three days thereafter, by the "Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad." The "Little Miami" was begun in 1887. Notwithstanding these chartered rights, but 129 miles were completed in 1847, and in operation. In 1878, the mileage had increased to 6,264. The valuation of the operating roads was estimated the same year, at $76,113,500. Their taxation summed up $1,128,116.

No State in the Union has been more zealous in her educational interests than Ohio. Public lands were generously granted by Congress, and the State added her affirmation. However, no practical and effectual system was adopted until 1825.

every

An act was then passed to tax all real property one-half mill per dollar for the establishment of schools in each township, and the support of the same. An act of 1829, increased the tax to three-fourths of a mill. Trustees of townships were instructed to make divisions and locate convenient school districts. Householders were to elect three school directors, a clerk and treasurer annually. Privileges and restrictions were enjoined in all cases. The householders were allowed their discretion, governed accordingly, in imposing taxes for the erection of school buildings. The Courts of the Common Pleas appointed a committee to examine the qualifications of those individuals making application for the position of teachers. The school extended equal privileges to all white children. Those of colored parentage were excluded, and no tax was levied for school purposes upon colored parents. An amendment has admitted the children of colored parents. The system has continued the same, with a few amendments. A State Commissioner of Common Schools is elected. third year, who has general charge of the interests of public schools. A State Board of Examiners, composed of three persons, appointed by the State Commissioner, for two years' term, is authorized to issue life certificates of high qualifications, to such teachers as it may find to possess the requisite scholarship, character, experience and ability. These certificates, signed by the Commissioner, are valid throughout the State. A County Board of Examiners, of three members, is formed in each county. Boards of education, for cities, are made up of one or two members from each ward. City Boards of Examiners are also appointed. Section 4 of the law of 1873, was amended in 1877, which made the territory annexed to an incorporated village, at the option of the voters of the village and tributary section, whether it be included with the village as one school district, or left as two school districts. Section 56 of the law was amended, in its bearing upon cities of 30,000 to 75,000 inhabitants, by limiting to five mills on the dollar of taxable property, the levies in such cities for continuing schools; for purchasing sites for schoolhouses, for leasing, purchasing, erecting and furnishing school houses, and for all school expenses. The public funds are subject to the discretion of voters, and boards are authorized, under instructions, to make the best use of such funds. Taxation is subject to the discretion of the State, certain limits being prescribed.

In 1878, the number of youth of the school age numbered 1,041,963. On the rolls, 740,194 names were recorded. In the year 1878, 23,391 teachers were employed, receiving $4,956,514.46 for their services.

Ohio not only sustains her public schools on a broad, liberal basis, but she encourages educational pursuits in superior universities and colleges throughout the State. These institutions are not aided by State funds, but are sustained by society influence, added to their self-supporting resources. Ohio also possesses

a large number of normal schools, academies, seminaries and business colleges. These are not entitled to the privileges of the school fund. Scientific, professional, theological, legal and medical instructions are in no manner limited in their facilities. Industrial and reformatory schools are especially thorough. Institutions for the instruction of the deaf and dumb, and blind, and feebleminded, are under the best discipline.

We may add, many female seminaries have been established which are entirely sustained by other than State aid. Ohio has, from its inception, been solid and vigorous in whatever tended toward improvement and enlightenment.

We have also referred to the banking system of this State, as being first established on a basis through a contest between the State and the General Government. Authorities differ regarding the exact date and location of the very first house established in the State for the purpose of transacting banking business. It is highly probable that Marietta is more directly associated with that event than any other town. There are at present over one hundred and sixty-seven national banks, with an aggregate capital of $27,794,468. It also has eighteen banks of deposit, incorporated under the State banking laws of 1845, representing an aggregate capital of $539,904. Twenty-three savings banks, incorporated under the State act of 1875, with an aggregate capital of $1,277,500. Of private banks it has 192, with an aggregate capital of $5,663,898. The State represents in her banking capital over $36,275,770. The First National of Cincinnati has a capital stock of over $1,000,000. The others fall below that sum, their capital diminishing from 10,000 shares of $100 each. The valuation for taxation is $850,000-Merchant's National of Cincinnati-to the valuation of a tax of $5,000 on the First National of Beverly.

BOUNDARY LINES.

We must not omit the subject of the State boundaries. Ohio was especially the field for most animated discussions, relative not only to State limits but county lines and township rights. In 1817, a severe controversy arose, which was settled only after violent demonstrations and Government interference.

In primitive times, the geographical position, extent and surface diversities were but meagerly comprehended. In truth, it may be asserted they could not have been more at variance with actual facts had they been laid out "haphazard." The ordinance of 1787 represented Lake Michigan far north of its real position, and even as late as 1812, its size and location had not been

definitely ascertained. During that year, Amos Spafford addressed a clear, comprehensive letter to the Governor of Ohio, on this subject, relative to the boundary lines of Ohio. Several lines of survey were laid out as the first course, but either Michigan or Ohio expressed disapproval in every case. This culminated in 1835, when the party beginning a "permanent" survey began at the northwest corner of the State, and was attacked by a force of Michigan settlers who sent them away badly routed and beaten. No effort was made to return to the work until the State and various parties had weighed the subject, and finally the interposition of the Government became necessary.

A settlement resulted in Ohio being bounded on the north by Lake Erie and the State of Michigan, on the east by Pennsylvania and West Virginia, on the south by the Ohio River, and on the west by Indiana.

It is situated between the 38° 25′ and 42° north latitude, and 84° 50' west longitude from Greenwich, or 3° 30′ and 7° 50' west from Washington. From north to south, it extends over 210 miles, and from east to west 220 miles-comprising 39,964 square miles.

The State is generally higher than the Ohio River. In the southern counties, the surface is greatly diversified by the inequalities produced by the excavating power of the Ohio River and its tributaries. The greater portion of the State was originally covered with timber, although in the central and northwestern sections some prairies were found. The crest or watershed between the waters of Lake Erie and those of the Ohio is less elevated than in New York or Pennsylvania. Sailing upon the Ohio the country appears to be mountainous, bluffs rising to the height of two hundred and fifty to six hundred feet above the valleys. Ascending the tributaries of the Ohio, these precipitous hills gradually lessen until they are resolved into gentle undulations, and toward the sources of the river the land is low and marshy.

Although Ohio has no inland lakes of importance, she possesses a favorable river system, which, aided by her canals, gives her prestige of a convenient water transportation. The lake on her northern boundary, and the Ohio River on her southern limit, afford most convenient outlets by water to important points. Her means of communication and transportation are superior in every respect, and are constantly being increased.

ORGANIZATION OF COUNTIES AND EARLY EVENTS.

Adams County was named in honor of John Adams, second President of the United States. Gov. St. Clair proclaimed it a county on July 10, 1797. The Virginia Military Tract included this section, and the first settlement made within its boundaries was in this county in 1795, between the Scioto and Little Miami, at Manchester, by Gen. Nathaniel Massie. In this town was held the first court of the county.

West Union, the present county seat, was laid out by the Hon. Thomas Kirker. It occupies the summit of a high ridge. The surface of this county is

hilly and broken, and the eastern part is not fertile. It produces corn, wheat, oats and pork. Beds of iron are found in the eastern part. Its hills are composed of aluminous shale. The barren hills afford a range for cattle and hogs. A sort of vagrant class derive a support by collecting stones, hoop-poles and tanners' barks from these hills.

Ashland County is one of the finest agricultural sections. It was formed February 26, 1846. Wheat comprises its principal crop, although large quantities of oats, corn, potatoes, grass and fruit are raised. Ashland is its county seat, and was laid out by William Montgomery in 1816. It was called Uniontown for several years. Daniel Carter raised the first cabin within the county limits in 1811.

Auglaize County was formed in February, 1848, from Allen and Mercer Counties. Wapakoneta is its county seat.

Allen County was formed from the Indian Territory April 1, 1820. Lima is its county seat.

Ashtabula County was formed June 7, 1807, and was organized January 22, 1811. The surface is level near the lake, while the remainder is undulating. The soil is mostly clay. Very little wheat is raised, but considerable corn and oats. Butter and cheese are the main marketable productions. This was the first county settled on the Western Reserve, and also the earliest in Northern Ohio. On the 4th of July, 1796, the first surveying party arrived at the mouth of Conneaut Creek. Judge James Kingsbury was the first who wintered there with his family. He was the first man to use a sickle in the first wheat-field in the Western Reserve. Their child was the first born on the Western Reserve, and was starved to death. The first regular settlement was at Harpersfield, in 1798.

Jefferson is the county seat. Ashtabula is pleasantly situated on the river, with a fine harbor two and a half miles from the village.

The first church on the Western Reserve was founded at Austinburg in 1801.

Athens County was formed from Washington March 1, 1805. It produces wheat, corn, oats and tobacco. The surface is hilly and broken, with rich bottom lands between. Coal, iron ore and salt add materially to its commercial value. It has the advantage of the canal, as well as other transportation. Athens, its county seat, is situated on the Hocking River. The Ohio University, the first college founded in the State, is located here. We have mentioned the ancient mounds found in this county, heretofore. Yellow pine is abundant in the lower part of the Hocking Valley.

Brown County was formed March 1, 1818, from Adams and Clermont. It produces wheat, corn, rye, oats and pork. The southern part is prolific in grain, while the northern is adapted to grazing purposes. The surface is undulating, with the exception of the Ohio River hills. Over this county Tecumseh once held sway.

Georgetown is the county seat, and was laid out in 1819. Ripley is the largest business town in the county.

Belmont County was announced by Gov. St. Clair September 7, 1801. It produces large crops of wheat, oats, corn and tobacco, an annual crop of over 2,000,000 pounds of the latter being the average. It also trades largely in wool and coal. It is a picturesque tract of country, and was one of the pioneers in the early settled portions.

In 1790, Fort Dillie was erected on the west side of the Ohio. Baker's Fort was a mile below the mouth of the Captina. Many desperate Indian battles were fought within the limits of this county, and the famous Indian scout, Lewis Wetzel, roamed over the region.

St. Clairsville is the county seat, situated on the elevation of land, in a fertile district. Capt. Kirkwood and Elizabeth Zane, of historic fame, were early pioneers here.

Butler County was formed in 1803, from Hamilton. It is within the blue. limestone formation, and one of the most fertile sections of Ohio. It produces more corn than any other county in the State, besides fine crops of wheat, oats and large quantities of pork. Hamilton, the county seat, is situated on the Great Miami. Its hydraulic works furnish superior water-power. Rossville, on the opposite side of the Miami, is a large mercantile town.

St. Clair passed through this county on his Indian campaigns in 1791, building Fort Hamilton on the Miami.

Champaign County was formed March 1, 1805, from Greene and Franklin. It is drained by Mad River and its tributaries, which furnishes extensive mill privileges. Nearly a half is undulating, a quarter rolling, a fifth hilly, and 5 per cent wet prairie. The soil is fertile, and produces wheat, corn, oats, barley, hay, while beef and wool add to the general wealth. Urbana, the county seat, was laid out in 1805, by Col. William Ward. He was chief owner of the land and donated many lots to the county, under condition that their proceeds be devoted to public improvements. Joseph Vance and George Fithian were the first settlers. The Methodists built the first church in 1807. The main army of Hull concentrated at this point before setting out for Detroit. Many Indian councils were called here, and Tecumseh was located for a time near Deer Creek.

Carroll County was formed from Columbiana in 1832-33. It produces wheat, oats and corn, and valuable coal and iron. The surface is hilly. Carrollton is its county seat. At Harlem is a celebrated chalybeate spring.

Clark County was formed March 1, 1817, from Champaign, Madison and Greene. Its second settlement was at Kreb's Station, in 1796. It is highly cultivated, well watered and very fertile. The Mad River, Buck and Beaver Creeks furnish abundant water-power. It produces principally wheat, corn and oats.

Tecumseh, the old Indian warrior, was born at the ancient Indian village of Piqua, on the Mad River, on the site of New Boston. Piqua was