USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > First Annual Report of the Ohio Valley Historical Association comprising the proceedings of the central Ohio Valley History Conference held at Cincinnati, Ohio, Nov. 29 and 30, 1907 > Part 2
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OHIO VALLEY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
COMMITTEE ON MEETING OF PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES.
HARRY B. MACKOY.
MRS. J. A. BECHTEL.
MRS. W. D. WARREN.
ROBERT RALSTON JONES.
HERBERT JENNEY.
MRS. J. C. HOSEA.
COMMITTEE ON ENTERTAINMENT OF WOMEN.
MISS ELEANOR O'CONNELL. MRS. J. A. BECHTEL.
MRS. SAMUEL SMITH.
MRS. FRANK R. ELLIS.
MISS VIRGINIA TUITE.
MRS. J. C. HOSEA.
MRS. MARY PATTON HUDSON.
HEADQUARTERS.
The headquarters of the Conference will be in McMicken Hall, Uni- versity of Cincinnati, where part of the meetings are held. The Uni- versity is situated at the southern end of Burnet Woods Park, and may he reached by "Clifton and Elm" cars, or by cars transferring to the "Cross Town" line. A list of hotels, with rates, and a plat showing their location accompanies this program. For further information, address the Secretary, FRANK PARKER GOODWIN, 3435 Observatory Place, Cin- cinnati, Ohio.
REPORT OF THE MEETINGS.
(Reprinted from the Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly, Vol. XVII, No. 1.)
During the summer and early fall of the past year (1907) a number of Cincinnati gentlemen interested directly or indirectly in history in general and Ohio Valley history in particular, for- mulated a plan for holding what was designated as the Central Ohio Valley Historical Conference. The purpose of this plan was to bring together for the opportunity of discussion and mutual acquaintance and co-operation all writers, scholars, teachers and others engaged in the field of history and all societies, whose object might be, in whole or part, the promotion of history, gath- ering material, presentation and dissemination of the same. Patriotic societies were included in the scope of the project. The original protagonist of this idea was Professor Isaac J. Cox, of the department of history of the University of Cincinnati. Pro- fessor Cox submitted the plan to the Executive Committee of the
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Cincinnati Historical Teachers' Association, which organization gave the idea enthusiastic support. General and special com- mittees were appointed and many patriotic and historical societies lent their aid to the cause. The main and executive committee consisted of Mr. Charles Theodore Greve, author of "The History of Cincinnati." the "Bench and Bar of Ohio," and professor of law in the Cincinnati Law School; Professor Isaac Joslin Cox. mentioned above, and Mr. Frank Parker Goodwin, instructor in history in Woodward (Cincinnati) High School. Great praise is due this commit- tee for the energy and tact displayed in their work and for the more than suc- cessful conclusion of their efforts, culminating in the series of important and interesting meetings held Friday and Saturday, No- vember 29th and 30th, 1907.
The first session of the conference was held in the afternoon of Fri- day in McMicken Hall, University of Cincinnati. PROF. CHARLES T. GREVE. Mr. Charles T. Greve pre- sided and Mayor E. J. Dempsey of Cincinnati and President Charles W. Dabney, of Uni- versity of Cincinnati, welcomed the delegates to the conference in short addresses, in which they expressed their appreciation of the work being done by the historical and archaeological and patriotic societies in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and West Virginia. The main speaker of the occasion was Reuben Gold Thwaites, LL. D., Secretary of the Wisconsin Historical Society and well known author of many works on western history. His theme was "The
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Mission of Local History." It was a strong plea for the search for and preservation of historical data hitherto neglected. Mr. E. O. Randall briefly presented the history of the "Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society," its purpose, lines of work, relation to the state and local societies. Mr. Virgil A. Lewis. Director State Department of Archives and History, Charleston, W. Va., spoke of the work of his state and the great opportunity yet unimproved of gath- ering historical matter pertinent to the Ohio river; his subject was "State Aid in Local His- tory." Mr. Charles B. Galbreath, Ohio State Librarian, outlined the work of Ohio Library in historical departments. "Local History Work in the Counties of Ken- tucky." was interesting- ly and wittily put forth by W. W. Longmoor. Curator Kentucky State Historical Society Frankfort. Kv. The top- ic "Recent Work in Pre- historic Fields." by Mr. Frederick W. Hinkle, Cincinnati Branch, Arch- FRANK P. GOODWIN. æological Institute of America, afforded the speaker an opportunity to present to the public for the first time an account of the recent explorations in the famous Madisonville Prehistoric Cemetery. The investiga- tions were conducted in the summer of 1907, by the archaeological department of Peabody Museum. under the direction of Professor F. W. Putman. Mr. Hinkle personally participated in the ex- plorations which proved to be rich in discoveries quite new to Ohio archæology.
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- In the evening the delegates repaired to the Queen City ("lub, where at the banquet table they met a number of noted Cincinnatians. Charles T. Greve acted as toastmaster. He in- troduced as the chief speaker of the evening, William Dudley Foulke, of Richmond, Ind., a member of the United States Civil Service Commission. His subject was "The Autocrat of Indiana." The curiosity of the delegates had been aroused regarding the identity of this personage, but it was soon allayed, as the speaker in his introductory remarks mentioned the name of Oliver P. Morton in such eulogistic terms as to leave no doubt that the famous War Governor of Indiana was the "autocrat." The speaker told the story of Morton's life in such a manner as to keep the attention of his audience alert till the last word was spoken. A chapter from the most exciting fiction could not have been more interesting.
Prof. William H. Venable, who was expected to read an original poem entitled, "The Founders," was unable to be present. His son, Prof. Emerson Venable, recited the poem. This pro- duction is published elsewhere in this Quarterly under the title, "Cincinnati." Short speeches were then made by Prof. Merrick Whitcomb, R. G. Thwaites, Archer B. Hulbert, W. W. Longmoor, F. P. Goodwin, Virgil A. Lewis, James Alton James and E. O. Randall.
The guests were Isaac J. Cox, R. G. Thwaites, J. A. James, C. L. Martzolff, F. P. Goodwin, E. Venable, V. A. Lewis, S. B. Harding, M. E. Marsh, Frank T. Cole, E. F McIntyre, John Uri Lloyd, C. M. Thompson, Albert S. Hill, Thomas C. Miller, Thorn- ton M. Hinkle, Harlow Lindley, Herbert Jenney, Charles L. Burgoyne, S. K. Bartholomew, A. A. Weerland, M. Whitcomb, C. T. Greve. A. B. Hulbert, Alexander Hill, E. R. Blaine, G. S. Sykes, E. W. Coy. D. L. James, C. J. Livingood, John H. Miller, F. L. Steele, W. H. Mackoy, F. W. Hinkle, C. L. Metz, John W. Harper, Fred Jelke, Jr., F. B. Dyer, Demarchus C. Brown, Harry B. Mackoy, John E. Blaine, P. S. Conner, Alston Ellis, W. W. Longmoor. W. H. Siebert, W. D. Foulke, E. O. Randall and J. A. James.
Saturday morning at McMicken Hall, was given to the teachers of history. Mr. Wilbur H. Seibert, Professor of European
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History, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, presided and rendered an appropriate address on the general subject of his- tory teaching. Welcoming remarks were made by Dr. F. B. Dyer. Superintendent Cincinnati Public Schools, and Professor Merrick Whitcomb, University of Cincinnati. A most scholarly address was made by Mr. James Alton James. Professor of American History. Northwestern University, Evanston. Ill., on "The Teacher of Social Sciences." This was followed by a dis- cussion of the features of the address by Professor Samuel Ban- nister Harding. University of Indiana, Bloomington. Ind. ; Clement L. Martzolff. Professor of History. Ohio University. Athens, Ohio: and A. A. Freedlander, Instructor in the Manual Training High School, Louisville, Ky .; Archer Butler Hulbert. Professor of American History, Marietta College. Marietta Ohio, and author of many works on American history, spoke on "The Use of Local Records in History Teaching," explaining his method of directing his pupils in conducting original work among material accessible to their use.
At the close of the Saturday morning session the attendants upon the conference were tendered a luncheon. served in one of the halls of the University of Cincinnati. In the afternoon a re- ception was held by the Hereditary Patriotic Societies, in the quarters of the Woman's Club. Mercantile Library Building. The social features of the reception were preceded by an exceed- ingly entertaining program of addresses by representatives of Patriotic Societies. General Benjamin R. Cowen presided and an introductory address was made by Mr. Harry B. Mackoy. Covington, Ky., Sons of the Revolution and Chairman Recep- tion Committee. Succeeding papers were delivered by: Mrs. Herman Groesbeck, Society of Colonial Dames : Robert Ralston Jones. Society of Colonial Wars; Mrs. John A. Murphy, ex- State Regent Daughters of the American Revolution; Mr. John- A. Blaine, 'Sons of the Revolution, and Mrs. John J. Shearer, Daughters of the Confederacy. It was a brilliant and fitting close to the two days of historical revelry and feasting. The papers read and addresses made throughout the conference were of a high order of merit and interest. The audiences were large. and enthusiastic. Nothing could have exceeded the perfect ar -.
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rangements of the various committees in charge or the courtesy and hospitality of the authorities of the University of Cincinnati and the people of the city. The purpose of the conference to concentrate, direct and awaken new interest in Ohio Valley His- tory was more than accomplished. In connection with the meet- ing there was an exhibit of maps, manuscripts, and rare volumes, in the library rooms of the Historical and Philosophical Society
of Ohio, in the Van Wormer Library Build- ing. This exhibit was under the direction of Miss L. Belle Hamlin, Librarian of the Society. A special exhibit of books and maps, applic- able to the nature of the conference, was also made by Mr. N. D. C. Hodges, Librarian, in the rooms of the Cincin- nati Public Library.
At the Friday after- noon meeting a provi- sional committee of fif- teen on permanent or- ganization was selected. This committee met after the evening banquet and HARRY B. MACKOY. again on Saturday morning before the Teachers' Session. At the close of the latter the committee of · fifteen submitted the report which follows and which was unani- mously adopted by the conference :
"The committee to whom was referred the task of drafting resolutions on the subject of a permanent co-operation of the history workers of the Ohio Valley beg leave to submit the fol- lowing resolutions :
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Ist. Resolved, That there be formed an organization to be called the Ohio Valley History Conference.
2d. Resolved, That membership in this organization be composed of the following classes :
(a) Individual members.
(b) Organizations whose object is to cherish all forms of patriotic work, to stimulate a greater interest in history teaching in general and in the subject of the local history of the Ohio Valley in particular, and to aid in the collection, preservation, and publication of its records and of original work based thereon.
(c) Persons not residing in the Ohio Valley but whose published work or regular occupation naturally identifies them with our purpose.
3d. Resolved. That a second meeting of this conference be held one year from date, at some place to be determined upon later, and that a committee consisting of nine persons be em- powered to prepare a program and make other necessary prep- arations for this meeting; and in addition to draft a permanent constitution to be acted upon at that meeting.
4th. Resolved, That the membership of this committee con- sist of the following persons :
Isaac Joslin Cox, University of Cincinnati ; Samuel Bannister Harding, University of Indiana ; E. O. Randall, Ohio State Arch- aeological and Historical Society ; Virgil A. Lewis. State De- partment of Archives and History, West Virginia; W. W. Long- moor, Kentucky State Historical Society; Harry B. Mackoy, Filson club and hereditary patriotic societies; Frank Parker Goodwin, Cincinnati History Teachers' Association ; Archer B. Hulbert, Marietta College and Ohio Valley Historical Society, and Clement L. Martzolff. Secretary. Ohio University, Athens."
The committee of nine thus chosen decided to meet in Cin- cinnati on January 17 and 18, 1908, at which time it will formu- late definite plans for the future scope and work of the conference.
REPORT OF THE EXHIBIT OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY OF CINCINNATI.
In connection with the meeting of the Ohio Valley Historical Association, the public library of Cincinnati had an exhibit of
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books and pictures illustrating the early history of Cincinnati and the Ohio Valley. A series of photographs and prints, partly loaned, partly the property of the library, first touched upon the Mound Builders, then passed in review the various phases of frontier life. There was the pioneer, penetrating the wilderness with ox-train and covered wagon, or exploring the waterways with flat-boat or ark. Then followed the hut in the clearing, the stockade uniting the settlers in times of danger, the log cabin dance. the pioneer dame riding to the general store with her shopping money in the shape of pelts, tied to her horse's saddle. the old land office, historic cradles, chairs, muskets and other ·cherished relics, and last of all, views showing a few cabins on the river bank, growing into a city of note.
Among the books were the histories and annals of Cist. Drake, Mansfield and Jones, and the impressions of the lively Mrs. Trollope, who helped spread abroad the name of Cincinnati and drew numerous distinguished visitors over the mountains to view the remarkable western town. The opinions of some of these travelers, Dickens, Marryat and Murray, were also pointed out in their books.
The rest of the exhibit consisted of old newspapers and pictures and biographical notices of some of Ohio's distinguished sons and daughters. .
"REPORT OF THE EXHIBIT OF THE HISTORICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY OF OHIO.
(Reprinted from the annual report of its President and Librarian, in its Quarterly Publication, Vol. II. No. 4.)
At the meeting of the Board on May rith, 1907, on motion .of Prof. Whitcomb. a committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs, Whitcomb, Greve and the President, to co-operate with the Cincinnati History Teachers' Association, in preparing for the historical conference, to be held in this city in November ; and at the subsequent meeting of the Board, the Librarian and Mr. Winslow were appointed a committee to arrange an exhibit in the rooms of the Society of interesting matter in our collections, .during the sessions of that conference.
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A printed program of these events was sent to all members. of our Society, so that further details need not be mentioned here. The occasion was a memorable one, and it and other meetings like it should prove useful in spreading knowledge of the work that such associations as ours are doing for the preservation and pub- lication of original sources of local history.
While the success of this occasion was due to the efforts of many associated on the various committees representing the dif- ferent organizations, the President takes pleasure in referring to the zeal and efficient work of Mr. Greve and Professors Whit- comb and Cox, of. our own Society, in making the occasion a success, and in giving to those who attended the conference from out of town, opportunity to know the value and extent of our library and collections.
A portion of our exhibit consisted of a selection of maps, cov- ering several French maps of the seventeenth century, among them the charts of Champlin (1612), Sanson ( 1656-7), Henne- pin (1683), and others of similar period ; the later works of Moll, D'Anville, De Lisle, Bowen, Evans, Jefferys, etc., and a complete group of charts showing the campaigns of the British armies during the Revolution. Others displayed were, Shelton & Ken- nett's map of the United States and British Colonies of upper and lower Canada, 1816, 55x47, inset ; Remnants of Antiquity, with plans of ancient fortifications located in Illinois and Mar- ietta, Ohio; Bourne's original map (1818) of Ohio Company's purchase in Ohio and the donation of 1792; Maxfield Ludlow's original map of the country lying between the Miamis, Ohio, showing the John Cleves Symmes' Patent in full, drawn in 1806; and other early maps of Ohio by Mansfield ( 1806), Hough & Bourne (1815), Melish (1815). Also, maps of the prehistoric mounds of this region ; the lead mines of the upper Mississippi (1820), the early projected plans of the Chesapeake & Ohio canal (1820), sketches of different forts in this vicinity, and several maps of Cincinnati showing its growth and development.
The manuscripts displayed were of national as well as of local interest. Among the most valuable documents exhibited may be mentioned the original manuscript of President Lincoln's.
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. Amnesty Proclamation ; the original deed by the government to John Cleves Symmes, 1788, of his purchase in the Miami country ; the original papers relating to the distribution of lots in Losanti- ville (Cincinnati) in 1789; manuscript journals of the Ohio House of Representatives during the territorial period; Bills to incorporate Cincinnati, Marietta, Chillicothe, Athens, etc .; the Manuscript journal of David Zeisberger, the Moravian mis- sionary; early papers of St. Clair and Wayne; Proclamation by Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, 1798, directing the first election of representatives to the General Assembly from Hamilton County, with a list of the candidates and electors. Besides those already referred to, there were many original documents and letters bearing the signatures of men of both national and local prominence, such as Washington, John Adams, Jefferson, John Q. Adams, John C. Calhoun, Henry Clay, William Henry Harrison, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, John C. Symmes, Jacob Burnet, William Stanley, Isaac G. Burnet, Gano, Follett, Baum, Corry, Findlay, James McBride and others.
In addition to the maps and manuscripts shown there were numerous rare and interesting works of travel from the time of the Italian Ramusio to the present day.
THE MISSION OF LOCAL HISTORY.
(Synopsis of address by DR. REUBEN G. THWAITES, Secretary and Superintendent of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin.)
Dr. Thwaites alluded to the local historic sentiment which is so strong in Europe, cultivating there a just local pride and civic patriotism. State patriotism was one of the dominant characteristics of our own South before the War of Secession, and is still one of the most charm- ing features of Southern life. Revulsion against the state-rights doctrine led the North to the other extreme; but there is noticeable a return of the old sentiment. The growth of local historical consciousness has been fostered by the recurrence of centennial and semi-centennial anniversaries, and by the considerable output of local histories -the latter, always a feature of New England ; but the custom is spreading all over the United States and Canada. The speaker contended that the nation is now so enormous, with such diverse interests, often remote from the people, that its affairs do not take hold of the imagination except in times of
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great popular excitement. The state, county, city, village, or town, is nearer to one's home life, and a love for it plants the true foundation for patriotism.
Dr. Thwaites laid much stress upon the importance of cultivating civic patriotism in the minds of our youth, and particularly among the children of the foreign-born. The schools should be permeated with it, no opportunity being neglected to teach lessons from the past, in order that hope might be taken for the future.
He likened the study of local history to the study of nature. The child who becomes familiar with the habits and charac- teristics of birds and flow- ers, who is taught that the world is alive with interest- ing neighbors of man, with whom it is well to be in- timately acquainted, walks thereafter in a broader and better world than those know who are not similarly inducted into its beautiful mysteries. So will an in- timate study of the history of his locality cause him to love his town, to feel that its story and traditions are a rich heritage and make of him a better citizen than the one to whom all this is ' but an unmeaning collec- tion of streets and houses.
Europeans, and some un- informed Americans, said the speaker, are fond of DR. REUBEN GOLD THWAITES. telling us that America has no history. As a matter of fact we have a history whose roots are deep in the past. He then rapidly traced as an example. the story of the Ohio Valley. The aboriginal life was alluded to, with its ever-warring races, its "warriors' paths" streak- ing through the and; and yet with it all, something of an idyllic strain, for Indians were men and women in the childhood stage of progress, and loved and hated, were braves and cowards, were in sentiment noble or grovelling. and won rewards and received punishments, much as with us. Then came the first glimpse of Europeans over the mountain wall-Spottswood, Abraham Wood, Lederer, and their fellows-spy-
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ing out the west-running waters. The French came to the Illinois; Eng- lish fur-traders to the Wabash; Celeron, inspecting and appraising the valley for the French king; the explorer Gist; the officer Washington, who leads the English military advance. The clash at Great Meadows, Braddock's defeat, and the French and Indian war, were events swiftly summarized. Next, attention was paid to the coming of the "long hunters" and Daniel Boone, with the opening of the two great English pathways into the West - the Wilderness Road and the Ohio River. The Indian siege of the Kentucky posts, the wresting of Kentucky from the wilderness, and the conquest of the Northwest by George Rogers Clark were each in turn alluded to. Next came the cowing of the aborigines "by St. Clair and Anthony Wayne, samples of the heroic figures who walk the pages of Western history. Then followed swiftly the tide of modern settlement, when the Ohio bore fleets of arks, broad-horns, flat- boats, and keel-boats laden with American settlers and their chattels, eagerly engaged in opening farms and planting towns all the way from Brownsville and Pittsburg to Cincinnati and Shawneetown. Dr. Thwaites spoke warmly of the Middle West's great contribution to the war for preserving the Union, and paid a tribute to the part played by this region today, as the center of the nation's life.
This astonishing development of two and a half centuries has no parallel in history. From an historical point of view, time is merely relative. That which has happened here would have occupied a dozen ·centuries in European history, and the greater part of it has taken place within the memory of men now living. The old settler of today, de- -clared Dr. Thwaites, has seen, experienced, felt more, than Methuselah .of old.
The speaker made a strong appeal for popular support of the -agencies that are engaged in research and publication, in American his- tory. All this mighty progress is so familiar to us, that it is common- place; it is difficult to arouse popular imagination to a recognition of the value of such work. But Dr. Thwaites reminded his audience that what is commonplace today will seem strange enough tomorrow; we are but living in a passing phase of the world's history. We bless William of Malmesbury and Froissart, and the other old chroniclers; yet the need of such public service is as great today. The man in the Albany colonial convention of 1754, or in the constitutional conventions of the Ohio valley is, historically, just as important to the posterity which will study our institutions, as though he attended an English witenagemote or the meeting of a primitive Saxon tribe. By similar concrete examples, Secretary Thwaites sought to impress upon his hearers that the American letters and other documents written today would have in time as great a value as any big-sealed parchment in the archives of the old world.
In response to request, he briefly sketched the history of the Wis- -consin state historical society, whose sixtieth anniversary soon occurs,
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and gave some conclusions based upon its long and prosperous experience. The Wisconsin society's activities, he divided under seven heads :
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