USA > Ohio > Butler County > A history and biographical cyclopaedia of Butler County, Ohio, with illustrations and sketches of its representative men and pioneers. Vol. 1 > Part 31
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The climatology and meteorology of Butler County vary immaterially from that which prevails in south- western Ohio. The most important characteristic of the elimate is its uniformity. By this we do not mean to say that we are exempt from the usual changes and fluctuations of temperature, of wind and of rain, which are found to exist in other localities. What is claimed is great uniformity, for a series of years, of mean tempera- ture, of mean precipitation of rain, and of mean force and frequency of winds. Consequently, although, in com- mon with others, the county has occasionally suffered from the effects of droughts, from an excess of rain, and slightly. from severe winds, yet its farmers have not encountered such privations and sustained such losses from the above eauses as are common in other localities in the country. Our mean temperature for many years has been about fifty-three degrees; and the mean fall of water varies but little from forty-eight inches.
Although the surface of Butler County, sixty years ago, was thickly covered with a heavy and vigorons growth of timber, eight-tenths of which has been re- moved, yet there are now no perceptible changes in either the mean temperature, the mean quantity of rain precip- itated, the frequency or duration of showers, or in the eharaeter or direction of the prevailing winds. Neither is it believed that our atmosphere is less humid than it was fifty years ago. Some slight modifications of our climate may have taken place. They are, however, not so marked as to be appreciable, even by those who have been careful observers of the weather and its influence upon the vegetation of the county.
The thorough clearing up of farms, however, has produced very decided effects upon our streams. They now rise more rapidly, attain to a great height, and sub- side, consequently, in much less time than heretofore. Obstructions have been removed from low lands, from runs and streamlets, and from creeks; and water now flows speedily off, instead of remaining spread over large tracts of laud, to the great detriment and loss of our farmers.
In view, therefore, of the foregoing, we believe that it will not be unsafe to say that if a favorable geograph-
ical and commercial position-a climate singularly favor- able for the production of the great agricultural staples and for the cultivation of fruits, and a soil variable in charac- ter, yet highly rich in all essential clements-are necessary to constitute a good farming region, then the farmers of Butler County are in the possession of that rich boon. In fertility of soil, in her temperate climate, in her fa- vorable geographical position, her numerous streams of water, her timber, her exhaustless quarries of blue lime- stone, and her abundance of water power, Butler County may be equaled-she can not be excelled.
The cultivation of the lands of this county is by no means what it ought to be. The farmers are not suffi- ciently alive to the importance of a very complete knowl- edge of the general principles of such branches of learn- ing as relate to agriculture. They hesitate, in many cases, to adopt, and in other cases they reject, not only the teneh- ings of science, but refuse to profit by the practical dem- onstrations of our more intelligent and experienced cultiva- tors. Notwithstanding the existence of this state of feeling among some of our farmers, we have the gratification of being able to say with truth that the hnsbaudry of the county has, in many important regards, attained a com- mendable thoroughness, and is now rapidly improving. Farmers are becoming less and less unwilling to learn from others, and are more ambitious to investigate and consider the reasons assigned for the various systems or modes of culture. In due season, we do not question but what an improved state of husbandry will generally pre- vail, and that the annual product of this county will be quadrupled.
The productiveness of the lands of the county will best be understood by a full statement of the annual amounts of grains produced and the number of domestic animals owned in the county since the year 1850. And, first, of the grain produced.
Under this general head it is proposed to give a brief account of the mode of culture, with the results of wheat, barley, corn, rye, oats, and buckwheat, and to present such other facts and statements In reference to the same as may be deemed of general interest.
WHEAT .- This is one of the staple and most profitable crops raised in Butler County. The mode of culture generally adopted gives conclusive indications that the farmers have given great attention to the production of this favorite erop; and the results prove that they have generally met with fair success.
Wheat ground is generally prepared with more than ordinary care. Every thing necessary to he done for the proper preparation of the ground is more faithfully at- teuded to than in preparing the lands for any other erop. The grain. is generally put in with a drill. There are some, however, who adhere to the old way of sowing broadcast. Barn-yard manure on hand at the time of plowing for wheat, if unrotted, is carefully plowed nuder. If thoroughly rotted, it is applied as a top-dressing before
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AGRICULTURE.
127
the ground undergoes thorough pulverization with the harrow.
The old mode of plowing up "bare fallows" during the Summer, and then replowing the same before sowing in wheat, has fallen into almost general disuse. If there are any fallow grounds, they are what are termed in Eng- land " green fallows." Clover-fields are esteemed the best for the production of a good crop of wheat. There are many who have great faith in the prodnetive capacity of a.good timothy meadow field, or timothy and elover field under pasturage for a good crop of wheat. Wheat stub- ble, barley stubble, and cats stubble grounds continue to be used by many for growing wheat. The practice of sowing wheat upon the same ground for many successive years is not so common as heretofore, although very fre- quently followed.
The breadth of land sown in wheat in this county is by no means uniform. It is as variable as the product per acre is uneertain. The erop harvested in 1862 was nearly forty-five per cent greater in breadth of land than the erop harvested in 1865; and the aggregate product of wheat in the county in 1862 more than doubled that harvested in 1865. The yield per acre of the crop of 1862 was fifteen and a half bushels, while the yield of 1865 was less than eleven bushels per acre.
To show the capacity of Butler County as a wheat- producing county, we herewith present a statement showing the number of acres sown and the number of bushels harvested per annum. Our statement refers to the years in which the crops were produced.
STATISTICS OF WHEAT IN BUTLER COUNTY.
YEARS.
No. acres soWI.
No. Just.els' gathered.
YEARS.
SOWL. No acres : No. bushels gathered.
1850. .
31,131
529,390
1866, .
38,602
127,832
1851,
26,242
377,738
1867, .
32,890
425,336
1852.
24,947
397,625
1868, .
37,733
320,144
1853, .
24,804
367.000
1800, .
40,517
646,054
1854,
20,278
306,266
1870. .
35,075
442,537
1855, .
31,294
447,413
1871. .
24.318
384.427
1856, .
40,145
636,801
1872. .
28,901
300.1.86
1857, .
42,396
789,569
1873, . .
33,856
487,070
1858, .
43,331
197,926
1874, .
38,443
623,329
1859,.
42,267
589.976
1875. .
34.235
149, 847
1 800, .
42,723
699,578
1876, . .
25.839
263.135
1861. .
45,560
533,843
1877, . .
35,000
525,889
1862, . .
51,206
783,984
1878, . .
39,653
564,944
1563. .
39,766
495,953
1879, .
SS, 427
674.717
1964, .
39,972
538,850
1850. .
36,669
587,764
1865, .
35,795
387,670
1881, .
42,799
BARLEY has been extensively cultivated in this county for many years: It has in many instances been one of the, most remunerative erops grown, particularly when sown upon land specially adapted to its production. At times when barley commanded a high price, some of the farmers have produced such props as. would enable them single erop.
The soil best adapted for raising barley must be a rich,
warm, loamy soil, in good tilth and condition. On poor soils it is an unreliable and poorly paying crop. Fall barley is more generally raised than Spring. The first is mere ecrtain as a erop, and is more desired by brewers. Neither are regarded as being as exhaustive of the soil as wheat; and the stubble of barley is generally regarded as favor- able for sowing wheat upon. The straw of barley is much used for feeding cattle, and as a substitute for hay for horses that are not performing very severe service. In the table that will be hereafter given it will be seen that the number of neres sown in barley varies from six to sixteen thousand acres per annum, and that we pro- duce from 165,000 to 340,000 bushels per annum.
Barley being a crop quite extensively grown and re- lied upon by many farmers of this county, they will be interested in knowing the number of acres annually sown and the product thereof. The following will give the desired information :
YEARS.
No. acies sown.
Annual product.
YEARS.
No. acres sown.
Annual product.
1858,
17.383
389,995
1870, .
1.021
15.732
1859,
15,749
359.955
1871, .
16,587
400,018
1861.
10,569
224,639
1871. .
12.443
384.632
1863,
9,501
187,393
1875. .
10,153
71.BIS
1864, . .
11,6-14
289,18]
1876, .
10,125
193,542
1865. .
14,179
20.645
18.7.
15.852-
4444.714
1567,
12,304
316,552
1879,
15,995
449,7.88
1868,
6.692
83,646
1880.
23,093
489,055
1869,
9,165
245,747
The crop of barley produced in 1866 was the mest deficient of any that has been raised at any time within the last forty years.
RYE receives but linde attention from the farmers of this county. Some sow it to provide early green feed for their milch cows, while others raise very small quantities for the grain and choice straw.
OATS are more extensively cultivated, although onr farmers have been greatly discouragelia their production by the injuries which have for uriny years been done that crop by rust.
BUCKWHEAT is raised to a very limited extent indeed. Why it is so much neglected it is hard to determine. The quantity produced does not equal the demand for home consumption.
The corn-erop of this county is the erop, of all others, upon which farmer, most rely. It is the basis of our agri- cultural prosperity. It is indisponsible to the diversified system of husbandry which farmers have so long prac- tieed with such pre-eminent success.
In this chapter it is deemed unnecessary to go into any special examination of the several modes or systems of The qualities of land best adapted to the production of this important staple have already been given, when
14.026
300,110
1862,
6.211
163,714
14,160
1878.
11.441
425,150
9,171
230,560
1872. .
18.857
348.558
.
.
to realize from fifty-five to seventy dollars per acre for a : culare which have been practiced in raising this crop.
128
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
speaking of the various kinds of soil which exist in the county.
One very marked as well as important change in the culture of the corn-crop has taken place within the past ten or fifteen years. Farmers no longer restrict them- selves, as formerly, to any specific number of what were styled "plowings" before " laying by" their corn-crop. It now receives much more attention than formerly, and many more ". workings." The mellowness of the ground and its freedom from weeds have much to do in determin- ing when it will be either safe or prudent to cease further cultivation of the land. A fixed number of times of " going through " no longer determines or regulates the operations of the intelligent cultivator of corn.
The following statement will exhibit the number of acres of corn planted in the years stated, and the number · of bushels produced in each year :
YEARS.
No. acres planted.
No. bushels! produced.
YEARS.
No. acres planted.
No. bushels produced.
1850,
62.031
2,646.353
1866, .
13.411
136.000
1851.
54,640 2,696,183
1867, .
51,374 1,828,375
1852, .
57,763
2,446,123
1865. .
53,039
2,164,062
1853, .
62,470
2,406,733
189. .
52.258
1.601,229
1854, .
55,594
1,815,161
1870,.
12.350
1.239,132
1852, .
61,939
3,245,186
1971,.
58,723
2.522,690
1856, .
.
59,513
2,288,713
1572.
57,690
2.738,800
1857, .
56.383
2,696,597
1873, .
54,971 2,437,997
1858, ,
49,848
1,448,816
1874, . .
58,110 :2,800,SSS
1859, . .
57,237
2,089,463
1875, . .
73,088 12.935,430
1860, . .
55,566
2,581,596
1876, .
72,247 3.000,546
1861, .
58,093
2,425,379
1877. .
75,744 2,273.070
1862, .
58.353
2.215,519
1578, .
68,841 2,946,515
1563, .
57,666
2,275,145
1ST9, .
65,547 2.516,016
1864, .
46,905 1,252.636
1SSO, . .
59,031 2,358.833
1865,.
51,273 2,181,989
With this exposition of the grain-producing capabili- ties of this county, we pass to the consideration of other questions connected with our agriculture.
In the further presentation of such facts and consider- ations as are pertinent to an exposition of the state of agriculture in this county, we shall give, briefly, some account of the cultivation of other articles which are included in agricultural products.
Among these may appropriately be mentioned the growing of potatoes, of flax, of sorghum, and of tobacco. The quality of our soil is well adapted to the raising of potatoes. Farmers who have given their attention at the right time and in the right way to the proper cultivation of this highly prized and indispensable esculent have always been well rewarded for their labor and pains- taking. And yet potatoes are not so genernily cultivated as they should be. We do not produce more potatoes than we consume. We should proluce largely for ex- portation. It is a staple vegetable, universally used, and always commanding a fair price, and its production should, therefore, be greatly anzmented.
Flax, although grown in this county, is not as ex- tensively raised by our farmers as by those residing in some of the adjoining counties. It is more generally
cultivated for the seed, which has become an important article of commerce, and is industriously sought for at high prices. The fiber is now only incidentally valuable. It is not relied upon to any great extent as a source of income, because of the unsalable condition in which the same has to be sold. If a cheap and speedy way can be discovered by which the fiber can be so pimnipulated as to make it an available and desirable stock for the manu- facture of a good quality of paper, then the business of growing flax would rapidly increase, and soon become : prominent and profitable crop in this county.
Sorghum enne is cultivated with us. and manufactured into syrup, to a moderate extent. It has proved a very valuable substitute for other molasses, and has been used extensively by those who felt themselves unable or un- willing to purchase sugar or other molasses at the exor- bitant prices demanded. If science, and the practical skill of those who are now investigating the subject and making experiments, shall successfully ascertain some real, certain, and not extravagantly expensive process, by which farmers and others can manufacture a fair article of sugar, then the introduction of sorghum will have been proved to be of exceeding great value to the country. As yet no satisfactory testimony of such sue- cess has been given. That sugar has been produced from: sorghum is unquestioned. That the process of its pro- duction is easily to be understood and practiced, so that success in making sugar is certain, no satisfactory proof has yet been adduced. It is earnestly to be hoped that our farmers may soon be able to obtain such information and instruction as will enable them to manufacture their own sugar from sorghum syrup in such quantities as will at least enable them to meet the demands of their own households.
Tobacco is the last of the four articles named in the preceding list. How great a curse it has been to the soil unwisely prostituted to its cultivation we have no time to consider at length. It is enough for the intel- ligent and conscientious husbar dian to know that every district of country devoted to the raising of tobacco for a series of years has been almost irreparably injured in its productive capacity. Small and particalar localities which have been cultivated in tobacco may have had their fertility maintained for a while by robbing other portions of the farm of their due proportion of manure; vet, sooner or later, the exhaustive process will ultimately work the deterioration of any neighborhood or farming district where tobacco-raising is a prominent part of the farming operations.
As the very choicest land of a farm has to be used for growing tobacco-as it is an exacting crop (not only upon the land, but upon those who work it, and who worm the plants)-as the product has to be housed and! bandled, stemmed, and prepared for market in a most careful manager, by those who have practical experience I in its management-as the crop is precarious and auer-
-
129
AGRICULTURE.
tain, and the price which it commands is exceedingly fluctuating-we are happy to know that many of the farmiers of this county, who were beguiled by its tempt- ing but false promise of gain, have entirely abandoned its cultivation. The losses which some of our farmers have sustained by reason of their devotion to the weed have sadly modified their admiration of its money-pro- ducing qualities. We have no commiseration for those who have sustained losses. On the contrary, we rather rejoice that something has occurred to induce them to withdraw from the pursuit of a business which at no time and in no manner has promoted the happiness or well-being of a single consumer, but which, on the con- trary, has strongly tended to injure, mentally and physie- ally, all who permitted themselves to be brought within its baneful and destructive intluence.
In addition to the foregoing statements relating to the past and present condition of many important branches connected with the agriculture of Butler County, it will not be inappropriate briefly to make -reference to other products which deserve attention, and which constitute a part of our productive wealth.
With us, as yet, fruit culture has not received merited attention. As a substantial element of food for many- as a valuable agent in preserving and promoting good health-and as a Inxury which all classes may enjoy with a, zest and a relish unknown to the non-producer, good fruit, upon the farm or in the garden, may be justly re- garded as the best indication that the agriculturist or horticulturist has been mindful of his duty to his family and himself, while he has been considerate in looking to the sure and liberal pecuniary reward which will follow the labors of the careful, industrious, and intelligent enì- tivator. The growing of fruits is not only an attractive pursuit in which men become intensely enthusiastic, but it is profitable employment. Hence, under favorable eir- cumstances, every desirable point for raising fruit shoukl be speedily and thoroughly improved.
The orchard culture of apples is improving regularly; while the orchard culture of peaches and pears is making rapid progress. Some exceedingly eligible localities in various parts of the county have already been well im- proved by the establishment of large peach orchards. One of these localities, on the west side of the Miami River, near Middletown, has attained a creditable noto- riety as a valuable fruit producing point, from which ex- tensive erops of peaches have been profitably shipped. Its location is exceedingly favorable as a shipping point. Fruit designed for the North may be taken in the morning from the trees, and properly boxed and delivered at the depot in time for the morning express train from Cin- cinnati. Thus fresh fruit may be liudel in Toledo, Detroit, Chicago, Clovelan 1. or Buffalo, and intermediate Pants within from six to twelve hours of the time the fruit was taken from the tree.
fruits is receiving increased attention. Blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, currants, and gooseberries are being disseminated more thoroughly throughout the county. Amateurs, gardeners, and farmers are vying with each other for prominence in their cultivation. .
Grapes are receiving increased attention. All the more modern and all the esteemed varieties are receiving proper culture in the vineyard as well as in the garden of the amateur.
Vegetable gardening for the supply of the markets has increased with unusual rapidity. The same is trne of the country. Farmers everywhere are giving more time and labor to the cultivation of their own fruit and vegetable gardens. They are manifesting a beecming and an increasing regard for the comforts of their family, by supplying them with the fruits and garden products that constitute to so great an extent the substantial- and luxuries of life.
Superadded to these productions, our farmers are giving more and more attention to the cultivation of sweet potatoes, and the field culture of pumpkins, tur- nips, beans, etr. All these things, concerning which we have no statistics, constitute in the aggregate a valuable item in making up a full statement of the entire agri- cultural products of this county.
The domestic animals of the county now claim special attention, that their qualities, their numbers, their value, and the state of improvement which they have under- gone or are now undergoing, may be fully given and understood. And first of the horses. For their general good qualities they are not surpassed by thoseof any other county in the State. In size, symmetry, fine style. ete. ; in adaptation to the wants and tastes of our people, who take a pride in having fine horses-they are desery- ing of high commendation. Good judgment and fine taste have secured to us our present stock of horses, which is the result of judicious and long-continued cross- ings with the best thoroughbred horses to be found among ns. Horses, cither thoroughbred or of esteemed high blood, have been so long used for improvement as to justify one of the most experienced and best informed breeders of Ohio in saying that " there is a large infusion of thoroughbred blood in our stock of horses." The history of our improvements in horses will verity the truth of his statement.
As early as about 1816, a very superior horse, calle ". Shakespeare," was brought into the county, from New Jersey. He was a horse of fine size and appearance, and proved to be a horse of high quality as a breeder. He was extensively used as a breeding horse, and the improvement in the size and substantial character of his descendants was very marked. No higher commendation for a horse, thirty years ago, could be given, than to say he was a " Shakespeare."
'This horse was sired by " Valerius," a colt of Colonel The cultivation of all the esteemed varieties of small | Smock's " Badger," of Maryland. The dam of " Shake-
!
130
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
speare" was a descendant of the famous high bred horse of Somerset, New Jersey, called " Don Carlos."
About the same time, a horse which acquired a great notoriety in the county, called " Badger," was introduced to the attention of our farmers. This borse was also a colt of "Valerius," and consequently a half-brother of "Shakespeare." Both had more than one-half thorough- bred blood in their veins, and both were extensively used as breeders, and the result was a marked and decided improvement in the size and general good qualities of our stock of horses. The "Badger" stock stood pre- eminent, as spirited, active, and fleet travelers, with sur- prising powers of endurance. The writer recollects most marvelous stories which were told fifty years ago of the facility with which this strain of horses could carry inen eiglit and ten miles per hour, under the saddle, with- out exhibiting signs of distress. These horses, and the numerous " Young Shakespeares " and " Young Badg- ers," which did not discredit their illustrious sires, pre- pared the way for further improvements, which were made through the introduction of other horses of good quality and high blood. Among these we are enabled . to name " Kirkland" and " Miami Chief," both thorough- bred horses, "Flag of Truce," " Defiance," and other horses of other like good qualities.
About 1831, a fresh impetus was given to the im- provement of our horse stock by the introduction into our county of the fine horse "Cadmus." He was a colt of " American Eclipse," out of " Di Vernon," br Ball's " Florizel," and consequently a horse of unsurpassed breeding qualities. He became the sire of a large num- ber of popular stallions, and of many fine breeding mares. Among the number of his colts was a stallion called " Sheppard's Cadmus," the sire of the unequaled " Poca- hontas," who was described by Frank Forester as " one of the most superb, most sumptuous of animals, as well as the fastest of the day."
Subsequently, a horse called " American Boy" was brought from Monmouth County, New Jersey. He had a large infusion of good blood in his veins, from such noted horses as " Seagull," "Imported Expedition," and " Imported Royalist." This horse produced mach valu- able stock, among which may be mentioned " Belmont," "American Boy, Jr.," and these iu turn had their de- scendants, also much esteemed.
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