USA > Ohio > Logan County > The historical review of Logan County, Ohio > Part 21
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Afterwards the lands went into the pos- session of Oliver Spencer. a wealthy resi- dent of Cincinnati, and the lake changed its name with its proprietors, and became Spencer's lake.
Spencer built the present house upon the south side of the lake, and for many years lived there, and dispensed the gra- cious hospitality of the country gentlemen of the early day.
The lake again changed proprietors. and it finally became known as Silver lake. and as such it is known today.
It covers about forty acres, and is a beautiful sheet of water, a most charming place in the summer time, and to it there is a constant travel of those who enjoy a re- laxation from the cares of daily toil. There is a beautiful grove about it, and accommo- dations for those who enjoy boating and fishing.
Long before the county was dreamed of, and the white man's foot was pressed INDIAN LAKE. upon the soil of this great northwest, the In the northwest part of the county, and within the boundaries of the reservation set aside for the Indians in this section of Ohio. lakes in Logan county were the Indian fish- ing places, and in them they found food, and about them they shot or ensnared the there is a lake called Indian lake. It con-
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tains three or four hundred acres of land. There are a number of other lakes in the and was one of the famous fishing resorts county, all of which are noted as places of interest, and to which the angler and the hunter are constantly drawn. of the Indians in early days. The Miami river runs through it, coming in at its northern, and passing out at its southern boundary.
Some time about 1851 the state of Ohio. for the purpose of supplying water to its canal system, built a great dam across the Miami river and the lowlands adjoining the southern boundary of the lake. and banked the waters thus held over some six or seven thousand acres of the land of Washington and Stokes townships. This great body of water is known as the Lewistown Reser- voir, and it contains within its enclosure the original Indian lake.
About this there are several beautiful places, which are at all seasons of the year objective points for the sportsman and the fisherman.
The Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad runs near it, and carries thousands of visit- ors to these resorts every year.
On one side of the Indian lake is Lake Ridge, which contains a hotel of good pro- portions and all the accessories necessary to comfortably care for all visitors. It is situated on an island, and in summer time is a most charming place for recreation, the fishing being fine, and, in season, the hunt- ing good.
Just opposite is Reed's Cottage, which has gained quite a reputation as a place of entertainment.
Lakeview, Russell's Point, and Prater's are all points of interest. and a visitor can hardly go amiss in looking for sport and en- tertainment at any of these resorts.
The Toledo & Ohio Central has lately become proprietors of Russell's Point, and Extensive improvements are to be made.
Rush Creek lake. Braden's. Newell's. MeCracken's and Black's are all points of interest, and for many years have been ob- jective points for those who were looking for a day's recreation.
REAMES CAVE, MONT TABOR.
There is a cave in the vicinity of Mount Tabor called Reames Cave : it was discov- ered a few years since by the caving in of the ground and rock, disclosing an open- ing in the rocks, which upon closer exam- ination was found to be an opening into the rocks, extending under ground, and ef- forts were at once made to examine and explore it. ,
These explorations disclosed a passage extending for one-half or three-quarters of a mile through a rocky, cavernous for- mation, and reaching almost to Mount Tabor.
There are a number of small chambers in the cave and some stalactites and stalag- mites. The passage has been cleared of earth and rocks and a comfortable foot passage has made it possible to examine so far as open.
Other side openingss indicate that there are other passages leading in differ- ent directions, which may, when opened and cleared. lead to other important and interesting apartments.
There are no indications that it was ever before opened or had ever been en- tered until these recent explorations.
The stone formation through which it passes is of limestone, and the deposits of earth are mostly clay mixed with stone. It
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HISTORICAL REVIEWF OF LOGAN COUNTY.
is opened for visitors and during the sum- mer time large numbers visit it.
RIVERSIDE PARK.
Near Quincy, on the Ohio Southern Railroad, is a resort on the Miami river. which within a few years has become quite a point for outings: it is called Riverside Park, and has been improved. and during the summer time it is the objective point for many thousands of people who come in rail- road excursions and by land to enjoy a day's rest and sport.
Logan county has been well supplied by nature with many beautiful places, and the expenditure of labor and means has added to their beauty.
CHAPTER XVI.
COUNTY FAILS - STATISTICS - CHURCHES - PUBLIC SCHOOLS-CHILDREN'S HOME -- TIL. INFIRMARY -- BELLEFONTAINE-PUBLIC BUILDINGS-MEMORIAL HALL-BROWN PARK-POWELL PARK-THE (EMF- TERY.
The first fair in Logan county was held in 1849. It was put under way by Luther Smith, J. M. Glover, Robert Casebolt, Eli- jah Beal. George Folsom. Raphael Moore. James Elliot, Mathew Anderson and quite a number of others.
No ground had been secured, nor was there any regular organization, either pri- vate or corporate.
It was simply the outgrowth of a desire to bring together the products of the coun- ty, that by so doing there might be an in- creased effort to improve our stock, agricul- ture and other industries.
The domestic displays, which were very meager, were shown in the old court house, and consisted of a few quilts and home- made articles peculiar to that early day. The live stock was exhibited in the open space just in the rear of the Metropolitan. on Main street, and the exhibitors were Robert Casebolt, Luther Smith, Raphael Moore, George Folsom, Elijah Beal, Wil- liam Fisher, Samuel Johnson, William Boggs and others.
For that early day the showing was quite respectable. Messrs. Casebolt, Ful- som, Smith. Glover. Boggs and others exhibited cattle, while Elijah Beal. William Fisher. Raphael Moore, Thomas Mc. Ar ... Samuel Johnson and others exhibited sheep.
The interest taken in this first attempt to make exhibition of the products of the county was so encouraging. that a number of gentlemen, headed by Luther Smith. J. M. Clover. N. R. Usher. Mathew Ander- sop. Elijah Beal. George Folsom. William Boggs. Benjamin S. Brown, John Denny. John Horn and others to the number of for- ty or fifty determined to make it a perma- nent organization, and in 1850 were duty incorporated for that purpose as the Logan County Agricultural Society.
Upon the organization of the new as- sociation, Luther Smith was made presi- dent. N. R. U'sher secretary, and Benjamin S. Brown treasurer. The directors elected were J. MI. Glover, Liberty: Jacob Smith. of Monroe: William Boggs, Miami: Wil- liam Schryhart, Bokes: and Elijah Beal, Harrison. There is no record of any fair being held for the year 1850, and the first fair under this new association was held on the 29th and 30th days of October, 1851.
No grounds had been secured. but by an arrangement with the owners the exhibi-
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tion was to be given in the grove just south bi the town, on the lands of the old Samuel Newell farm, and below what is now Spring street, in Bellefontaine, in Sunnyside addi- tion.
Unfortunately, it was very wet and dis- agreeable, and the first exhibition of the new society literally began its existence un- dler a cloud. However, there was a very respectable showing of articles on exhibi- tion. The domestic exhibits were carried to the court house, while such as could be exhibited on the ground remained in the grove.
Among the exhibitors at this first fuir were John Denny, William Kiser. William Boggs, John Horn, J. M. Glover, Robert Casebolt. T. W. Baird, all of whom exhib- ited cattle : while Elijah Beal, William Fish- er. Milligan and Wallace. Samuel Johnson and Raphael Moor exhibited sheep.
Quite an exhibit of horses was also of- fered, but I have not been able to get the names of the exhibitors.
There was a fair display of farm machin- ery and agricultural implements for thet carly day, and notwithstanding the unfavor- . tricity has been fully developed, and the able weather. it was regarded as a success. and succeeding fairs quickly grew into much greater proportions, and the association has continued to prosper until this time.
I have seen one of the diplomas awarded to Messrs. Humphrey, Scott & Co., for the best two-horse threshing machine, signed by Luther Smith. president, and N. R. Ush- er, secretary. This diploma itself is an evi- dence of the wondrous growth and prosper- ity of the country within half a century. In one corner is a railroad train of the old style of fifty years ago, with an engine possibly weighing seven or eight tons, and passen- ger cars of the small and diminutive pattern
then in use for railway traffic, and such as ran over the old strap rails of the railway construction of that early day. In another corner is a steamboat, which would be re- garded with as much curiosity when placed beside the leviathans which plow the deep as were the caravels of Columbus when compared to the mighty steamers that now cross the seas.
In another corner is an old-fashioned Conestoga wagon, with its four horses. learskin housings and bells, which for so many years brought the goods and mer- chandise from the cast over the mountains in exchange for the ginseng, beeswax and bacon of the west.
There has been a marvelous growth since that day, and Joseph Humphrey's two- horse thresher has given way to steam and electricity, and the spirit of improvement and development which such exhibitions be- gan has been extended throughout the whole country, and yet the world is but in the morning of its beginning, and the meridian will not be reached until the power of elec- sweep of the pendulum has counted the cen- centuries for the emancipation of the races and the enlightenment of all the people of the earth.
In 1852 the association purchased about seven acres of land just east of the city, on the pike leading to Zanesfield, and erected some buildings for the use and convenience of the exhibitors. The mustard seed which had been planted in the mud in the Newell grove had been productive of good results, and so prosperous was the association, and so rapid its growth. that in 1860 it sold the ground on the Zanesfield pike and purchased thirty-seven acres just south of Bellefon-
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HISTORICAL REVIEW OF LOG.IN COUNTY.
taine, where it has since continued its an- mal exhibits.
The coming year will be the fifty-thing annual exhibition, and it is still increasing in growth and importance.
The Logan county fairs are noted all over Ohio, and it is doubtful if any other county in the state can compare with it in attendance and exhibits, and indeed. it is giving the state fair a trial for its speed, and pushing it for first price in the contest.
It is not an unusual thing in good weather and under favorable conditions for the attendance in a single day to reach more than fifteen thousand persons.
The exhibits of all kinds are commend- able, and year by year are growing burger and of greater value and importance. It is most admirably managed and conducted : its premiums are fairly awarded and promptly paid.
STATISTICS.
Logan county had a population of 39 .- 420 in the census of 1900. It contains about 225.000 acres of land, of which 150 .- coo are under cultivation, 40,000 in pasture and 33.000 in woodland.
It is one of the richest and most pro- ductive counties in the state. Its soil is mostly of clay. with a limestone mixture. and is kept in a very high state of fertility.
In the eastern part of the county there are some valuable sugar groves, and about 115.000 trees, which produce annually some 60.coo pounds of sugar and 35.000 or 40,- 000 gallons of molasses.
els of potatoes : 2.500 acie- are in orchards of apples, pears, pluims and peaches, which produce favorable crops of each.
Its horses, cattle and sheep are of a high standard of excellence, and command good prices in the market.
There are more than Sooo horses, 15 .- coo cattle and 40.000 sheep in Logan county.
The butter industry of the county reaches 700.000 pounds, while more than 750.000 dozen of eggs find their way into the markets.
Wire fencing is now generally used, and the old rail fences of the other generation are passing away. Splendid barns are be- ing built or have already been constructed. and fine farm houses lend an air of comfort and neatness to the whole county.
More than six hundred bridges, mostly of iron, constructed by a company of our own, span the rivers, streams and culverts of the county. Nearly one hundred miles of railway run through the county, having more than a million dollars in value.
Two hundred thousand dollars worth of public buildings have been constructed at public expense. while 453.94 miles of free turnpike run to every part of the county, which cost an expediture of $1. 119.674.98. or an average cost of $2.773 per mile.
In the presidential election in 1900. 8.037 votes were cast in the county. When compared with the first election in 1821 it shows the political growth and increase of the population within the eighty years of the county's existence.
In 1898 Logan county raised 1,606,900 bushels of corn. 700.000 bushels of wheat. 288,000 bushels of oats, 16.205 bushels of CHURCHES. clover seed. 26.675 tons of clover hay, 20 .- There are HIS church organizations of 000 tons of timothy hay, and 70,000 bush- all denominations in the county, with 110
HISTORICAL REVIEW OF LOGIN COUNTY.
church edifices, erected at a cost of $296,- 555.
These churches have a seating capacity (1 33.980. while six halls are also used for church purposes, capable of seating 950 more.
There is a membership of 10.616 com- imunicants belonging to these church or- ganizations.
The little mustard seed, which was planted in the wilderness. has produced an hundred and a thousand fold. and the venerable pastors who broke the bread and served the wine, and who have long since gone to their last home, have left behind the evidences of the work done in their Master's service: and the splendid harvest gathered in the vineyard of the Lord is rich in the abundance of its wealth and sure of its great reward.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The public schools of the county num- ber an attendance of 9.172 scholars, with 318 teachers. 235 school houses. con- structed at a cost of $391.900.00.
The entire annual cost of the public school system in Logan county is SI81,- 825.59.
More than one-half of all the taxes levied in the county, go to the support of the public schools.
CHILDREN'S HOME.
Logan county constructed one of the first Children's Homes in the state. The lands were purchased of Daniel Ilamer in 1885. but the home was not completed and ready for occupancy until 1886. The total cost of the buildings and ground was $33.282.29.
The building is heated by steam and
lighted by electricity. There is a fine farm in connection where a large part of the garden vegetables and farm supplies ne- cessary for the home are produced. It shelters and covers 31 orphan children at an annual expense of $92.10 per capita.
It has had only two superintendents. Joseph R. Smith and the present efficient manager Rev. Charles Farnsworth, since it was opened for the reception of children in 1886.
The trustees from the beginning were Doctor B. P. Leonard. J. B. Williams. J. M. Kauffman. Judge E. Bennett. L. T. Emery. W. H. Chandler. John Plummer. John Brown, Niven Smith, Shepherd Fish- er. Doctor R. W. Chalfant. F. C. Hamil- ton and J. L. Longfellow.
THE INFIRMARY.
The infirmary furnishes a home for the poor. the aged and enfeebled of the county, and fifty-three persons are cared for at an expense of $6. 541.56 annually.
The Logan County Infirmary is situated four miles from Bellefontaine upon a fer- tile body of land, containing 120 acies. During the past year there were 107 in- mates: of these 68 were male, and 39 fe- males. 44 were discharged or died during the year. leaving 63 inmates. The cost of maintaining the poor of the county was $5.554.94.
Besides the cost of assisting and keep- ing the poor, outside of the infirmary, amounted to $6.541.00, making a total ex- penditure of poor fund $12.095.94.
All this has been accomplished since the red man turned his face to the west- ward and since the coming of the white man to make the wilderness to bloom and blossom. A single century of progress
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HISTORICAL REVIEW OF LOGAN COUNTY.
but the growth and development of ten centuries of the old world's medieval movements.
BELLEFONTAINE.
It is but just to the seat of justice. in which the whole county takes special pride. to speak of its many advantages and the more especially of its beauty and improvements.
It is situated upon one of the highest points in the state and commands from its outlook the blue ridges of the west. and the beautiful valleys of the Mad river, the Miami, and the Macachack.
It contains a population of nearly 10.000 souls, and like a young giant is just spreading out into the greater growth of a full and perfect development.
Just east.of the city is a commanding point. Hoge's Hill, which rises 1540 feet above the level of the sea, and is the high est point in the state. and which the state geologists have located as the crowning sunimit of Ohio.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
The court house, constructed in 1870. at a cost of $125.000.00, stands in the midst of the square in the center of the city.
It was one of the first of new genera- tion of public buildings of the state and was a fore-runner in the architecture of the court houses of Ohio. The jail cost $45.000.00.
MEMORIAL HALL.
Standing upon the corner of Opera and Court streets is a beautiful building. which was one of the first of its kind in Ohio.
dead. and in justice to the heroic living of that great war which called forth from the homes of the people two millions of men for the preservation of the liberty of the people and the salvation of the coun- try.
It is peculiarly the home of the old soldiers of Logan county, and was erect- ed in 189.1. its corner stone being laid by the martyred president. William McKin- ky: It is the home of the Grand Army whose beautiful hall is not excelled by any in the state.
This tribute to the dead of the battle fields and the hospitals, and to the living soldiers of the Republic is from the peo- ple of Logan county, and this beautiful memorial was erected by funds paid by them into the treasury of the county.
Long after this generation has passed away, and the final roll call has been ans- wered by the last of that Grand Army which marched with Sherman to the sea. or served with Grant in the wilderness, or stood with Thomas at Chickamauga, or followed Sheridan up the Shenandoah, this memorial will stand, as a loving tribute from the men and women of Logan county, to the valor and devotion of the heroes who gave their lives that this coun- try might live and be transmitted to the generations to come.
BROWN PARK.
In the very center of the city is a beau- tiful piece of ground which was dedicated forever to the public by the gift of Re- becca Brown, the widow of Doctor Ben- jamin S. Brown, an old and honored citi- zen of the city.
It has been laid off and improved as a It was erected in memory of the heroic park and is called Brown Park in honor
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HISTORICAL REVIEW OF LOGAN COUNTY.
of the donor. Mrs. Rebecca Brown. Near the center of the park stands a marble statue of her distinguished husband. placed there by his geserous widow ; it was carved in Italy and is a master-piece of sculpture.
There is nowhere a more beautiful piece of landscape than Brown Park. It is one of the charming places of the city, rest- ful. healthful and delightful. and during the stimmer time it is the Mecca of the children. and offers rest and comfort to all.
POWELL PARK.
In the northwest corner of the city is Powell Park. It was originally in the ex- treme northwest corner of the village, and was for many years used as a burial ground. The opening and dedication of the new cem- ctery left this, plat of ground, which has been turned into a park and has been hand- somely improved with walks and seats and otherwise been made attractive.
Within its limits are still resting some of the older and early citizens who came into the wilderness and did much to make this one of the garden spots of the new State of Ohio: over them grow the grass- es of nearly a hundred years and about them are evidence" of a prosperity which they did so much to form and fashion.
They are resting, and about them will go on forever the hum of busy trade and commerce. a tribute to the wondrous temple, which they builded to the home. the fire-side and the liberty of the people.
THE CEMETERY.
Bellefontaine's cemetery, which follow- ed the old cemetery, was purchased in 1852 and is situated in the northeast sec- tion of the city about one mile from the court house.
It is beautifully located on a high point over-looking the city and contains many very handsome monuments.
It is incorporated and under control of a board of trustees.
Within its inclosures now lie some of that younger generation who came to be a part and parcel of this frontier and who grew up in the midst of the privations and hardships of the early days, but who lived to see the wilderness give way before the progress and improvement of the after times.
Their labors are finished but the works which they did and the good they accom- ilished will long live to bear tribute to the worth of the men and women who laid the foundation for the substantial super- structure of this commonwealth.
THE CHURCHES.
The churches of Bellefontaine while rot equaling the more costly structures of the great cities are very creditable ad- ditions to the city. The different denomi- nations have comfortable houses of wor- shin and the congregations are large and intelligent. As a church-going and God- fearing people the city of Bellefontaine has long enjoyed an enviable reputation.
For many years it was without saloons and the temperance element . prevailed. largely due to the influence of the churches. At the present time there are thirty-one saloons in the county with a population of over 30.000 or about ore saloon to every thousand people.
This restriction is very largely due to church influence and the check which i- being given the traffic throughout the county may be readily traced to the church people.
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HISTORICAL REVIEW OF LOGAN COUNTY.
SCHOOLS.
The public schools of the city are equal to any within the state. There are now five public school buildings, with an en- rollment of 1.972 scholars, and thirty- eight teachers. all under a general super- intendency. In addition to these there is a Catholic school under the charge of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. with four teachers and an average attendance of 100 pupils. The school buildings in the city represent a cost of $1 25.500.00.
The growth of this most important of all the public institutions of the country has been large and continuous and the de- mands are great.
It is interesting to compare the pres- ent public school system with the schools of our fathers. The carly settlers first erected a cabin for the shelter of the household. cleared a little land for corn and vegetables, and then looked about for a location for the school house. So soon as a neighborhood mustered a few families they began the preparation for a school. Coming together they cleared a space large enough for the house and a patch of ground around it. cut the logs in the woods and dragged them with oxen to the place selected as a site, and calling in the neighbors to assist they raised the log house, covered it with clap-boards split from the trees. laid a puncheon floor. hewed from logs split in two, and made seats of puncheons with wooden pins for legs; covered the spaces left for windows with greased paper. swung the door on wooden hinges, filled all the cracks with mud and The school house of yesterday was the fore-runner of the school house of today as the prophet in the wilderness was the sticks : built a great fire-place in one end. and a stick chimney plastered with mud on the out-side. put a wooden latch on fore-runner of the Great Teacher whose
the door. with a string hanging on the outside of the house, and declared the school house complete.
The teacher was a person of great im- portance in the community and most gen- erally a person of very general intelligence and information.
Into these school houses the children of those families, sometimes numbering a dozen, came and spent their winters and laid the fondation for the sturdy man- hood and womanhood that were in after times to be great factors in the up-building and enlightenment of these outposts of civi- lization.
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