USA > Ohio > A history of the state of Ohio, natural and civil > Part 26
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Massachusetts and Rhode Island may carry their cloths and their fishes, and Connecticut her wooden clocks, but Ohio will not be in their way.
1
315
BANKS IN OHIO.
Name, place, and date.
Loans and discounts.
Due from banks.
Specie.
Commercial Bank, Cincinnati, Jan. 4, 1836 3,103,461
501,847
666,787
Franklin Bank,
do.
do.
1,195,414
142,861
204,628
Lafayette Bank,
do.
do.
1,987,571
140,033
105,650
Ohio Life and Trust Co., do. January, 1836
1,515,952
357,116
268,984
7,802,398
1,141,857
1,246,049
Miami Exporting Co., do.
Oct. 17, 1836
591,742
86,681
119,531
Total of Cincinnati banks,
8,394,140
1,228,538 1,365,580
On or near the Ohio river :
Columbiana Bank, New Lisbon,
98,009
96,33]
41,629
Far. and Mech. Bk. Steubenville, Jan. 6, 1836
376,758
110,417
56,754
Belmont Bank, St. Clairsville, Jan. 5, 1836
316,088
43,364
43,536
Bank of Marietta, Marietta, do.
145,184
27,886
26,412
Scioto Bank, Portsmouth, January 7, 1836
306,450
103,727
38,308
Valley of the Muskingum :
Far. Bank of Canton, Canton, Jan. 4, 1836
214,803
95,820
56,124
Bank of Massillon, Massillon, do.
247,152
89,649
64,431
Bank of Wooster, Wooster, do.
213,046
4,099
53,403
Bank of Zanesville, Zanesville, Jan. 8, 1836
343,204
85,320
54,728
Bank of Muskingum, Putnam, Jan. 1, 1836
239,378
100,351
32,068
Valley of the Scioto :
Franklin Bank of Columbus, Columbus,
696,491
46,030
132,662
557,139
261,017
124,879
414,460
75,199
51,158
602,729
72,291
70,417
369,259
32,709
45,815
704,526
245,494
176,446
Valley of the Miami:
Urbana Banking Co. Urbana, Jan. 5, 1836
252,294
43,691
38,398
Bank of Xenia, Xenia, December 8, 1835
122,833
16,389
68,129
Dayton Bank, Dayton, December 21, 1835 Bank of Hamilton, Hamilton, Jan. 12, 1836
192,015
49,926
53,107
On or near Lake Erie :
Western Reserve Bank, Warren, Jan. 9, 1836 Bank of Geauga, Painesville, Dec. 7, 1835
279,878
56,654
35,530
197,629
31,759
611,910
90,755
75,387
411,257
57,385
56,747
272,587
74,429
38,867
214,810
86,291
16,37]
Total of 31 banks and 1 branch
17079714 3,318,708,2,924,906
Clinton Bank, Columbus, January 4, 1836 Bank of Circleville, Circleville, Jan. 1, 1836 Lancaster Bank, Lancaster, Jan. 25, 1836 Bk. of Mt. Pleasant Mt. Pleasant, Jan. 4, 1836 Bk. of Chillicothe, Chillicothe Dec. 23, 1835
285,685
118,946
81,261
Com. Bk. of L. Erie, Cleveland, Jan. 15, 1836 Bank of Cleveland, do., Jan. 4, 1836
Bank of Norwalk, Norwalk, Nov. 30, 1836 Bank of Sandusky, Sandusky, Jan. 1, 1836
316
HISTORY OF OHIO.
STATE OF AGRICULTURE, PRICE OF LANDS, PROVISIONS AND LABOR.
The state of agriculture has improved greatly within a few years past. There are farms in the vicinity of all our larger towns, in a good state of cultivation, and our farmers every where, either have already, or soon will have good substan- tial houses, barns and out houses. These are not only com- modious and substantial but sometimes even elegant. In New Connecticut, almost every farmer has an elegant dwelling house. In that part of the state, we see more framed than brick houses ; in some parts, though, brick houses predominate. In the remainder of the state, brick is preferred as the cheap- est, most durable and best. The materials for brick are near the spot when they are needed; the wood to make fuel, and burn them, needs to be cleared off, and the farmer and his sons can make the brick without hiring any of the work done. Within a very few years, after the farmer had settled down in the woods, we generally see around him a well fenced, well cultivated farm, with good buildings, and a good orchard com- ing forward. In a few more years his children will be grown up, married and settled on farms of new land like the one on which they were brought up. Thus the forest recedes before us, and a highly cultivated country smiles far and wide around us.
Farmers in parts of New Connecticut, in Washington coun- ty, and along the upper part of the Scioto country have, du- ring twenty years past, turned their attention to dairies and the manufacture of cheese. The business has been profitable, but enough is not made yet for our own consumption.
The apple tree flourishes in all parts of the state, and cider is so abundant some years, as to sell for only one dollar a barrel. Many apples are carried down the Ohio river to New Orleans, and the lower country.
The price of land varies from one dollar and twenty-five cents, to one hundred dollars an acre.
The price of labor is fifty per cent. higher than in the At- lantic states, and provisions are about fifty per cent. cheaper than there.
317
STATE OF AGRICULTURE, ETC.
Mechanics of all sorts get higher wages, and where they settle in towns, as they mostly do, they get rich in few years, if they are industrious, and well understand their business.
Laborers by the day, month or job, can always get employ- ment, high wages and prompt payment, in cash, on our public works-our roads and canals. It will continue to be so for ages, because this state will never cease to improve the coun- try by canals and roads. Every dollar laid out thus, by the state, will pay an interest that will forever make it the duty of the state, to proceed in her internal improvements. So that any young man in the East, who wishes to become a good substantial farmer, may come to Ohio, get employment, buy a farm, pay for it, own and improve it, and be an independent citizen of this great and growing state.
Manures have been but little used yet, in this state. Such is the natural fertility of the soil, that farmers have neglect- ed to make use of their manure. Compost is unknown to our farmers, and plaster of Paris is, as yet, but little used. That many parts of Ohio would be the better for manure we doubt not, nor do we doubt but that when the lands are more worn by cultivation, that manure will be used by farmers. The best soil is doubtless one that contains sand enough in its com- position to prevent its baking or becoming hard after a rain, and which also contains clay enough in it, to retain sufficient moisture. That our hilly region, whose soil is composed of such materials as these, possesses within itself a mineral rich- ness, scarcely equaled any where else, is certain; hence, all our hilly region has deceived every one, almost, who saw it covered with a forest. Such lands are coming into high re- pute for farms; and whole counties, once deemed poor, are set- tling rapidly, and will continue to do so for a long time to come. Their soil is as good for grain, especially wheat, as any portions of the state, formerly supposed to be preferable.
A2*
318
HISTORY OF OHIO.
THE RAISING OF HOGS, HORSES AND CATTLE.
In these branches of a farmer's business, our people have very well succeeded. In a country which produces so easily and so abundantly, all the grains and grasses, on which such animals subsist-where there is so little winter for which to provide-where the snow lies only a few days, at a time, and then is not over three or four inches in depth, all the domes- tic animals can be supported with ease, on the abundance of food which this country furnishes. Formerly, vast droves of hogs were driven every year over the mountains, but since our canals are made-since the steam boat moves on the Ohio, Mississippi and the lake, our people kill their hogs at home, salt them and carry them off in barrels, either to New Or- leans, or to Cleveland, thence, to Montreal and Quebec, or to New York. Horses are still sent off in droves to market, cither to the east or to the south.
So of our cattle, they are fattened and driven, sometimes, all the way to Boston to market. The value of all these ex- ports we do not know, nor have we the means of knowing, but it amounts to millions of dollars annually, for our cattle, hogs, horses, mules and sheep. Great pains have been taken to improve the breeds of all these animals, and companies have repeatedly sent all the way to England to get better hogs, horses and cattle. The evident improvement of the whole breed, shows that those who have done these things, are public benefactors.
THE STATE OF THE PRESS.
In 1435, John Gutenburgh of Mentz, was carrying on a law suit, in Strasburgh, with a burgher of the place last mention- ed, one Drizen, about a copying machine, which Gutenburgh had invented.
That copying machine was A PRINTING PRESS, which has done more for mankind than any other invention. By this machine of Gutenburgh's, mind can move minds, and render
319
STATE OF THE PRESS.
earth, air, fire, water, aye, even immense tracts of space, far as the telescope can discern, tributary to man's comfort, knowledge and happiness. Aided by Gutenburgh's copying machine, every new idea, useful to mankind, soon crosses every sea and every ocean, and finally, pervades every part of our habitable globe. It was this copying machine that enabled Martin Luther to spread his doctrines over christen- dom, and to assert the rights of conscience, and the liberty of speaking and writing our opinions, upon all matters in religion, science, politics and literature. This machine has prostrated error, wherever it has had free scope. It is the friend of genuine liberty, of justice, of human happiness and human glory. Through the aid of this machine, the scriptures have been spread, are spreading, and will continue to do so, until the light of the gospel shall shine on all lands, enlighten all nations, and render all men happier and better. Happy will it be for mankind, if the Press continues to be unshackled, as it now is, in this country. May those who use it, never de- scend to licentiousness-to the servility of panders, for the men in power, nor become the tools of aspiring demagogues, either in church or state. The Press multiplies copies of books, and renders them cheap,* and accessible to all read- ers. Ideas beget ideas, which are the parents of others, in endless progression. One invention leads to other inventions, enabling man to overcome time and space, and turn to his use and benefit all the elements. He conquers the whole world, rendering useful to him earth, ocean, air, and every plant and every animal. He is enabled to make the very stars in the deepest vault of the far blue heavens useful to him. And whether he travels back, down the long lapse of ages past, or rise on the wings of his enraptured imagination, and fly into the most distant regions of futurity, his wander- ings may be all recorded by a pen, and by the Press circula- ted all over the world, and their remembrance be perpetuated forever.
*Two hundred years ago a New Testament cost two hundred dollars-it costs now ten cents.
320
HISTORY OF OHIO.
In this way, he may be said to overcome death itself, be- cause his thoughts are immortal. They live to ennoble, to animate, and bless mankind. The spirit of an author will for- ever hover around, and take possession of the inmost souls of his readers. Kingdoms, states, and empires, may rise, flour- ish, decline, fall, and be almost forgotton, in the dim distance of oblivious eld, while the inspirations of the man of genius remain green, flourishing, and entire, unimpaired and indes- tructible.
May those who conduct the Press, elevate their ideas into pure regions of thought, and fly, always there. To them, in a very special manner, are committed the future destinies of mankind. They are the lights of the world-shining, not for themselves, but for the whole human family. By the aid of these lights, all can see their several paths through life. As these lights increase in number and brightness, men will see clearer, farther, and better all around them, all over the world, until time shall end. Until then, may the Press be free, pure, and useful.
The first newspaper ever printed northwest of the Ohio river, was issued at Cincinnati on the 9th of November, 1793, by William Maxwell. It was entitled " THE CENTINEL OF THE NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY"-its motto, " Open to all parties, but influenced by none." This paper, after changing its name and owner, in 1796, was continued until 1800.
In the autumn of 1810 The Western Spy was commenced by Captain Joseph Carpenter and Ephraim Morgan. It con- tinued to be published by them until the death of Captain Car- penter, in February 1814. It passed through various owners' hands until its title was changed into the National Republican, which name it still bears. It is printed by James H. Looker and edited by Charles R. Ramsay Esquire. It is published weekly, tri-weekly and daily.
The two oldest papers in Cincinnati are published at large establishments, and have a considerable influence on the public mind. Soon after the state constitution went into ope- ration, John W. Brown established a paper at Cincinnati: It
321
BENEVOLENT SOCIESIES.
was printed by his son, Samuel J. Brown, called the Liberty Hall. It is now the Gazette and Liberty Hall, edited by Charles Hammond, Esquire. It is the oldest and largest news- paper establishment in the state. It is published daily, tri- weekly and weekly.
To trace the rise of each newspaper establishment in every town of any importance in the State, would be needless; but we content ourselves with a few remarks. At Columbus the seat of Government, Philo H. Olmsted, published the "Wes- tern Intelligencer," commenced in March, 1813. Without changing its owner, it became the "Columbus Gazette" in 1818, and is now the "Ohio State Journal," published by Scott & Wright. There had been before this time two news- papers established in Chillicothe, where the ancestor of the poet Wyllis, and Joseph S. Collins, now of Washington city, published a paper, under the old Territorial Government.
All the first papers printed in Ohio were small ones, and badly printed. The most of the presses and types first used in Ohio, were old cast off ones, in the east, with a few new job types to each establishment. The change within the last twenty years, in all respects, as it regards the art of Printing in this state, is highly gratifying to our state pride. We have now, at least, one hundred newspapers, published weekly, in the state. Many of them are as large as any in the east- nine of them are daily ones-several twice a week ;- and we have twenty establishments for printing books, in which they are printed handsomely, as well as bound well. Our printing presses are made in Ohio, and the types are cast here. Our papers are not only handsomely printed on good paper, which is also made in the state, but they are edited very ably, espe- cially when the interests of Ohio are endangered from any quarter. Onall such occasions, those who stand on the watch- towers of liberty will ably do their duty to their fellow-citizens of Ohio.
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322
HISTORY OF OHIO.
BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.
During this last period of our History, there have sprung up, into existence, three societies which have state societies and state officers, with branches of, them, in many, if not most of the counties. From their influence and importance, our duty in the station which we have assumed, does not permit us to let them pass by us, without a few remarks. Not belonging to any one of them, and having never supported or opposed them, we feel no personal interest in them. We are perfectly aware of the delicacy of the subjects, which we are about to notice, but our duty, must be so far done, as to state, that we have organized in Ohio, first, an OHIO TEMPERANCE SOCIETY, which meets annually, at the seat of Government. It has been in operation several years, and, it had a paper devoted to its views. It has changed already, to a considerable extent, a custom of keeping spiritous liquors in every family, which were formerly urged upon friends, when they called to pay visits. It has, to a great degree, banished distilled spirits from the table at dinner. This society has operated on the higher classes of the community, and banished spirits from some, indeed many steam boats, canal boats and public inns. Thus much it has done. It has been conducted wisely, and has prospered. It is no longer fashionable to drink spirits as it once was, and lawyers and physicians rarely drink any thing, stronger than water. In some towns, little has been effected by the society, but, on the whole, a reformation is effected. Many have refor- med who once drank to excess, and thousands of the rising generation, are saved from ruin by being educated not to taste distilled liquors. The subject has been discussed in all law- ful ways, but has found no opposition to its full, fair and free discussion.
Could the practice of distilling grain be altogether abolished, a vast amount of money, time, and labor, would be saved, and much human misery would be prevented. The money, time and labor would be turned to some useful purposes. As soon
323
ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY.
as a temperate legislature is elected, in any one of the states, penal enactments may be passed, to punish, as a crime, the drinking of spirits, or at least the sale of them in such state.
THE COLONIZATION SOCIETY,
Is a National Society ; Ohio has a state branch of it, and the counties have auxiliaries. Having very few free blacks, in the state for it to operate upon, little has been done here by it. In other words, having nothing to do, it has done nothing.
But another state society and its numerous branches, have excited highly, the public mind, and called forth expressions, on both sides of the question in dispute, not always in strict accordance with truth and propriety; This is THE ABOLITION, or ANTI SLAVERY SOCIETY. The first society of this kind, the parent of all others, in this Union, was established in Phi- ladelphia, sixty four years since, and Doctor Benjamin Frank- lin was its first president. Its object was to protect and defend those who were unjustly held in slavery. Washington, Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and, the most distinguished men in Virginia, highly approved of it under their own hands, in letters addressed by them to its thrice illustrious founder. This society wisely moved forward operating beneficially, and opposed by none. But some few years since, things took a different turn, in which Ohio had nothing to do, and it belongs not to our history. Finally, a few societies were founded here, mostly, we believe, by persons immigrating into this, from slave-holding states. A few remarks on the origin of this society in Ohio, its views, tendency and persecutions seem to us to belong to our history and cannot be dispensed with by its author. We do not make facts, but merely relate events, which we would sometimes rejoice were they otherwise. Thus situated, and compelled to speak, what we believe to be the truth, offend whom it may, we proceed in our remarks, on the society, and likewise, on its sensitive and bitter opponents. This society is of very recent origin in this state, dating no further back than February 1834.
324
HISTORY OF OHIO.
Its objects so far as we know them, are to prevent slavery from spreading into this state; to induce great numbers who own slaves in the states south of us, to set them free, and, send them to Africa. These slave-holders live in Ohio, but own slaves in the south. These are the objects of the socie- ty. The friends of the society disavow all interference with slaves and slave-holders out of this state. These are views not inconsistent with our duty to our neighbors. The tenden- cy of the doctrines, of the society, when kept within the pale of prudence, and so long as the society originally founded by Franklin and the friends in Philadelphia is followed as an ex- ample, Washington, Jefferson and the patriots of their day, if now living would not raise any objection to them. The anti- slavery society in Ohio, in May 1837, contained 213 auxiliary societies, and 17,253 members. Its persecutions have consist- ed in being interrupted in their meetings, sometimes, and in having their press distroyed in Cincinnati by a mob. These outrages will not be repeated. To sustain themselves in their controversy, both parties, to the question, for slavery or anti- slavery, have boldly appealed to the bible, as the authority on which they rely. They have brought forward the example and precepts of our Savior and his apostles. Sitting in judgment on the case we proceed to examine the law and the testimony, impartially, fully and fairly, before we enter any final judg- ment. First, then, as to our Savior's example and precepts. He was by birth, a Jew, and his mother, brothers, sisters and all those with whom he associated as near and dear to him, were Jews. Both parties, have said, that there were no slaves in Judea at that time! This is not true. The entire nation was in a slavery of the worst kind, that any whole nation could endure! they were all slaves, and they were taxed and oppres- sed by the Romans, whose legions were every where stationed, and used as instruments of oppression by the civil officers. Their rulers, civil and military, were all appointed to office, by the Roman emperor at Rome. The Jews had, in fact two gov- ernments to support, at the same time; their own ecclesiasti- cal government, and that of the conquerors. Well, thus situa-
-
325
ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY.
ted, what did our Savior say? He said, " render unto Caesar, the things that are Caesar's, and "unto God, the things that are God's." And why did he so teach the Jews? He shall answer that question for us. "My kingdom is not of this world." He intended to show, that his religion ought not to connect itself, in anywise, with the state. Any nation who connects these two things, religion and politics, may have ever so much religion, but it is not christianity, but the reverse of it. Our Saviour, though, laid down this law as an universal rule of action, forever to govern the world: "Do unto others as ye would they should do unto you."
We next open Paul's letter to the Ephesians, and thence read "servants be obedient unto them that are your masters, according to the flesh, in fear and trembling; in singleness of heart as unto Christ." We will next read what he says to the masters of these servants : " And ye masters, do ye the same thing unto them, forbearing threatening, knowing that your master, is also in heaven, neither is there respect of persons with him."
We next read what the same apostle says in his letter to the Colossians: " servants obey in all things, your masters according to the flesh, not with eye service, but as unto God." To masters he says : "Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that ye have a Master in heaven." We next proceed to read what Peter says in his first letter 2nd chapter, 18th verse and onward; "Servants be subject to your masters, with all fear; not only the good and gentle, but also the froward. For this is thank worthy, if a man for con- science towards God, endure grief, suffering, wrongfully."
Two inferences from these authorities present themselves on a first view; first, that slavery is at best, a hard and painful condition ; secondly, but nevertheless, provided a master gov- erns his slaves, equitably, justly, and on christian principles, he may be a good christian, inherit eternal life, and not be condemned, merely for holding slaves. And, we may add, that the duties of servants and masters, are clearly pointed out by the apostles. Peter's letter was addressed to the strangers
B2
326
HISTORY OF OHIO.
thoughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia [Minor,] and Bythinia. These provinces, were the great slave marts, the Pennsylvania Avenues, the Georgetowns and Alexandrias of the ancient world. But, we have not yet done with Paul's conduct, precepts and example, as they respected masters and servants. Paul had left his Ephesian church in tears, when they fell on his neck and kissed him, and had gone to Jerusalem where he had been arrested and condemned for being a christian, from which judgement, he appealed to Caesar himself, Paul being a Roman citizen. He had sailed to Rome, to await his trial, and was in jail. Onesimus, a servant of Philemon, ran off from his master, and had arrived at Rome likewise. Here while Paul was in prison, this servant was converted by the apos- tle's preaching. To Paul, Onesimus confessed his faults, and that he had grievously wronged his master.
We do not find the wrongs specifically set forth, but there were wrongs done to the master by Onesimus. Paul being in jail, had great need of the services of Onesimus, but learn- ing the exact circumstances, from the servant of his flight from his master, and the wrongs done him; the apostle wrote a letter to Philemon by Onesimus, and sent him back to his old master. Tychicus, who was about to travel the same route, as far as Colosse, became a fellow traveler, and the two, jointly carried a letter from Paul, to the Colossians. These epistles thus sent, we proceed to examine. To the Colossians, the apostle writes, as he had to Ephesus, in relation to masters and servants, holding the same language, almost word for word. He reminds Philemon of the new rela- ยท tion which now subsists between him and his servant; that now they are brothers. Does Paul threaten Philemon with everlasting perdition, unless he instantly emancipates his slave? No, he does not threaten him at all, but he prefers a request, though, very pressingly too, that Philemon would set his servant free, and that if he did so, to charge Paul, in account with him, all the sums out of which, Onesimus had, in any wise wronged him, and he, Paul, would pay them, on de- mand. This example of the apostle of the Gentiles, should
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