Ohio History Journal

MINUTES

 

OF THE

NINTH ANNUAL MEETING.

 

 

 

STATE LIBRARY ROOM, STATE CAPITOL.

COLUMBUS, OHIO, February 20, 1894.

The Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society met in

annual session with the President, Gen. Roeliff Brinkerhoff, in

the chair.

The following members were present:

Gen. Roeliff Brinkerhoff, President. ........... Mansfield.

Rev. Wm. E. Moore, Vice President ............ Columbus.

S. S. Rickly, Treasurer ........     ....       ..... Columbus.

E. O. Randall, Secretary ............         ...... Columbus.

Prof. Geo. F. W right  .........                  ..... ............ Oberlin.

Judge W. J. Gilmore ...........                   .................. Columbus.

George F. Bareis .............. ................... Canal Winchester.

R. S. H ills ............................ ...........  Delaware.

Bishop  B. W. Arnett ...... ............   ........... Wilberforce.

Prof. N. S. Townshend. .......................... Columbus.

Major E. C. Dawes......                           ........................  Cincinnati.

Hon. Elroy M. Avery                            .       .......................... Cleveland.

Hon. M. D. Follett                                 .                               ................ .. Marietta.

Dr. E. L. Herrick .............................   Columbus.

Dr. H. A. Thompson. ............................ Dayton.

Prof. W. K. Moorehead     .     ........   ...... Columbus.

Hon. L. B. Wing ...................               Newark.

Judge J. H. Anderson. .......................... Columbus.

Dr. D. H. Gard  ......................... ......... Columbus.

J. J. Janney  ................... ...................  Columbus.

Upon call for the reading of the minutes of the annual

meeting of the last year, Assistant Secretary Randall explained

that there had been no annual meeting held in 1893, conse-

quently, there were no minutes. The intention had been to hold

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the annual meeting and elect officers at Chicago in 1893, but

owing to the question which arose as to the legality of such pro-

ceedings, there was no meeting held.

The Assistant Secretary also stated that he held a copy of

the detailed report of the Society's proceedings for the past year,

made to the Governor of Ohio, consisting of some eighty type-

written pages of legal cap. This report, which was a very com-

plete and valuable one and ought to be preserved in the archives

of the Society and published when possible, was much too

lengthy for reading at this time. However, at the solicitation of

the Governor, who objected to having the report printed in its

original shape because too extensive, a condensed report had

been made containing the substance of the same, comprising

seventeen pages.

Thereupon this condensed report for 1893 was read by the

Secretary, who supplemented the same by a statement con-

cerning the disposition of the Society's possessions since their

return from the World's Fair. He said that all that part of the

exhibit which was of a purely archaeological character had been

placed in cases in the gallery of Orton Hall at the Ohio State

University. The pictures and matters especially of an historical

nature had been stored in the basement of Orton Hall, and nego-

tiations are in progress with the Trustees of the University look-

ing to securing proper quarters for them.

The President stated that he had read Mr. Graham's report

in full and considered it a very valuable one, which ought to be

put in print as soon as possible. It contained a report of Pro-

fessor Wright on Ohio in the Glacial Period which was especially

valuable.

It was moved by Judge Gilmore, that as the full report had

not been read, and the condensed report, made at the suggestion

of the Governor, had been substantially read, that the record of

this meeting show why the report proper was not read, and why

the condensed report was substituted; also, that the original re-

port be received to await further order of the Society, which

presumably will be to order same printed at the proper time.

Motion seconded and carried.

The report of the Treasurer, which is also embodied in the

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Minutes of the Ninth Annual Meeting.        405

 

report to the Governor, was read by the Secretary, and upon

motion of Judge Gilmore the same was received and approved.

Upon call for report from the Executive Committee, Mr.

Randall stated that the ground was substantially covered in the

report read; that since the close of the World's Fair the Com-

mittee had been looking after the reception and proper placing

of the Society's collections, and overseeing the publication of

the two volumes which had been printed, and supervising the

general affairs of the Society.

Upon motion of Mr. Randall a committee of three was ap-

pointed by the chair to make nominations for vacancies on the

Board of Trustees, which committee consisted of Messrs. Ran-

dall, Bareis and Follett.

Owing to the fact that no annual meeting was held last year,

the five Trustees whose terms expired in 1893 held over, and as

the terms of five more expired this year, it necessitated the elec-

tion of ten Trustees at this time,-the five who succeed those

holding over from last year to be elected for two years, and the

other five for the full term of three years.

The committee were allowed to retire in order to formulate

their report, whereupon Dr. Moore presented the following reso-

lution, which was unanimously adopted and a copy ordered to be

sent to Mr. Graham:

Resolved, 1. The Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society

desires to put on record its high appreciation of its Secretary, Mr. A. A.

Graham, who from the beginning of the Society under its present organ-

ization has been most efficient in promoting in every way the objects for

which the Society was formed. The tastes of Mr. Graham for history and

archaeology, and his acquirements in these branches of knowledge, gave

him eminent fitness for the position which he has held constantly as the

Secretary of the Society, and the custodian of its collections. His wide

acquaintance with the history and location of the works of the prehistoric

people, and his knowledge of those who have gathered stores of the relics

of the Mound Builders, enabled him, with their co-operation, to be chiefly

instrumental in gathering, at the recent Columbian Exposition in Chicago,

a collection of the archaeological treasures of Ohio worthy of the Society,

superior in value to any other such display.

II. The Society regrets the failure of his health, which for the time

at least has withdrawn him from the active work on which his heart is set.

We would tender him our deepest sympathy in his illness and assure him

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of our hope and prayer that he may soon be restored to his wonted health

and usefulness.

III. That a copy of the above resolutions be sent to Mr. Graham.

 

Mr. Walter K. Moorehead rose to inquire whether he might

at this time present a proposition which he had to make to the

Society. He was given permission to proceed, and at some

length explained the great need of a strictly scientific line of

investigation of the mounds and ancient earthworks of Ohio,

deploring the time lost and great waste which had resulted from

the desultory and unscientific character of the exploration of

these places hitherto. He stated that he had been engaged by

the Ohio State University to take charge of the department of

archaeology in Orton Hall, and received a small salary from the

University. He wished, in connection with his work there, to

make some arrangement with this Society by which there would

be co-operation of the two forces in the matter of exploration in

Ohio. The University could give him no money for field work,

and he offered to this Society his services free to take charge of

the archaeological work of same, agreeing to carry on such work

in a thoroughly scientific manner, providing the Society would

allow him some money for field work, this money to be used for

field work alone.

Upon the question being asked as to whether this proposi-

tion came from Mr. Moorehead, or from the Trustees of the

University, Mr. Moorehead said that his instructions from Pro-

fessors Scott and Orton were such that they would countenance

any outside work he might do for any institution in the State,

but they had no money to give outside of the institution. He

further stated that whatever money he would raise outside the

institution would be used in field work; and if he offered to the

Society his services free, he was to have some money to do field

work.

Mr. Rickly moved that this proposition be referred to the

new Executive Committee. Seconded.

Remarks were made commendatory to Mr. Moorehead and

his work by General Brinkerhoff and Professor Wright.

Judge Gilmore offered an amendment to Mr. Rickly's mo-

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Minutes of the Ninth Annual Meeting.      407

 

tion, which was accepted by him, making it read as follows:

"The proposition of Mr. Moorehead shall be referred to the

Executive Committee, with power to appoint such sub-committee

and do such other acts as may be necessary to bring about a

complete understanding between the Ohio State University and

this Society, and also a mutual understanding as to the powers

and duties of Mr. Moorehead."

Vote was taken upon the motion as amended and the same

unanimously adopted.

At this point the Nominating Committee reported nomina-

tions made, as follows:

For members of the Board of Trustees, to serve two years:

 

Prof. N. S. Townsheud,                  Prof. G. F. Wright,

Major E. C. Dawes,                        Dr. Wm. E. Moore,

Hon. John Sherman.

 

For members of the Board of Trustees, to serve three years:

 

S. S. Rickly,                             Hon. Elroy M. Avery,

Geo. F. Bareis,                         Hon. Calvin S. Brice,

Bishop B. W. Arnett.

 

Upon motion of Mr. Rickly, seconded by Judge Gilmore,

the rules were suspended and the Secretary instructed to cast the

ballot of the Society for the nominees presented by the Nomi-

nating Committee to this body.

The ballot was so cast by the Secretary, and the gentlemen

declared elected as recommended by the Nominating Committee.

Mr. Bareis moved that as the Governor is not in the city,

and therefore the customary greetings of the Society in conven-

tion can not be tendered him now, that Mr. Randall and Judge

Gilmore be appointed a committee of two to wait upon the

Governor when he returns and bear to him the greetings of

the Society; also to suggest to him the reappointment of his

appointees on the Board of Trustees whose terms have expired.

Motion seconded and carried unanimously.

Mr. Randall moved that the petition to the Legislature,

urging the purchase by the State of the plates, copyrights, etc.,

necessary to the publication of Henry Howe's History of Ohio,

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be endorsed by the Ohio State Archaeological and Historical

Society.

Mr. Rickly offered an amendment, which was accepted by

Mr. Randall, providing that the President and Secretary sign

the petition for the Society.

Seconded by Mr. Rickly.

Judge Gilmore spoke in favor of the purchase of the plates

by the State, but thought that did not go far enough. He

thought they should be purchased by the State and turned over

to this Society, and that the Legislature should make proper

appropriation to enable the Society to publish the same, and

that it should control the distribution of the books, under direc-

tion of the Legislature. He did not favor the idea of the State

becoming a publisher of historical works.

Mr. Randall stated that his understanding was that it was

the intention that the State should publish the work as a State

publication, and possibly to have it distributed throughout the

counties and reach the public schools in some way.

Mr. Frank Howe, who was present, was appealed to for

information on the subject in question. He stated that the idea

was to have the State purchase the plates and print the books as

a historical report, to be used as exchanges from the State

Library for the Historical Society, and also in the public schools

as a book of reference. He said that it was already in use in

the schools in thirty-five counties of the State; and if owned and

printed by the State it could be furnished to the schools at cost

of printing, so that the printing would not be an item of expense

to the State. He also said that as the plates must be sold, if not

sold to the State, they would be bought by a speculator and fur-

nished to the schools at three or four times the amount for which

they could be printed and furnished by the State.

Professor Wright thought the greatest value of the owner-

ship of the book by the State lay in the possibilities for ex-

change. He thought with such a work we could secure almost

anything from this country and Europe in exchange. He

favored its control by the Society.

General Brinkerhoff and Dr. Moore endorsed the sentiments

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Minutes of the Ninth Annual Meeting.     409

 

expressed and thought the Society ought to control the publica-

tion and distribution of the book.

Judge Gilmore thought it might be disastrous to encumber

the original bill with a demand for turning the use and control

of the book over to the Society, and favored the original propo-

sition.

Motion put to vote and carried.

Judge Gilmore moved that a committee of three be ap-

pointed, whose duty it shall be to meet with the author of the

bill, with the power to make the suggestion that the plates, copy-

rights, etc., be purchased and turned over to this Society for

publication. Seconded by Dr. Moore and carried.

Committee appointed by the Chair as follows: Judge Gil-

more, Judge Anderson and Dr. Moore.

Dr. Moore moved the appointment of a committee by the

Society to revise and codify the constitution, which has been

amended in various forms, and present same at next annual

meeting.

Seconded by Dr. Arnett, Carried.

Committee appointed: Mr. E. O. Randall, Dr. Moore and

Mr. E. F. Wood.

President Brinkerhoff announced a meeting of the Board of

Trustees with the newly elected members immediately after the

adjournment of this body, for election of officers and the trans-

action of other necessary business.

Attention was also called to the joint meeting to be held in

the evening with the Legislature, and all urged to attend.

Upon motion of Mr. Rickly, seconded by Mr. Randall,

meeting adjourned.

E. 0. RANDALL,

Secretary.

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STATE LIBRARY ROOM, STATE CAPITOL,

COLUMBUS, OHIO, February 20, 1894.

Immediately upon adjournment of the Society the Board of

Trustees convened, fourteen being present viz.: Messrs. Brinker-

hoff, Rickly, Moore, Wright, Gilmore, Bareis, Hills, Arnett,

Townshend, Dawes, Avery, Follett, Thompson, Randall.

After selecting Bishop Arnett as temporary chairman and

Mr. Randall as temporary secretary, the Board proceeded to the

election of officers.

Upon call for nominations for President, General Brinker-

hoff was nominated by Judge Gilmore. Upon motion of Mr.

Randall, seconded by Mr. Rickly, the rules were suspended

and General Brinkerhoff elected by acclamation.

Dr. Moore was nominated for First Vice President and upon

motion of Mr. Randall, properly seconded, the rules were sus-

pended and Dr. Moore elected by acclamation.

Hon. Elroy M. Avery was nominated by Professor Wright

for Second Vice President. Moved by Professor Wright, sec-

onded by Mr. Randall, that the rules be suspended and Senator

Avery be elected by acclamation. Carried.

A. A. Graham nominated by Dr. Thompson for Secretary.

This was followed by considerable discussion as to the advisabil-

ity of the re-election of Mr. Graham, owing to the present con-

dition of his health. While all agreed that his long years of

faithful service deserved recognition and reward, yet it was

thought by some that owing to the fact that Mr. Graham was in

Arizona and in poor health, and owing to other conditions which

could not at this time be explained; also in view of the low

financial condition of the Society, the election of Secretary and

fixing of salary had better be left to be settled by the Executive

Committee after it had been ascertained what action the present

Legislature would take in regard to appropriations. The Society

had no means, but on the contrary was very much in debt.

Owing to this state of affairs, Mr. Rickly moved that the

election of Secretary be postponed until more is known about

how means are to be procured with which to pay the salary.

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Minutes of the Ninth Annual Meeting.      411

 

Seconded by Judge Gilmore, with addition of giving power of

election to the Executive Board.

Dr. Thompson thought Mr. Graham could be elected and

the matter of salary left in abeyance until such a time as it could

be fixed. He had a letter from Mr. Graham, asking him to

attend the meeting and advise him immediately of the Society's

action, and he knew that Mr. Graham was anxiously awaiting

such news.

Professor Wright inquired how the salary was fixed, to

which Dr. Thompson replied that it was done by the Trustees.

General Brinkerhoff and Mr. Bareis expressed themselves as

of opinion with Dr. Thompson, and thought the Society owed

Mr. Graham re-election.

Mr. Rickly explained that his motion was not made out of

any want of sympathy for Mr. Graham, but that the Society was

a body disbursing trust funds, and while no salary had been

fixed at this meeting, if Mr. Graham was re-elected it would be

upon previously fixed salary. He thought that a little reflection

might enable the Board to reach the conclusion these gentlemen

had asked for, and yet not plunge it into a difficulty from which

it might not be easy to extricate itself.

Upon vote being taken, Mr. Graham was declared elected.

Mr. E. O. Randall was unanimously chosen Associate Sec-

retary.

Mr. Rickly was nominated for Treasurer and unanimously

elected.

Dr. Moore moved that the Executive Board consist of,

besides the officers of the Society, Judge Gilmore and Colonel

Parrott. Seconded. Carried.

Judge Gilmore moved, first, that this Society create the

office of Stenographer and Typist, and elect to fill the same a sten-

ographer and typewriter operator, who shall discharge the duties

incumbent upon such an office; that there shall be no salary paid

to such an officer, but for compensation shall receive regular

rates for such work as is done: second, that Mrs. Benigna G.

Kalb be elected to fill the office, as she is a regular contributing

member. Seconded and unanimously carried.

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Upon request of Mr. Rickly, the offiee of Assistant Treas-

urer was created and Mr. Wood was elected to fill the office.

Mr. Bareis moved that the Secretary's salary be fixed at this

time, if it could be done provisionally; that is, to be paid at the

rate of $100 per month, providing the Society should get an

appropriation from the Legislature.

Mr. Wood suggested it would be better to be made con-

tingent upon securing a large enough appropriation to justify

the payment of such a salary.

Mr. Randall moved that the matter of salaries be deferred

until the appropriation should be fixed, or until the Executive

Committee should decide in relation to the finances of the

Society what could be done. He said that he made this sugges-

tion in all loyalty to Mr. Graham, and while he thought Mr.

Graham was entitled to all the Society could do for him, yet

before the Board committed itself in the matter of salaries, he

thought the trustees should carefully look into the financial con-

dition of the Society. He explained at some length the indebted-

ness of the Society and the difficulties which must be faced in

appearing before the Finance Committee of the Legislature to

ask for an appropriation.

Mr. Hills moved, as an amendment to Mr. Bareis' motion,

that the matter of salary for the Secretary or secretaries be re-

ferred to the Executive Committee with authority to act. Mr.

Bareis accepted the amendment, and the motion as amended was

seconded and carried.

Mr. Hills spoke at some length of the necessity of offering

some social attraction to members at the time of the annual

meetings, in the way of a banquet or other "blow-out," and

thought some such arrangement would result in enlarging the

membership of the Society to a large degree, and stimulating

interest in its work.

Mr. Randall endorsed Mr. Hill's remarks and said that the

Committee had this year contemplated such an affair, but in

deference to the stringency of the times it had been abandoned.

Mr. Randall said it was his opinion, as well as that of others,

that the Society should return to the custom of having monthly

meetings, at which it had been the custom, when such meetings

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Minutes of the Ninth Annual Meeting.       413

 

had been held, to have read some valuable papers, which drew

good audiences and enlarged the work of the Society.

Upon taking the Chair, President Brinkerhoff in a few words

thanked the Society for the honor of re-election, and said that he

would do his best to further its interests.

The first meeting of the Executive Committee was called for

February 21, at 3 P. M., standard.

On motion the Society adjourned.

 

 

 

EVENING SESSION.

On the evening of February 20, instead of the usual annual

banquet, the Society held a public meeting in the House of

Representatives at 8 P. M. The house was filled with an audi-

ence consisting of members of the Legislature, members of the

Society, and citizens of Columbus. In the absence of Governor

McKinley, who had been requested to preside, General Brinker-

hoff occupied the Chair, and delivered a most admirable address

on the purposes and value of the Society, entiled, "Why We

Exist." Prof. G. F. Wright spoke at length upon "What We

Have Accomplished." The Hon. C. P. Griffin spoke upon "The

Importance of the Society." Vice President Dr. Moore upon

"The Department of Personal History as Pertaining to the

Society." The Hon. Alexander Boxwell, Speaker of the House,

made an earnest appeal to the members of the Legislature,

advocating the purchase by the State of the remainder of Fort

Ancient. His discourse was made the more interesting from the

fact that the large map of Fort Ancient, owned by the Society,

and made from drawings by Mr. Warren K. Moorehead, was

hung upon the wall of the House of Representatives, where it

could be seen and studied by the members.

The meeting was pronounced by the members of the Society

one of the most successful ever held.

E. O. RANDALL, Secretary.

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