the original States, such fugitive may be lawfully reclaimed and conveyed to the person claiming his or her labor or service as aforesaid.
Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid, That the resolutions of the 23rd of April, 1784, relative to the subject of this ordinance, be, and the same are hereby repealed and declared null and void.
Done by the United States, in Congress assembled, the 13th day of July, in the year of our Lord 1787, and of their sovereignty and independence the twelfth.

According to Ben - The History of Wayne County, Ohio

Benjamin Douglass began writing his epic history of Wayne County, Ohio in 1875, and toiled with it for the next three years, finally publishing it in 1878. The volume is massive and replete with important historical facts. But it is written in the poetic language of the late 19th century, sometimes making it difficult to glean.

This series of articles is intended to extract the history into a more concise, less verbose document. And, like Mr. Douglass' work, make it available for all to use and read.

As Douglass puts it,

It can be maintained, then, not as a fact or an abstraction, but as a principle entrenched in a sound and practical philosophy, that nothing can more interest a people or a community than a history of the times in which they have lived-a reproduction of the drama in which their fathers were the actors.

With this view I have written a History of Wayne County, Ohio, from a period long antedating its present organization from its first settlement to the present time, and before its early annals have become entirely a myth.

The first article will be my version of his introduction. I have attempted to maintain his original intent, and where possible, have used his exact verbiage.

According to Ben

An Interpretation of Benjamin Douglass'

History of Wayne County, Ohio

Published in 1878

by

Michael Louis Franks

Introduction

A written history of Wayne County, Ohio has long been desired by citizenry there, as to not fail to record the trials and tribulations, the triumphs and exaltations of the pioneers who settled this great land. Putting that history into print is a worthy and honorable endeavor.

With the exception of a brief reference to Wayne County history in Henry Howe's 1848 "Historical Collections", there has been no attempt to substantially document the county's history.

In 1852, John Grable, of Paint Township, attempted to write a county history. For reasons unknown, he did not complete the task. Through the courtesy of G.W. Fraze, of Paint Township, we have obtained a portion of Grable's work, and have used it in the preparation of this work.

John P. Jeffries, of Wooster, had spent considerable time collecting material for a history of Wayne County. But, for reasons only he knows, he abandoned the endeavor. It is our great fortune to have obtained his substantial cooperation in the completion of this work.

Thomas Woodland, of Wooster, inspired the creation of a society with the purpose of publishing a history of the city of Wooster, which had the approval of many prominent citizens of the town. But for some, it was felt the history should include the entire county.

The latter proposition was endorsed by prominent citizens of the day, including John Larwill, Martin Welker, John McBride, Benjamin Eason, Joseph Downing, Ohio Jones, Angus McDonald, Constant Lake, David Robison, James Jacobs, John Zimmerman, Thomas Woodland and many others. This was the genesis of the Wayne County Historical Society. The purpose of the society was now enlarged and encompassed a much greater assortment of needs. A constitution and by-laws were adopted, officers under the provisions of the same were chosen and elected, and a record of it's sessions and general proceedings ordered to be kept. The concept of committees in the city and various townships collecting historical data for the publication was thought to be the easiest and most effective way. When it was adopted, the Secretary of the Society contacted the various committees with their respective duties.

Ample time was given to the committees to report, but, with two notable exceptions, the reports were not forthcoming. The collection, combining and erecting was delegated to the historian and author of the work. Under the initial arrangement, the historian purpose was to revise, adjust and systemize for the publication. This unexpected check to the Society's plan was wholly unsatisfactory. However, though the historian and author was dismayed at Society's new direction, he elected to proceed. His work now assumed much more rigorous proportions. As a result, time became cardinal ingredient of the enterprise, and of this he availed himself, as was his privilege.

Without support, we proceeded to seek out the history of this great county. Our approach was to avoid obstacles choosing our steps wisely. It was an unkempt garden we found ourselves in, but there was fruit to be found. We left no stone unturned in the search for the truth.

A special interest is given to our territorial history to which the general reader may not be aware. We look at the land grants in the New World, by James I. of England, to the London and Plymouth Companies, and to those of Henry IV. of France, as early as 1603, which comprised the lands between the 40th and 46th degrees north latitude, which includes what is now the State of Ohio.

A technically complete description of originally established Wayne County is given, which forms a chapter in the book of incalculable value. Strange as it may appear, the Act creating Wayne County affords no intelligible idea of its remarkable boundary.

The organization of the North-western Territory, under the Ordinance of 1787, is introduced in full, and its line of civil administration accurately pursued until the admission of Ohio into the Federal Union in 1803.

The topography and geology are carefully considered by John P. Jeffries, who authored "Natural History of the Human Races." Mr. Jeffries is highly qualified for the performance of such scientific labor.

Its archeology is discussed at length, and forms a chapter which can not fail of interest to the student of the pre-historic period.

Indian ethnology, historical survey of the Delawares, Wyandots, Shawanese, etc., who inhabited this section, together with descriptions of the Great Trail leading from Fort Pitt to Fort Sandusky, and the massacre by Captain Fulkes of the red warriors on the banks of Apple Creek, all are included in the range of the

work.

The passage of Crawford's army through Clinton township, and of Beall's forces from Lisbon to Canton, Wooster, and on to the Huron, and a portion of the same to Fort Meiggs, are defined with reliable clearness, and viewed in the light of all the circumstances, are rich discoveries and recoveries from the margins of rapidly fading history. The earliest settlements of the county, and the characteristics of its first settlers are grouped succinctly in separate departments. Pioneer life is portrayed, and the more exciting scenes and situations, in which the magnificent metamorphosis appears of a brave people, moving from wilderness misrule and chaos to lofty civilization and grand achievement. A sketch of Johnny Appleseed is introduced, more elaborately written and detailed than any biography yet furnished.

A survey of the present Wayne County is faithfully reproduced, and the manner, time and date of its subdivisions into townships recorded. Its organization, the erection of its first courts, and many particulars thereto relating, receive special prominence. The laying out of Madison, and finally the establishing of Wooster as the county seat, together with the vacation of the first named place, is explained in the almost technical language of the courts. Biographies of Generals Wayne and Wooster are presented, and the names of the officers of the city, county, townships and incorporated villages of the county, entrusted with their civil management, are set forth with the fidelity justified by the public records.

With the divergent theories of extinct races, or past peoples, etc., having inhabited the land that is Wayne County, we institute inquiry, but have no controversy. To have entered in great detail upon this question would have been a fruitless endeavor, likely to provide any real insight. They "died and made no sign" beyond ancient mounds and other earthen erections, and lacking any written history, it is left to us to ponder how a people could partially climb the ladder to civilization, then lapse into barbarism, or disappear altogether.

Who these people were, where they came from, and their destiny, investigation has not solved, thus has not yet been positively written. They belong to that period of prehistoric time, incalculable in amount, with all the various tribes, form a quite imposing field of study.  Whether the true mound-builders or not, we feel as we contemplate them that they were highly aware, and possibly, superior beings, of whom nothing remains but earthen structures and antique relics.

It should be inferred, however, that upon a topic so absorbing and so vitalized with deep interest we would claim a hearing of facts, but as before indicated, no public scientific discourse has been indulged and no special theories maintained.

The agricultural possibilities of the county are presented in a strong light, and a "bird's-eye" view of its cereals, fruits, etc., taken at short and long range, composes an interesting chapter. A complete history of the city of Wooster is given, with elaborate sketches of its original proprietors, together with a full account of the first surveys, names of first settlers, building of first houses, location of the same, and first architects, construction of first courthouse, jail and churches, with names and biographies of pioneer judges, lawyers, physicians and clergymen.

The various townships have each a separate history, including date of organization, where first elections were held, names of judges of same, and first voters; where first school-houses and churches were erected ; embracing incidents of "backwoods life, with the experiences of the bear-hunter and the edge-man of the roaring camp-meeting.

The biographical department can not fail to be interesting, for history, we are told, "is the essence of innumerable biographies." Seneca says, "Is it not a more glorious and profitable employment to write the history of a well ordered life, than to record the usurpations of ambitious princes?"  Its object is the crystallization of the deeds and doings of the fathers; the transferring to the printed page some of the worthy and good of their living sons. We would save them from the obscurity, for which the arm is stretched, to rescue the fathers. Very near unto us all is forgetfulness. In the wondrous, boundless jostle of things, our lives and our deaths are soon lost sight of. The panorama is shifted, and the life-bustle of today is the death-tableau of to-morrow.

"The Fate goes round, and strikes at last where it has a great while passed by." The record of a humble but well-spent life is indeed worth the transient flourish of a pen. Posterity will not be ungrateful for it, and it should be enlarged into a record for its use. These sketches, in many instances, are sufficiently elaborate to delineate the more prominent traits of individual character, and are drawn together in open juxtaposition, irrespective of belief, position or creed. Prior to the organization of the county, in 1812, we have presented the most authoritative recollections of our oldest and most intelligent men who have lived in the county. There is unavoidable discrepancy and indefiniteness in the narration prior to this date. Our researches

covering this period, at times, were like a struggle for light in a dark closet.

We regret that the initial year-marks have been blurred - that Time has blown the sand and dirt over the first foot-prints. Much previous to the above date, however, has been rescued from oblivion. From 1812 we start abreast with the records, and are able, with few exceptions, to define the historic past. Our chief aim has been to seize hold of "first things." for they "have a fascination, because they are first things." It certainly should be the subject of a profound public regret that the project of preparing such a book has been so long postponed. Had it been inaugurated in the days and times of Joseph Larwill, John Sloane, Benjamin Jones, Alexander McBride, Levi Cox, Edward Avery, Cyrus Spink, Smith Orr, Andrew McMonigal, etc., we would have experienced little of the difficulty which we have met and with which we have been perplexed. We have sought to discharge our duty with impartiality, fidelity and discrimination, uniformly aiming to delineate, with scrupulous truthfulness, the aspects and features of the subjects upon which we have been called to pronounce. Nor have we allowed any portion of the work to be burdened with unimportant details, tedious dissertations, or infested with recitations to gratify or pamper a perverted or depraved curiosity. It is but due to our self and to the reader to say, that our work has been performed, at times, quite demanding of our time, and that much of it has been accomplished while tending to our families and full-time occupations.

More than this, we but add that our labors have been more tedious and difficult than was at first imagined, and that our resources of investigation have been more barren than we anticipated. If we have rescued from the chasm of the past-the vortex of the dead untenanted years-anything that will interest the generations of the coming time; if we have saved from oblivion the memory of a life that illustrated a single virtue, a moral principle, or a religion in this mad Babylon of the world, then our labor will be compensated. Whether we have achieved this purpose, others will decide instead of us. We are less concerned in the verdict than those who render it. The hush of death will have fallen upon many ears when posterity shall arise and record its judgment.

BEN DOUGLASS.

Wooster, Ohio, June, 1875.