Ohio History Journal

THIRTY-FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE OHIO STATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY.   SOCIETY BUILDING, COLUMBUS, OHIO, December 15, 1920, 9:30 A. M. Pursuant to a call issued December 10, 1920, the Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society met in annual session at the Museum and Library Building. The meeting was called to order by President Campbell. The following members were present:

G. Frederick Wright, Daniel J. Ryan, Waldo C. Moore, W. O. Thompson, E. F. Wood, J. Warren Keifer, Fred Palmer Hills, George F. Smythe, L. S. Sullivant, J. S. Roof, George F. Waters, Jr., Daniel Hosmer Gard, W. H. Scott, Fred J. Heer, C. B. Galbreath, C. W. Justice,

James E. Campbell, B. F. Prince, W. H. Cole, George F. Bareis, Van A. Snider, H. C. Shetrone, W. F. Felch, Dr. Wm. H. Harper, W. L. Curry, Frank Henry Howe, R. C. Baker, R. S. Dunlap, Frank Tallmadge, Theodore Leonard, W. C. Mills.

Mr. Ryan moved that the President of the Society act as chairman of the meeting of the members; seconded by Mr. Heer; carried. PRESIDENT CAMPBELL: I have no report to make. The various reports of committees will be exceedingly interesting, (484)

• 1
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.          485

and will disclose the fact that we have made some great strides

this year. I think special mention should be made of the fact

that the Columbus Dispatch contributed more than sixteen hun-

dred dollars for the opening up of the Mound City Group of

mounds, wherein were found some wonderful archaeological

specimens and important discoveries were made. It did this so

quietly that even I, though nominally the titular head of this

Society, never heard of it until a week ago. I think when any

one is so willing to assist in a cause, and ask no more credit

than that, some one should say something in commendation.

[Applause.]

Mr. Bareis moved that the usual custom be followed, and

the Secretary of the Society act as Secretary of the meeting.

Carried.

President Campbell stated that the terms of three of the

Society's Directors have expired, and a vacancy exists, caused

by the death of Mr. L. P. Schaus. The Trustees whose terms

expire are Dr. Wright, Dr. Thompson and Colonel Hayes.

Mr. Bareis moved, and it was seconded, that the chair ap-

point a committee on nominations to recommend candidates for

these positions. Carried.

President Campbell appointed Messrs. George F. Bareis,

Theodore Leonard and W. L. Curry as the committee on nomina-

tions.

Secretary Galbreath read the

 

SECRETARY'S REPORT.

which follows:

"It is the duty of your secretary at this meeting to report

generally the work of the Society for the period since the last

annual meeting which was held August 21, 191₉. This includes

a little less than four months of the service of his predecessor

and about three months during which a vacancy existed in the

office he now holds. Fortunately, however, a careful record had

been kept up to the time of his election, March 16, 1920, and

the materials are at hand for a complete report for the time in-

tervening since the last annual meeting.

"A meeting of the trustees was held December 2, 1919, at

which was considered the proposition of Colonel Webb C. Hayes

to provide a fund for the erection of an addition to the Hayes

• 2
 

486       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

Memorial Library and Museum. At this meeting Mr. Wood

called attention to the action of the Society at its previous annual

meeting, 'authorizing the finance committee not only to prepare

the budget hereafter, but also to stand back of it with the gen-

eral assembly.'

"On December 15, 1919, an agreement was entered into

by the President and Treasurer of the Society with Colonel and

Mrs. Webb C. Hayes creating the Spiegel Grove Building Fund.

"On December 18, 1919, the finance committee was called

together by the death of the Secretary, Emilius Oviatt Randall.

Arrangements were made to attend the funeral in a body and

all gave expressions of respect and esteem for Mr. Randall and

regret for the irreparable loss to the Society in his death.

"On January 5, 1920, a meeting of the finance committee

was held to consider a request from the joint legislative com-

mittee on salaries for suggestions as to what increases were de-

sired for the employes of the Society. A schedule of increases

in salaries was discussed and agreed upon. President Campbell

requested the members of the finance committee to meet 'January

6th for the purpose of appearing before the joint committee of

the general assembly on salary increases.'

"On February 11, 1920, Governor Cox appointed Honorable

James E. Campbell and William P. Palmer trustees of the So-

ciety for the term ending February 18, 1922; and Mr. Claude

Meeker for the term ending February 18, 1923, to succeed the

late E. 0. Randall.

"On March 1, 1920, the finance committee met and called

a meeting of the trustees of the Society for March 16, 1920,

President Campbell announced appointments on various stand-

ing committees to fill vacancies occasioned by the death of

Honorable E. O. Randall.

"At the special meeting of the trustees, March 16, 1920, C.

B. Galbreath was elected Secretary of the Society to fill the

vacancy created by the death of Mr. Randall. The reprint of

the publications of the Society and affiliation with other his-

torical societies of the state were considered and referred re-

spectively to the committee on publications and Dr. Mills. One

hundred and fourteen new members were elected to the Society.

"The April number of the QUARTERLY is the Society's

tribute to the memory of Emilius Oviatt Randall.

"At a meeting of the finance committee held June 7, 1920,

the secretary was requested to publish a guide book to Fort

Ancient prepared by Dr. William C. Mills. At this meeting

Dr. Mills was authorized to attend the conference of museum

directors at Washington, D. C.

• 3
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.           487

"A meeting of the finance committee was held November 3,

1920, to prepare and submit to the state budget commissioner

requests for appropriations for the two years ending June 30,

1923. After a careful consideration of the estimates filed by

the heads of departments and chairmen of the various commit-

tees, the finance committee agreed upon a budget and directed

the secretary to submit the same with sustaining statements pre-

pared by himself in accord with the conclusions reached by the

finance committee. This the secretary did and the results in

printed form are in your hands.

"A meeting of the board of trustees was held at Spiegel

Grove, October 4, 1920, the 98th anniversary of the birth of

President Rutherford B. Hayes. At this meeting resolutions

were adopted expressing appreciation of the generosity of Col-

onel Webb C. Hayes in transferring to the state Spiegel Grove

Park and providing for maintenance of the property and the

library as a perpetual memorial to his father. At a large public

meeting held in the afternoon under the auspices of the Society,

President James E. Campbell gave in an address a complete

statement of the gifts of Colonel Hayes to the state. This is

presented in full in the account of the meeting published in the

October QUARTERLY. A summary paragraph of Governor Camp-

bell's address indicates the magnitude of the gift to the state:

"'On July 1st of last year Colonel Hayes placed $1OO,-

000 in trust to be used in the maintenance and upbuilding

of this patriotic memorial. I am within a conservative

estimate when I state that Colonel Hayes has disposed, for

the benefit of posterity, in the form of the beautiful and

attractive property which you see before you, at least $500,-

000; $250,000 in cash and securities for endowment funds

and $250,000 in real estate and personal property including

the library of Americana and collections.'

"This summary of the work of the Society to date will be

supplemented by the program  for the afternoon detailing the

notable gifts that are formally presented as the crowning achieve-

ments of the year. The splendid contribution by Governor Cox

of the money held in trust by him; the generous gift of Mr.

Meeker in the presentation of the best privately owned library

of Ohioana in the state; the two notable gifts by Mr. Kettering

that link his name with the most generous donors to our Society;

the transfer of the papers and relics of John Brown to the

keeping of the state in which he grew up to manhood and in

which his valiant sons with a single exception were born; and

• 4
 

488       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

the presentation of a cane with a story and a safe reminiscent

of colonial banking days by Mr. Deshler, certainly signalize a

most successful and notable year in the history of our Society.

"It should be remembered in this connection that a steady

stream of other valuable gifts is constantly flowing in and that

a public spirit never before manifest is developing for the up-

building of this institution.

"Here are gathered mementoes of the Civil War and the

war with Spain. Hither are coming manuscripts, letters, personal

reminiscences, accounts of voyages, expeditions and campaigns,

thrilling narratives of heroic service in the camps and battle-

fields of foreign soil and all that goes to form the basis of an

enduring memorial to Ohio's sons who followed the flag in the

World War.

"Here, with a few felicitations, I might close. Something

remains to be said, however, in regard to the work which was

especially assigned to your secretary at the time of his appoint-

ment.

LIBRARY WORK AND POLICY

"He is expected to act not only as secretary, but as editor

and librarian. The most important work that he has done, and

the work that makes the least show, has been done under his

direction by his faithful and industrious assistant in the library.

On the 16th day of last March hundreds of books were waiting

some one to bring the key to open the mysteries of Dewy's

decimal system of cataloging. For more than a year no printed

cards had come from the library of Congress, not even for the

publications of our own Society. An order was at once sent for

a thousand cards analyzing these publications. Promptly after-

wards three thousand cards were ordered for the reports of the

American historical association. The enthusiastic interest of our

assistant librarian made it easy to unlock the mysteries of

Dewy's decimals. The four thousand cards were promptly

marked and filed in our catalogue to guide patrons and assistants

to the contents of these two important historical sets. About as

many more cards have been purchased and used for other works

that were in waiting and the deck will soon be cleared to handle

additions as they are received. So satisfactorily is the work

in this department progressing that even now your secretary is

seldom called to look after details. Of course, thousands of

books that are coming to the library as gifts and the thousands

that we hope to be authorized to purchase before the close of

another year will make additional help necessary. As our ability

to meet requests of patrons increases and becomes known, ad-

ditional trained service will be demanded.

• 5
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.           489

"In this connection mention should also be made of our

faithful assistant who presides at the typewriter, always at her

post and ready to answer the call to duty.

"Your secretary, on entering upon his duties, was promptly

made conscious of the fact that this Society has two libraries,

one in Columbus and one at Spiegel Grove. For the purchase of

books for the latter a trust fund of $50,000 has been created

and this in time, I am advised, may reach $100,000. The inter-

est on this fund means an income for books alone amounting

to from $2,500 to $5,000  annually. How is this money to be

expended? What are to be the relations of these two libraries?

"The problem presented by this situation is important. Its

solution has already been long deferred. A critic has said, 'The

Spiegel Grove Library will become an elephant on your hands.'

It is our business to prevent that. The solution of the problem

demands patience and a consistent, continuous library policy.

Some duplication will be necessary but the two libraries must be

made to supplement each other. The Spiegel Grove Library

with a perpetual income for the purchase of books offers an

opportunity which this Society must realize to the full limit.

With the rare library of President Hayes as a nucleus, a collec-

tion of especially selected books that need not be duplicated here

may be purchased for the Spiegel Grove Library, and the com-

bination of the two may be made to serve efficiently the needs

of students and historians of our own state or those that come

from other states to consult our library resources. What is

imperatively needed at Spiegel Grove is a trained librarian to

direct the work in harmony with the joint policy of the two

libraries.

"Additions to the library here should be made with refer-

ence, first of all to present needs, and next to an enlarged pro-

gram for the future. Many of the volumes that are received

as gifts and that might not now be properly placed on the shelves

may be required in the expanding demands of the future.

 

COLLECTION OF NEWSPAPERS

"In the two libraries of this Society should be placed at

an early day all the valuable manuscript collections in the pos-

session of the state. Here should also be gathered, as soon as

room can be provided, the bound newspapers belonging to the

state and the Society. A room equipped for prompt access to

newspaper files would be as thoroughly appreciated by news-

paper correspondents and students as are the neat and orderly

rooms where relics are now displayed with labels explaining

each. Now as never before there is need for such service and

• 6
 

490      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

most fortunate will be this institution if it is enabled to provide

such a room.

"What shall be our policy relative to the collection and bind-

ing of newspapers? Will it be wise to attempt to keep on file

and in bound form all the papers of the state? If not, where

shall the limit be fixed? These are questions that may well be

pondered before an inflexible policy is adopted.

"In the meantime, we should accept bound files of Ohio

newspapers whenever they may be had, especially those covering

early periods of our history. In 1850 a law was enacted by our

general assembly requiring county commissioners to 'subscribe

for one copy of the leading newspapers of each political party,

printed and published in their county, and cause them to be

bound and filed in the auditor's office as public archives, for the

gratuitous inspection of the citizen of such county.' That law

is still in full force and it is presumed that it is generally com-

plied with. As a result files of newspapers have accumulated in

the court houses of the various counties of the state, except

where they have been destroyed by fire in such depository. Not

infrequently they have been stowed away in the attic of the

court house where they are rarely or never consulted.

"If a law were enacted authorizing some designated officer in

each county, for a nominal fee and with the approval of the

county commissioners, to transfer these files to the library of our

Society with the understanding that officers and citizens of said

county, under specified conditions, should be furnished on re-

quest typewritten or photostat copies of any desired article

or extract from such files, it is believed that many counties in

time would send their files to the library of this Society. With

modern agencies for service, such papers in most instances could

be more readily consulted, even by citizens of the county in

which they were published, from this library than from the loft

of the county court house. The Library of Congress photostats

an entire newspaper page for 75 cents. The same thing could

be done in Columbus.

"Our library is now a subscriber to a newspaper clipping

bureau. The clippings are carefully assorted and those of value

will be securely and permanently bound in scrap books with

typewritten indexes.

 

PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOCIETY

"In spite of an effort to get out the QUARTERLY on time its

appearance has been delayed beyond a month of its nominal

publication. Other Societies seem to have the same difficulty.

One of the most carefully edited and valuable publications which

• 7
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.           491

 

comes to our table is now over one year behind time, the last

issue, which was received within the past week, bearing the date

of April, 191₉. This, however, is not a sufficient excuse for our

delay. An earnest effort will be made to publish more promptly

and your secretary feels that he can assure you that the April

Number will appear on time. So much cannot be promised for

the coming January number, although we hope to have it in

the mails before the close of that month.

"The distribution of the publications of the Society, like our

two libraries, must have a definite, fixed policy. The frequent

republications of bound volumes of the QUARTERLY for gratuitous

distribution by the general assembly is likely to be criticized as

was the similar publication and distribution of Howe's Historical

Collections. It may become even more embarrassing. Frequent

requests come to this office for volumes to complete sets given

away years ago. Those who were so fortunate to get these free

evidently think that they should have the following volumes as

issued without paying anything for them-a somewhat illogical

but perfectly natural conclusion.

"Of course, volumes should always be available to complete

sets by purchase, and for educational purposes the following

limited gratuitous distribution is suggested:

"1. Send the quarterly to every college and every free

tax supported library in the state that is regularly open

under the care of a librarian.

"2. Send regularly to all such libraries each year the

bound volumes of the QUARTERLY.

"3. Send with each issue and each bound volume a card

acknowledging receipt and require the return of the

card duly signed as the only formality necessary to in-

sure continued sending of the publications free of

charge.

"With each issue might properly be sent, for insertion in

local papers, a news item giving a very brief synopsis of the con-

tents of the number and stating that it could be had at the library.

Such a policy would be in harmony with the purposes of this

Society and would bring our work into closer contact with the

educational forces of the state.

"With the library of President Hayes, came his carefully

preserved diary and correspondence covering the period of his

life from his school days to his latest year. His biographer,

Professor Charles R. Williams, of Princeton College, is ar-

ranging these papers for publication in a series as nearly as

• 8
 

492      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

possible identical in style with the two very creditable volumes

of the life of President Hayes already published. As soon as

the first volume of the proposed series of diary and letters is in

the press, Colonel Webb C. Hayes proposes to present to the

Society the remaining copies of the life already published and

the plates, illustrations and everything necessary to reproduce the

two volumes at the nominal cost of press work and binding. It

is the purpose of your appropriate committee to commence the

proposed publication as soon as Professor Williams furnishes the

edited copy.

"A survey of our requests filed with the state budget com-

missioner may leave the impression that a very generous in-

crease in expenditures is contemplated, but this is only apparent.

The Society is adding every year to the tangible, substantial

property of the state more than it gets from the public treasury,

to say nothing of the educational service that it performs. It is

winning the attention and confidence of the public and if the

state will do but approximately what other states are doing this

institution will soon become a vast treasury of source materials

from which will be written the incomparable history of Ohio.

"The legislature of Wisconsin, at an initial expenditure of

$650,000, erected a building for her Historical Society and

Library. Minnesota appropriated $500,000 for a similar purpose

and in May, 1918, opened her splendid new building to the public.

Illinois has taken steps to expend an even larger sum for a

building, while a wealthy citizen of the little state of New

Hampshire, with patriotic vision and state pride, has given

$650,000 for a state Historical Building. Ohio has made a

creditable start with an appropriation of $100,000, wisely and

economically expended in the erection of this building--the

vestibule of the larger structure yet to be. If we have faith in

our proclaimed eminence among the sisterhood of states and

appreciation of the lessons that our history should teach, here

at the gateway to our great university will rise a living monument

that shall eloquently speak of the prestige and power and glory

of the Buckeye state."

Mr. Wood moved that the report be received, and not only

made a part of the proceedings, but also be published. Seconded.

Carried.

Dr. W. O. Thompson stated he thought the assistants men-

tioned in the report should be named, and Mr. Galbreath stated

that the assistants mentioned are Miss Helen Mills and Miss

Margaret Fry.

• 9
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.            493

MR. FRANK TALLMADGE: I am here to make two presen-

tations. I desire to say that Mr. Booth, of the Logan Elm

Committee, is not present, being out of the city. He was to

have been here. He is responsible for a little enterprise in the

way of preparing souvenirs from two dead limbs cut from the

Logan Elm last September. Mr. Booth is under the impression,

I guess, that we have a very disorderly meeting here, and that

it is necessary that order be preserved. In the name of the

Logan Elm Committee I am presenting to Governor Campbell,

our President, to be his personal property, a gavel made from

a limb of the Logan Elm. To The Ohio State Archaeological

and Historical Society I present another gavel, a larger one, for

sometimes it is necessary to preserve order in the absence of

our President. (Applause.)

MR. BAREIS: Your Committee on Nominations beg leave

to report the following: To fill the vacancies caused by the ex-

piration of the terms of three of our trustees we nominate Dr.

G. Frederick Wright, Dr. W. O. Thompson and Colonel Webb

C. Hayes; to fill the vacancy caused by the death of L. P.

Schaus we present the name of Arthur C. Johnson, editor of the

Columbus Dispatch. I move that the Secretary be instructed to

cast the ballot of this Society for these nominees. The motion

was seconded and carried.

Secretary Galbreath thereupon cast the ballot of the Society

for Messrs. G. Frederick Wright, W. O. Thompson and Webb

C. Hayes for membership on the Board of Trustees, full terms,

and for Mr. Arthur C. Johnson to fill the unexpired term of

L. P. Schaus. Messrs. Wright, Thompson, Hayes and Johnson

were duly declared elected.

President Campbell stated that the Finance Committee will

make no report, since the reports of the Treasurer and Auditor

will thoroughly cover the work of that Committee.

Mr. E. F. Wood read the

 

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TREASURER FOR THE YEAR

ENDING JUNE 30, 1920.

RECEIPTS.

Cash     on  Hand            July 1, 1919.................................       $4,914    02

Life       Membership      Dues .....................................        2,940       00

• 10
 

494        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

Active  Membership  Dues ...................................                                        100  00

Interest on Permanent Fund ...............................                                          793 03

Books  sold     ................................................                                               166 23

Subscriptions   ...................................... ......                                                  18   50

Interest  ...................................................                                                    200 00

Refund by C. B. Galbreath ..................................                                          208 32

Refund  of  Insurance  ......................................                                            32  36

From State Treasurer on Sundry Appropriations ............                          21,327 29

 

Total Receipts  ........................................                                         $30,699  75

 

 

DISBURSEMENTS.

W ages   ....................................................                                                   $100   00

Salaries   ........................................   .......                                                 15,485    29

Publications  ...............................................                                             1,792  28

M useum   Equipment  ........................................                                          127 77

Light, Heat & Power .....................................                                               842 20

Express, Freight and Drayage..............................                                          70 62

Expense  of Trustees  .......................................                                            334 31

Telephones  ................................................                                                 104 25

Sundry    Expenses  ..........................................                                             62   03

Field       W ork    ...............................................                                          500 00

Logan    Elm  Park ................... .......................                                           65   46

Serpent M ound    Park  ......................................                                          55   67

Fort  Ancient Park        ........................................                                        129 92

Hayes Memorial Library Bldg. .............................                                         889 20

Office     Supplies  .................................. ..........                                            267 20

Library   Equipment  ........................................                                            544 74

W ater    .....................................................                                                  93   60

R epairs  ....................................................                                                   28   95

General  Plant  Supplies  ....................................                                          256 82

Exhibition      Cases  ..........................................                                          57   35

Transferred to Permanent Fund ............................                                    3,735 00

Cash on Hand July 1, 1920 ................................                                      5,157 09

 

Total  .................................................                                              $30,699  75

The Permanent Fund of the Society on July 1, 1920,

amounted to the sum of................................     18,510 00

Respectfully submitted,

(Signed) E. F. WOOD,

Treasurer.

Mr. Wood then read the Report of the Auditors, as fol-

lows:

• 11
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.                   495

 

REPORT OF THE AUDITORS.

COLUMBUS, OHIO, August 16, 1920.

MR. C. B. GALBREATH, Secretary,

The Ohio State Archaeological

and Historical Society,

Columbus, Ohio.

 

DEAR SIR:-

Pursuant to the request of Mr. E. F. Wood, Treasurer of

your Society, we have completed our annual audit of the books

of account for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1920, and herewith

present our report with schedules supporting same.

The Balance of the current fund at July 1, 1919 was ........  $4,914 02

The cash receipts for the year were............  $4,458 44

And the appropriations paid by the Treasurer of

State  amounted  to ..........................                         21,327  29

Total  .................................                               $25,785         73

The disbursements for the year including amount

transferred to permanent fund and payments

by State Treasurer aggregated ..............  25,542 66

An excess of Receipts over Disbursements of................                 243 07

 

Leaving a Balance in Current Fund at June 30, 1920 of......            $5,157 09

 

The above balance of current fund is composed of the

following :-

Capital City Bank - Checking Account ......................  $1,057 09

Certificates of Deposits:

Ohio State Savings Association No. 74627 ...............              2,000 00

Ohio State Savings Association No. 81056 .............. 2,000 00

Savings Account No. 81700 Ohio State Savings Associa-

tion ...............................................                                  100 00

 

Total  as  above.....................................             $5,157  09

 

Your Permanent Fund is composed of Certificate of Deposit

No. 83652 for ....................................... $18,510 00

Balance  July   1,    1919                                                  was ...................................              14,775     00

 

Increase    for  year of....................................           $3,735  00

• 12
 

496        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

The above increase was made up of receipts during the year

as follows:-

 

Life Membership Dues .......................                                $2,940 00

Interest Permanent Funds ......................                                 793 03

Transfer from Current Funds ..................                                1 97

Total as above.........................................  $3,735 00

The Society's Property Investment shows a balance of ....... $568,450 02

Balance  June  30,  1919  was..................................           567,701  61

 

Increase of ............................................                     $748 41

The above increase represents purchases during the year of:

Buildings (Improvements) ................                               $18 55

Library and Museum Equipment ............                          458 26

Books ....................................                                          271 60

$748 41

The vouchers covering the disbursements were examined

and found to be correct. Checks drawn against current funds

were examined and the cash balance has been reconciled with

the bank balance as shown on page (4).

Journal entries covering increase to Society's property in-

vestment are found on page (6) and we would suggest that

proper ledger accounts be opened and posted with entries sub-

mitted with this and our reports of 1918 and 1919.

The books of account were found to be in their usual neat

and accurate condition.

Respectfully submitted,

(Signed) W. D. WALL,

Certified Public Accountant.

 

BALANCE SHEET AS AT JUNE 30, 1920.

ASSETS.

Cash:

Checking Account .........................                             $1,057 09

Savings Account ..........................                                     100 00

$1,157 09

Certificate of Deposit:

Current Fund .............................                                  4,000 00

Permanent Fund ..........................                                18,510 00

22,510 00

• 13
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.                    497

 

Real Estate:

Land ...................................... 107,640 92

Buildings and Structures:

Balance June 30, 1919...... $186,360 00

Additions during Year.....         18 55  186,378 55

294,019 47

Equipment and Exhibits:

House Furniture and Fixtures ..............    32,347 00

Library and Museum Equipment:

Balance June 30, 1919...... $30,425 11

Additions During Year.....        458 26

_ ----     30,883 37

Archaeological and Historical Exhibits .......... 180,050 00

Books:

Balance June 30, 1919..........                   28,528 58

Additions During Year.........                     271 60

_____________                 28,800 18

Paintings      ....................................              2,000  00

Automobile   ...................................                                   350 00

274,430 55

 

$592,117 11

CONTRA.

Current Fund-E. F. Wood, Treasurer ....................              $3,157 09

Advance by Minna Tupper Nye for Retaining Wall..........  2,000 00

Permanent Fund Invested ..................................                18,510 00

Society's Property Investment .............................. 568,450 02

 

$592,117 11

 

POST CLOSING TRIAL BALANCE AS AT JUNE 30, 1920.

State Treasurer ...............................               $16,410 30

E. F. Wood, Treasurer ........................           5,157 09

Cash  ..........................................                                            $5,157  09

Superintendent of Buildings ................A-1                              208 33

Investments ...................................    18,510 00

Permanent Fund ..............................                  18,510 00

Office  Supplies  .............................C-4                                                    28      80

General Plant Supplies ....................C-11                                                  17

Library Equipment .......................G-31                                                    1 21

Museum   Equipment .......................G-31                               475 00

Capital Equipment ....................... G-31                                  142 65

Miscellaneous .............................G-32                                    224 44

Vol. XXIX- 32.

• 14
 

498         Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

Light, Heat and Power .....................F-4                                                     62 30

Publications ...............................F-9                                              1,207 72

Freight, Express and Drayage ...............F-5                                                80 87

Contingencies  ..............................F-8                                                       20  47

Field  W ork     ................................F-9                                                     45

Repairs ........... ........................ F-1                                                           56

Watchman ..............................F-1                                                 813 88

Reprinting and Publications ................. F-9                                    13,000 00

Additions and Betterments ..................G-2                                     143 45

 

$40,077 39 $40,077 39

 

STATEMENT OF CASH RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS FOR

YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1920.

Balance  July  1,  1919.......................................  $4,914  02

 

 

RECEIPTS.

Life Membership Dues .........................     $2,940 00

Active Membership Dues ........................          100 00

Books  sold  ....................................                  166                23

Subscriptions ..................................                   18 50

Interest Permanent Fund...........                         793 03

Interest Current Fund.............                            200 00

993 03

Refund on Insurance...........................                32 36

Refund   on  Salaries ............................              208                32

 

$4,458 44

From State Treasurer on Appropriations ........    21,327 29

25,785 73

 

$30,699 75

DISBURSEMENTS.

Transferred to Permanent Fund: ...............     $3,735 00

Care and Improvements:

Logan Elm Park...............                           $65 46

Serpent Mound Park...........                        55 67

Fort Ancient Park.............                          129 92

251 05

Salaries ...................................   15,485 29

Supplies:

Office .........................                                $267 20

General Plant .................                            256 82

524 02

• 15
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.                     499

Publications ...................................                      1,792 28

Library Equipment ............................                   544 74

Museum   Equipment ...........................                127 77

Repairs and Upkeep of Buildings ...............                             28 95

Water Rentals ................................                                        93 60

Light, Heat and Power........................                  842 20

Express, Freight and Drayage ..................                               70 62

Expenses of Trustees and Committees ...........      334 41

Telephone Rentals .............................                  104 25

Sundry Expense:

Auditing ......................                                  $35 00

Bond Premium ................                             15 00

Telegrams .....................                               3 78

Miscellaneous .................                              8 25

62 03

Field Work ...................................        500 00

Hayes Memorial Building:

Repairs ...................................                      889 20

Exhibition Cases ..............................                                      57 35

Wages ........................................                          100 00

25,542 66

 

Balance on Hand June 30, 1920 ............................     $5,157 09

 

BANK RECONCILIATION AS AT JUNE 30, 1920.

Balance as per Pass Book Capital City Bank Dated July 7,

1920  ..................... .......... ..................  $1,129   56

Less Outstanding Checks:

Check   No.  2282 ............................                              $8   00

Check  No.  2309............................                               25   00

Check   No. 2313............................                                 12   50

Check   No.  2314............................                               25   00

Check   No.  2315 .............................                             1     97

72 47

 

Total in Checking Account ..........................   $1,057 09

Certificates of Deposit:-

No. 74627-January 1, 1918.................          $2,000 00

No. 81056-April 14, 1919 ..................          2,000 00

4,000 00

Savings Account No. 81700 .................................                  100 00

 

Balance as per Ledger .................................. $5,157 09

• 16
 

500         Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR YEAR ENDED JUNE

30, 1920.

Amount Ap-

New   Old                                                                                                    July 1,                   propriated

Code. Code.                                              1919.                                        During Year.

Personal Service:

A-1       Salaries  .......................  ..........  $16,395  00

Personal Service:

A-2       W ages  ........................  ..........      100  00

C-Supplies:

C-4      Office Supplies .................       $0 11      300 00

C-Supplies:

C-11         General Plant Supplies ..........        1 92         175 00

F-1           Repairs  ........................  ..........                    900       00

F-3           Water .........................                                  106 76         90 00

F-4           Light, Heat and Power.........                  1,243 94              900 00

F-5           Express, Freight and Drayage ............            150 00

F-6           Traveling Expense .............                           96 78           250 00

F-7           Communication   ................                          32 60           93 00

F-8           Contingencies      ..................  ..........            50  00

F-9           General Plant Service:

Publications ................                            4 00      3,000 00

Explorations and Field Work                         73         500 00

Republishing Reports .................     13,000 00

G-Additions and Betterments:

G-2       Buildings:

Shelter House (Serpent

Mound) ...............     ..........             200 00

G-31 E-8 Museum    Collections ...........                               97         500 00

G-31 E-9 Capital Equipment .............                            6 12             500 00

G-31         Exhibition Cases ...............                    ..........           200 00

G-32         Other Capital Outlay............                 ..........           300 00

E-2           Household .....................         4 00        ....

G-3           Gateway .......................40                     ..........

 

$1,498 33    $37,603 00

 

STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR YEAR ENDED JUNE

30, 1920.

New   Old                                                                                                   Transfer

Code. Code.                                              of Funds.     Total.

Personal Service:

A-1       Salaries  .......................  ..........  $16,395  00

Personal Service:

A-2       Wages ..................................          100 00

• 17
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.                     501

 

C-Supplies:

C-4      Office Supplies ..................     $20 99      321 10

C-Supplies:

C-11         General Plant Supplies..........                 ..........                  176 92

F-1            Repairs ........................                         ..........                  900 00

F-3            Water .........................                         ..........                  196 76

F-4           Light, Heat and Power.........                        123 50     2,020 44

F-5           Freight, Express and Drayage                .      ...........          150 00

F-6           Traveling Expense .............                  ..........                  346 78

F-7           Communication    ..........................             125 60

F-8           Contingencies ..................   ..........              50 00

F-9           General Plant Service:

Publications .........                          ..........             3,004 00

Exploration and Field Work.          ..........                  500 73

Republishing Reports .................    13,000 00

G-Additions and Betterments:

G-2       Buildings:

Shelter House (Serpent

Mound) ..............      ..........           200 00

G-31 E-8 Museum    Collections ...........                       78 50            579 47

G-31 E-9 Capital Equipment..............                           24 01            530 13

G-31         Exhibition Cases ..............   ..........              200 00

G-32         Other Capital Outlay ......................             300 00

E-2           Household .........   ...............    ....                4 00

G-3           Gateway ..................................                                    40

 

$39,101 33

 

STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR YEAR ENDED

JUNE 30, 1920.

Cash Drawn

New   Old                                                              From State     Balance

Code. Code.                                                            Treasury.        Lapsed.

Personal Service:

A-1       Salaries .......................  $15,372 79  ..........

Personal Service:

A-2       Wages .........................       100 00  ..........

C-Supplies:

C-4           Office Supplies .................                           292 19          $0 11

C-11         General Plant Supplies..........                        174 83                 1 92

F-1           Repairs ........................                                899 44  ..........

F-3           Water .........................                                93 60            103 16

F-4           Light, Heat and Power.........                        837 70     1,120 44

F-5           Freight, Express and Drayage..                     69 13       ..........

F-6           Traveling Expense ............                          251 99       94 79

• 18
 

502         Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

F-7            Communication    ...............                        93 00       32 60

F-8            Contingencies ..................                           29 53  ..........

F-9            General Plant Service:

Publications ................                    1,792 28                     4 00

Exploration and Field Work....                      499 55                 73

Republishing Reports ....................      ..........

G-Additions and Betterments:

G-2       Buildings:

Shelter House (Serpent

Mound)    ...............                        56 55  ..........

G-31 E-8 Museum    Collections ...........                       103 50                 97

G-31 E-9 Capital Equipment .............                           528 30                 62

G-31          Exhibition Cases ...............                          57 35

G-32         Other Capital Outlay ............                       75 56  ..........

E-2           Household   .....................                      ..........                         4  00

G-3           Gateway      .......................                    ..........                         40

 

$21,327 29   $1,363 74

 

STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR YEAR ENDED JUNE

30, 1920.

Balance

New   Old                                                               Total De-       June 30,

Code. Code.                                                            ductions.       1920.

Personal Service:

A-1       Salaries  ....................... $15,372 79   $1,022 21

Personal Service:

A-2       Wages ........................        100 00   ..........

C-Supplies:

C-4      Office Supplies .................      292 30       28 80

C-Supplies:

C-11         General Plant Supplies..........                        176 75                 17

F-1           Repairs ........................                                899 44                 56

F-3           Water .........................                                196 76  ..........

F-4           Light, Heat and Power........                   1,958 14                     62 30

F-5           Freight, Express and Drayage..                     69 13                   80 87

F-6           Traveling Expense .............                         346 78    ..........

F-7           Communication    ................                       125 60    ..........

F-8           Contingencies ..................                           29 53       20 47

F-9           General Plant Service:

Publications    ...........                     1,796 28    1,207 72

Exploration and Field Work           ,                    500 28          45

Republishing Reports .................      13,000 00

• 19
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.                   503

 

G-Additions and Betterments:

G-2      Buildings:

Shelter House (Serpent

Mound) ............... 56 55                 143 45

G-31 E-8 Museum Collections             ...........               104 47          475 00

G-31 E-9 Capital Equipment .             ............              528 92          1 21

G-31         Exhibition Cases ............... 57 35                 142 65

G-32         Other Capital Outlay...........     75 56            224 44

E-2           Household .....................     4 00 .

G-3           Gateway .......................           40

 

$22,691 03 $16,410 30

 

JOURNAL ENTRIES NECESSARY TO RECORD INCREASE IN

SOCIETY'S PERMANENT INVESTMENT FOR YEAR

ENDED JUNE 30, 1920.

Buildings .....................................     $18 55

To Society's Permanent Investment ........................      $18 55

For Expenditures made during year as per

vouchers as follows:

Date.                          Voucher. Amount.

May 20, 1920..............                    1563            $4 65

June 24, 1920..............                    1587            13 90

 

$18 55

 

Library and Museum Equipment ................    $458 26

Books  ........................................    271  60

To Society's Permanent Investment ........................     $729 86

For expenditures made during year and charges

as follows:

Ledger Page.        Account.                             Amount.

172             Library Equipment....          $544 74

80              Museum   Equipment...             127 77

230             Exhibition Cases......                57 35

 

$729 86

On motion of Mr. Ryan, duly seconded, the Reports of the

Treasurer and Auditors were ordered received and place on file.

• 20
 

504      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

Mr. Ryan then read the

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATIONS,

as follows:

"No publications were issued by the Society during the past

year except the annual volume and the quarterlies. The editing

of the diaries and letters of Hayes, covering a period of about

sixty years, has been practically completed by Mr. Charles

Richard Williams, the author of the biography of Rutherford B.

Hayes, and I think the coming year will see them published."

The report of the committee was ordered received and

placed on file.

REPORT OF THE CURATOR.

"I have the honor to submit the customary annual report

of the Curator on the present condition of the museum as well

as the operations and activities during the past year.

"The Committee on Museum has not been able to hold a

meeting on account of the lack of funds to bring this com-

mittee together. The Chairman has endeavored to keep the

members posted concerning the activities of the Museum. We

hope next year to have sufficient funds to bring together the

Museum Committee at least three or four times for consultation.

"The visitors to the museum have greatly increased, many

come during the morning hours of week days, but Sunday after-

noon seems to be a popular time for Sunday School Teachers

to bring their classes for a visit to the museum. We have been

doing much to help visitors by supplying the necessary descrip-

tive labels. We feel if an object is valuable it should be well

displayed with an appropriate label. The public schools of the

city and surrounding country are using the museum for class

study. The interest of children in the museum is of great edu-

cational value. We have encouraged them to come, and many

times I have been gratified to see children acting as guides and

showing their parents through the halls.

 

"PRESENT CONDITION OF THE MUSEUM.

"During the year we have been compelled to store in part

several excellent collections. Our exhibition rooms are now

becoming overcrowded with cases and the cases themselves over-

crowded with specimens. In the Historical Hall on the first floor

was installed a display case purchased from the Board of Admin-

istration. This case is very large, being 17 feet long, 4 feet

wide and 7 feet high. We have installed in this case the Martha

• 21
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.          505

L. Taylor collection of Navajo blankets. This collection of

blankets was collected by Miss Taylor during many years of

travel in the Navajo country and represents the highest art in

Navajo weaving. The John Brown relics are also installed in

this case as well as the Galbreath world war collection. How-

ever, this is not a commendable installation, ethnological speci-

mens and war relics in the same case.

"In the south Archaeological Hall, second floor, have been

installed two new cases each 12 feet long, 4 feet wide and 5 feet

high. In one has been placed the Kettering collection from

Montgomery county and in the other the William B. Mills collec-

tion and the William E. Evans collection both for the most part

from Ross county.

 

"EXPLORATION WORK OF THE SOCIETY.

"Permission to explore the old Mound City Group was se-

cured by the Society from the War Department through General

Sturges, Commanding Officer at Camp Sherman. This matter

was presented to the Finance Committee of the Legislature and

funds were requested to make the explorations.  For some

reason the amount asked was cut to $500 per year. This appro-

priation was inadequate for the undertaking of such important

work and two of our life members, Mr. Robert F. Wolfe and

Mr. H. E. Wolfe, through Mr. Arthur C. Johnson, Editor of the

Columbus Dispatch, authorized the Society to draw upon him to

the amount of $2000 if necessary to carry forward this work.

The Society drew upon him to the extent of $1614.73.

"For many years the Society has been trying to secure per-

mission to examine this group of Mounds. Recently archaeolo-

gists have manifested much interest concerning the statements

of Squier and Davis in their interpretation of the use of these

mounds. The work of examination is perhaps a little more

than half complete and the facts revealed by the exploration thus

far do not justify many statements made by Squier and Davis.

When the exploration is complete the facts obtained concerning

the mortuary customs of this culture of the prehistory Indian

will more than repay the expense, not taking into consideration

the wonderful array of artifacts taken from the burials, especial-

ly those made of native copper and silver, such as the bear and

antler head dress, flying eagles, double-headed eagles, plates

with double-headed eagles in repousse work, effigy pipes of

birds and animals, spears of obsidian and nyaline quartz. For

the most part the artifacts have been placed on exhibition in

the north Archaeological Hall, second floor. Another valuable

and interesting feature found in the Mound City Group is the

• 22
 

506      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

intrusive burials representing an entirely different culture. The

artifacts found with this culture have been placed on exhibition

in a case adjoining the Mound City Group proper.

"I believe the exploration of the Mound City Group the

most important undertaking in the history of the Society's scien-

tific explorations. We have many such sites in Ohio and it

becomes the duty of the Society to explore these and publish

the results. The Society's work in the field and the building up

of an archaeological museum from the results of exploration

have attracted the attention of the outside world to what the

Society is doing in the way of exploring and developing its

antiquities.

"The National Research Council, through its division of

Anthropology and Psychology, has taken steps to establish state

archaeological surveys in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Missouri

by inviting the several states through their Historical and Scien-

tific Societies to take the matter before the legislature of their

respective states and ask for funds necessary for the survey and

for the issuing of an archaeological atlas 'comparable with that

issued by the State of Ohio.' The research council also recom-

mends that many of the sites may be made into state parks and

again refers to what Ohio has done to preserve their antiquities

and what a splendid asset the parks are to the state.

"Within the year the ground occupied by the large mound

at Miamisburg, Montgomery County, Ohio, has been purchased

by Mr. C. F. Kettering of Dayton and presented to the Society.

Mr. Kettering anticipates parking the grounds surrounding the

mound at his expense. This mound and its surroundings will

be one of the most interesting of the parks or outdoor museums

in possession of the Society. Mr. Kettering also acquired and

presented to the Society the archaeological specimens collected

by Mr. H. T. Thompson, of Dayton, Ohio-the largest rep-

resentative collection of such specimens representing Mont-

gomery county and southwestern Ohio. I consider the Thomp-

son collection one of the best private collections in the state and

we are happy to add it to our museum. The collection is now on

exhibition in the south Archaeological Hall.

"The transfer of the John Brown relics to the custody of

the Society is of special interest to the Historical Museum.

These priceless heirlooms were presented by the granddaughter

of John Brown and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Alexander.

"Mrs. Almer Hegler, of Washington C. H., presented the

library of Mr. Hegler as well as many historical and archaeolo-

gical specimens to augment the Hegler collection. Mr. Hegler

died April, 1920. He had always taken a deep interest in the

• 23
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.           507

Society. Many years ago he presented a small archaeological

collection to the Society and added to this from time to time

until he had build up for us a very fine and representative col-

lection from Fayette and surrounding counties.

"Mrs. W. E. Evans and family presented the archaeological

specimens, collected by the late W. E. Evans in Ross and ad-

joining counties.

"Other collections were secured for the museum as follows:

 

ACCESSIONS SINCE LAST ANNUAL MEETING:

ARCHAEOLOGICAL:

J. E. Duncan and Gilbert C. Adams, Washington C. H.,

each presented collections of Fayette county archaeological speci-

mens.

J. R. Gragg, Bainbridge, presented a collection from Paint

Creek Valley.

A collection of Madisonville village site material was ob-

tained through exchange with Harvard University museum.

From Prof. Robert F. Griggs was received a collection of

ethnological specimens from Katmai and other Alaskan dis-

tricts.

The archaeological collection of the late W. E. Evans

Chillicothe, was presented to the Museum by his widow.

A collection of Ross county specimens was secured from

Henry McNeill, Frankfort, Ohio.

Mrs. Laura A. Hegler turned over to the Museum speci-

mens to be added to the collection of her late husband, Almer

Hegler.

"Others who presented archaeological specimens are: Dr.

O. M. Wiseman, Zanesville; Mr. King G. Thompson, Columbus;

Mr. John Seip, Chillicothe; Mr. Robert Kaiser, Columbus;

Prof. A. C. Osborn, Columbus; Mr. Henry Kercher, Cleve-

land; Lydia Moats, Columbus; George C. Bixler, Beaver, Pa.;

and Miss Clara Marks, Columbus.

 

HISTORICAL:

Prof. Edward Orton presented autographed photo of Wm.

McKinley.

Mr. George J. Schwartz, Wooster, early bank notes.

Dr. J. M. Henderson and Dr. E. C. Mills, a collection of

early dental tools.

Mrs. M. E. Rath-Merrill, Columbus, presented a rare collec-

tion of rubbings of English Memorial Brasses.

• 24
 

508      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

Mrs. Sarah E. Fletcher, Columbus, presented plans of

Sebastopol fortification and siege.

Col. Worthington Kautzman, Columbus, collection of Fili-

pino relics.

American Red Cross presented a Red Cross rug with

U. S. Coat-of-Arms.

Mrs. W. E. Evans, Chillicothe, historical specimens.

Mr. Homer Zimmerman, Sugar Creek, pioneer relics.

Mrs. Ella May Smith, Columbus, collection of rare corals.

Mrs. Ida E. Carner, Columbus, specimens from the Bar-

bados.

Mrs. C. H. Lindenberg, Columbus, shells and fossils.

The American Can Company, a 75-mill. shell.

Mrs. James Judge, Columbus, Alaskan specimens.

Mr. J. A. Burke, Columbus, German flag, captured at

Moselle.

Mr. Charles E. Jarvis, Columbus, relics from war zone.

Dr. Albert Cooper, Columbus, pioneer relics.

Others: F. A. Stahl, New Philadelphia; S. C. Gray,

Deavertown; J. M. Fulkerson, Columbus; W. H. Hickson,

Marengo; Leonard Dellinger, Bloomingburg; Dr. H. Bartilson,

Columbus; Mrs. William Loudenslager, Columbus; Miss A. D.

McKee, Columbus; J. J. Sutton, Greenwich; J. E. Harvey,

Stewartsville; A. Sparhawk, Akron; Alpha Tau Omega Frater-

nity, Columbus; J. A. Beverage, Middleport; Western Reserve

Historical Society; B. T. Brooks, Columbus; Sheldon Marks, Co-

lumbus; A. S. Good, Columbus; J. C. Cramer, Marietta; R. A.

Magley, Columbus; F. N. Funston, Missouri; Dudley T. Fisher,

Columbus; F. S. Turner, Columbus; Prof. Foster, Iowa City,

Ia.; Capt. J. T. Morgan, Trenton, N. J.; C. A. Carr, Columbus;

L. H. Barth, Poland, Ohio, and Mrs. Lelia Hudson, Columbus.

"During the second semester of the college year the Curator

gave a course of lectures on Ohio Archaeology to a class of

fifteen, also to an unusual number of classes in various depart-

ments of the University.

"The Curator was requested to represent the Society at the

American Association of Museums at Washington City. The

meetings of this association are of great importance and value

to those having public museums under their charge. The papers

are along the lines of museum management, in fact, everything

pertaining to a museum is presented and discussed.

"Early in April our museum was entered by thieves. They

entered by breaking a window in the basement and finding their

way to the rotunda on the first floor, where they broke the door

to the north Historical Exhibition Room. Here nine show cases

• 25
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.           509

 

were broken into and hundreds of specimens were taken. The

police department acted promptly and made photos of the finger

prints left by the thieves. Long before they were apprehended

their identity was established. They were apprehended at Cin-

cinnati and the specimens returned. I feel deeplyindebted to the

Columbus Police Department for their prompt service.

"The matter of a night watchman for our building was

presented to the Emergency Board and an appropriation of

$1000 per year was granted. We now have a watchman in the

building during the entire night, reporting each hour upon our

register clock.

"The past year in the museum has been a very enjoyable

one even with our cramped condition. We certainly must have

a wing to our building or quit accepting historical and archaeo-

logical material that comes to us unsolicited. We hope sufficient

funds will be provided to care for the archaeological and histor-

ical material available for our use and that the Ohio State Mu-

seum may be made one of the best in the country."

(Signed) W. C. MILLS,

Curator.

On motion of Mr. Ryan the Report of the Curator was

accepted and ordered placed on file.

MR. RYAN: "This report discloses the fact that through

the generous assistance of Messrs. Wolfe and Johnson our So-

ciety was enabled to make some very important investigations.

We do not often receive these marks of appreciation of our

work, and I believe that we owe it to these gentlemen to indicate

our formal appreciation of their interest in the Society, and to

publicly express the same and record it upon our records. I

therefore move that the following resolution be adopted:

"Resolved, by The Ohio State Archaeological and Historical

Society, That the appreciation and thanks of the Society are

hereby expressed to Robert F. Wolfe and Harry P. Wolfe for

their interest in its archaeological researches, and for their

financial assistance in conducting the investigations at Camp

Sherman, and to Arthur C. Johnson, editor of the Columbus

Dispatch, for his enthusiastic support to this Society.

"Resolved, 'That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded

to the gentlemen named."

• 26
 

510      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

The motion was seconded by Messrs. Heer and Galbreath,

and unanimously carried.

The Committee on Library made no report, Mr. Ryan stat-

ing that the work of the committee would be practically covered

during the afternoon session.

Dr. G. Frederick Wright read the reports of the Committees

on Warren County Serpent Mound and on Historical Sites, as

follows:

WARREN COUNTY SERPENT MOUND.

"There is little to say concerning the prospect of obtaining

the Warren County Serpent Mound except to report that we

are pursuing the policy of watchful waiting. The farm is now in

the name of Presocia Spence and very likely will come into

the market for sale soon. The land is very valuable but only a

few acres would be necessary to preserve the mound. We will

keep the matter in mind and ascertain later if these few acres

can be obtained on favorable terms. I should hope that the

owner might contribute them as a public park bearing her name.

"Some remarkable light has been shed upon the significance

of our serpent mounds which increases their importance and

will call attention to them from anthropologists the world over.

"On seeing a copy of the illustration of the Adams County

Serpent Mound published by our Society, Dr. E. M. Wilson,

who has been for twenty-five years a medical missionary among

the Tamils of southern India, came up a few weeks ago to tell

me of the remarkable resemblance between the Adams County

Serpent Mound and the images which the Tamils worship in

southern India. These tribes worship the cobra, which is a

hooded snake, and the lingham supposed to be the source of

life and corresponding to the egg. The engravings of these

objects of worship upon their temples correspond almost exactly

with our Adams County Serpent Mound, and with what remains

of the Warren County Serpent Mound. The cobra is a hooded

serpent and there is no hooded serpent in America from which

the Mound Builders could have obtained the idea represented

in our mounds. The conclusion, therefore, is inevitable that

in ancient times the Mound Builders of North America migrated

from the same center on the eastern continent as that which is

occupied by the Tamils.

"This evidence is a striking confirmation of that presented

sixty years ago by Lewis Morgan in the volume of Smithsonian

contributions in which are collected from all over the world the

variety of methods by which family relationships are reckoned.

• 27
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.          511

Among the Aryan races they are reckoned according to descent

from the father. We have children, grandchildren, great grand-

children, etc., but among the Turanian races they are reckoned

according to tribal relationships. All a man's nephews are reck-

oned as his sons, and what we should reckon as cousins are

reckoned as brothers. Amidst the various complications of this

method of relationships it was found that the American Indians

and the Tamils agreed so exactly in their methods that it seemed

to prove identity of origin. The similarity of our serpent mound

to the inscriptions among the Tamils presents such a remark-

able confirmation of this inference that its truth seems to be

established as a practical certainty. All this increases the im-

portance of the work we are doing to preserve these mounds.

Dr. Wilson promises an article for our QUARTERLY detailing all

these facts.

"(Signed) G. FREDERICK WRIGHT."

HISTORICAL SITES.

"The Battle of Fallen Timbers, one of the most important

in the history of Ohio, occurred in the valley of the Maumee,

a few miles above Toledo. It is very desirable that a monu-

ment should mark the site. Already measures are being taken

to secure from the owners of the property in which the site

occurs the gift of a conspicuous location for such a monument.

We hope something tangible will result.

"The Warren County Serpent Mound, on the Little Miami

River, south of Lebanon, should be preserved, especially in view

of the recent light shed upon the relations of that and the Adams

County mound to similar objects of worship in southern India.

But we have no progress to report. Your committee has simply

pursued the course of watchful waiting. We understand that

the farm on which the mound stands has recently changed hands.

Whether anything can be done with the hopeful prospect of ob-

taining the situation we cannot say. As the mound is near a

public highway a few acres of land would be all that is neces-

sary to obtain for a public park which would preserve the

mound. The committee should be continued for another year.

"(Signed) G. FREDERICK WRIGHT."

On motion of Mr. Bareis the report was received and

placed on file.

Prof. B. F. Prince read the report of the Committee on

• 28
 

512       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

FORT ANCIENT,

as follows:

"Your committee on Fort Ancient has no changes or unusual

improvements to report this year. A few minor repairs have

been made at various places.

"The general appearance of the Fort is fine. The weeds

have been cut and the walls trimmed. The unusual growth of

grass during the past year has added much to the beauty of the

place.

"Since the disappearance of most of the houses in the town

of Fort Ancient it is difficult to secure at the Fort such help

that is needed, for no place can be found near by as a tene-

ment for a laborer.

"Your committee believe that soon there should be a small

house erected at some suitable place in the Fort. It would help

to solve many difficulties in keeping good order on the grounds.

"The number of visitors that come to the grounds during

the season for autoing runs into tens of thousands, and these

all add to the care of the custodian. A helper located near by

would be of material assistance to the efficiency required.

"Your committee believes that the finance committee should

take this matter under serious consideration.

"The following expenses have been incurred:

Repairing     roof  on  house...................................                                       $27    50

Plastering     material  ........................................                                           9    00

One new pump and repair of an old one ....................                                   21 35

 

Total  ................................................                                                  $57    85

"Some improvements highly necessary were made and the

money to pay for them was advanced by Mr. Cowan. He asks

the Society if it thinks proper to pay the bills.

"They were:

1.  Papering  the house at a cost of ..........................                                     $30    35

2. White lime ............................................                                                   3 52

3.  Hauling    and  sawing  logs ................................                                       6    50

 

Total   ................................................                                                 $40    37

"Your committee recommends that these bills be paid by the

Society.

(Signed)   "B. F. PRINCE

WALDO C. MOORE."

• 29
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.          513

On motion of Mr. Mills the report was received and placed

on file.

Mr. Bareis moved, and it was carried, that the recommenda-

tions contained in the report be referred to the Finance Com-

mittee.

SPIEGEL GROVE PARK.

In the absence of Colonel Webb C. Hayes, Chairman of the

Committee on Spiegel Grove, Mr. Wood read a statement from

him setting forth what the state has done toward the erection

and support of the Hayes Memorial Library and Museum and

the need of adequate provision for future maintenance.

Mr. Wood was followed by Mr. Ryan who paid tribute

to Colonel Webb C. Hayes and concluded with the following

statement of his gifts to the state:

"In this connection, and in the absence of Colonel Hayes,

I desire to call the attention of the Society to his unusual and

generous contributions in connection with Spiegel Grove. In

memory of his father and mother he has practically donated

this vast property with all its contents to the State of Ohio. It

is a great monument of filial devotion to his parents, and at the

same time he has created a patriotic shrine that will reflect glory

upon the State and Nation. He is a modest man and it is with

difficulty that we have been able to get the facts from him as to

what he has really done at Spiegel Grove for the Society. He

has created a great trust fund, the proceeds of which go to the

maintenance and operation of this property. From memory

I think I can give substantially what Colonel Hayes has given to

the State of Ohio, reserving the control of this vast fund to

himself and the Society, jointly.

"Spiegel Grove his first donation, at the time he deeded it

to the State was conservatively valued at $50,000 but it and

the real estate adjoining, men who live there tell me, is easily

worth four times that amount. When we constructed the mu-

seum the State of Ohio appropriated about $40,000 for that

purpose, but Colonel Hayes added $50,000 to the state appropria-

tion. Then he made an additional donation to the Society of

$25,000, the proceeds to be used in keeping up Spiegel Grove,

and in addition an endowment of $50,000, the proceeds of which

were to be devoted to the equipment and keeping up of the

museum and library which contains his father's books, relics

and papers. Then he deeded to the State of Ohio, the proceeds

Vol. XXIX-33.

• 30
 

514      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

to go to this Society, property adjoining Spiegel Grove of which

he has sold up to date the sum of $30,000 worth, and this amount

has gone into a trust fund which is for conducting and main-

taining Spiegel Grove. The balance of that real estate, unsold,

is valued at $100,000. July 1st last he created another trust

fund of $100,000, for the use of this Society in maintaining the

library and building. Since then he has created another fund of

$25,000, for the purpose of making additions to the Memorial

Building in which he had already invested $50,000. So up to

date Colonel Hayes has put in money and securities now on de-

posit with the Trust Company at Cleveland, for the use and

benefit of that American shrine, over four hundred thousand

dollars, counting Spiegel Grove at fifty thousand dollars. It

really amounts to over $500,000."

Mr. Wood moved that Mr. Ryan be requested to prepare

resolutions expressing the appreciation of the Society for the

donations made by Colonel Hayes, and that a copy of the resolu-

tions be forwarded to Colonel Hayes. Carried.

 

GENERAL J. WARREN KEIFER

being present, and called upon by the Chairman to come for-

ward, responded, and he was then informally introduced and

spoke as follows:

"I am proud to be before these distinguished gentlemen, and

to hear read these splendid reports showing the success of this

great Society; I am glad to be one of you, and I hope to be with

you during my life.

"I am older in years than any of you, I guess.

GOVERNOR CAMPBELL: "Except myself."

MR. KEIFER: "Well, you may be older than I am, but you

haven't as many years; I will be eighty-five years of age on the

29th of January next; most people would say the 30th of Jan-

uary next, but that will be my eighty-sixth birthday; I will be

eighty-five years old the day before my next birthday; that is

the law and the fact; when a birthday comes we enter upon a

new year.

"I came here today to be with you, and to listen.

MR. RYAN: "You served with Hayes?"

MR. KEIFER: "I served with General Rutherford B. Hayes

in the Civil War, though not generally in the same army or

command. I know his military history however. He went early

in the volunteer service in the Civil War (23 0. V. I.), and

• 31
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.          515 served conspicuously throughout that war, fighting in many of its battles, and he was twice severely wounded. "I participated with him in Virginia (now West Virginia) in campaigns and in battles (Cheat Mountain and Tygart's Val- ley, September 12-15, 1861) and again in September and Octo- ber 1864, in the Shenandoah Valley, in all General Sheridan's famous battles.

"General Hayes served (1864) in the Army of West Vir- ginia, commanded by Major General George Crook (also an Ohio General, born in Montgomery county) and at the opening of the battle of Opequan (Sept. 19, 1864) Hayes, then Colonel, commanded a brigade in the Second Division until its com- mander, Colonel Isaac H. Duval, was disabled by a severe wound,

• 32
 

516      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

when he succeeded to the command of the Division and there-

after continuously commanded it.

"In the succeeding battles under Sheridan, Fisher's Hill

(Sept. 22, 1864), and Cedar Creek (Oct. 19, 1864)-commonly

known as the 'Sheridan's Ride battle,' through T. Buchanan

Read's poem- General Hayes displayed great gallantry; inspired

his men to heroic deeds and won just fame. He served in the

field with great distinction until mustered out at the end of the

Civil War.

"Subsequently he served a term in Congress, House of

Representatives; three terms as Governor of Ohio, and was

President of the United States, 1877-1881. In all public rela-

tions he proved himself an exemplary citizen of our great Re-

public.

"A few words relating to General Philip H. Sheridan, an-

other distinguished Ohio General of the Civil War, whose fame

will live in history, with that of Generals Grant, Sherman, Rose-

crans, Thomas, Meade, Wright, and other distinguished officers

of that war, through time.

"Sheridan, pursuant to a summons to Washington for a

conference at the War Department, was absent from his Army

when the Battle of Cedar Creek opened at about 4 A. M. October

19, 1864.

"General Horatio G. Wright commanded his army in his

absence, and General James B. Ricketts, my division commander,

commanded the Sixth Army Corps and I succeeded to the com-

mand of the Third Division, Sixth Army Corps.

"General Ricketts was dangerously wounded before General

Sheridan's return to the Army, and consequently, I remained

throughout the battle in command of the Third Division, and

for some time thereafter.

"General Frank Wheaton commanded the First and General

George W. Getty commanded the Second Divisions of the Sixth

Corps.

"The left wing of our army was, by a surprise attack led

by General John B. Gordon, outflanked and driven back in some

confusion. The Sixth Corps on the Union right maintained the

battle successfully, and generally Wright had assumed the offen-

sive before Sheridan's arrival about 10 A. M.

"Sheridan, though much disturbed by the reports of non-

combatants through whom he passed in coming from Winchester

where he had spent the night of the 18th of October, assumed

full command, and though the battle did not end until after

night-fall, the Confederate army was not only defeated but

largely captured and destroyed; its artillery and trains were all

• 33
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.           517

 

captured, and only disorganized detachments of General Early's

Army escaped.

"Major William McKinley (later President of the United

States), then on General Crook's Staff, was a prominent figure

in the battle of Opequan* as he was in other campaigns and

battles.

"The battle of Opequan commenced at 4 A. M. and ended

about 8 P. M., without an interval for rationing the troops;

one of my brigade commanders (Colonel Emery) closes his re-

port of the battle by stating that he was ordered by me to take

his command into camp at 8 o'clock P. M. and cook breakfast.

(applause).

"This is not the time or occasion for giving, as requested,

any comprehensive history of my own life, and it must suffice

to say here, that I enlisted in the Civil War as a private soldier

on President Lincoln's first call for troops (April 15, 1861) but

was later (April 27, 1861) commissioned Major (3rd O. V. I.);

Lieutenant Colonel February 12th, 1862 (same regiment);

Colonel (110th O. V. I.) Sept. 30, 1862, and brevet Brigadier

General by appointment of President Lincoln 'for gallant and

meritorious services' (November 30, 1864) and assigned to

duty by him with that rank (December 29, 1864); and I was

appointed, on the recommendations of Generals Wright, Meade

and Grant, brevet Major General, 'for gallant and distinguished

services during the campaign ending with the surrender of the

insurgent army under General R. E. Lee.'

"I was mustered out of service, June 27, 1865, having

served as an officer four years and two months, without an inter-

val of a day, and I was wounded four times, twice severely.

"I served in now West Virginia in 1861 and in Kentucky,

Tennessee and Alabama in 1862 to September 29, 1862, and

again in 1862 as Colonel 11oth Ohio Volunteers, in West Vir-

ginia, reaching Winchester in the Shenandoah Valley, January

1, 1863, generally commanding a brigade after I was commis-

sioned Colonel; joined the Third Army Corps, Army of the

Potomac, July 6, 1863, and served in it until it was broken up

(March 23, 1864) when, with my division, I was then trans-

ferred to the Sixth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, in which

corps, and the Third Division thereof, I served until the close

of the Civil War.

"I was on detached service (August 1863) with three regi-

ments in New York City and Brooklyn to put down riots and

enforce the draft.

* Spelled also Opequon.

• 34
 

518       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

"I commanded the Third Division of the Sixth Corps in

the battle of Cedar Creek, and, temporarily, in campaigns and

other battles, notably the battle of Sailor's Creek, April 6, 1865.

I fought in twenty-eight battles, large and small; and there were

killed on the battle-fields under my direct command in what

was called the 'Keifer Brigade' 54 officers and 812 enlisted

men; wounded 101 officers and 2410 enlisted men, in all 3377,

only six less than the like casualties under General Scott and

General Taylor in their conquest of Mexico (1847-1848) and

a larger number than was killed under the command of Wash-

ington in the War of the Revolution (1776-1783).

"I fought in the first field-battle, Rich Mountain (now

West Virginia) July 11, 1861, and in the last one--Sailor's

Creek, Va., April 6, 1865, and I was present at the surrender

of the Confederate Army by General Lee to General Grant at

Appomattox, April 9, 1865.

"I served throughout the Spanish-American War (1898-

1899) as Major-General of Volunteers (7th Army Corps) in

Florida and Cuba; and in Civil Life one term (1868-1869) in

the Ohio Senate; also fourteen years in the Congress of the

United States (1877-1885; 1905-1911); and as speaker of the

House of Representatives (47th Congress) 1881-1883.

"I thank you for your indulgence and again for this kind

reception." (applause).

Mr. Wood stated that when the Society had twenty-one

Trustees, instead of the present number, fifteen, General Keifer

served on the Board of Trustees, and moved that all present

rise as a mark of respect to General Keifer. The motion was

unanimously carried, and all present arose. General Keifer said,

"I know the kind of men you are, earnest and honest. I am

proud of you, and I thank you."

LOGAN ELM PARK.

Mr. Frank Tallmadge, Chairman of the Committee, sub-

mitted the following report:

"The current year has broken all records as to number of

visitors at the Park. The Elm has shown more vigor than at

any season it has been under our control, for it has made growth

in its foliage to an unexpected extent and the leaves have been

of a better color, all no doubt due to the mulching treatment

given the roots three years since. No branches have fallen as

the heavy limbs have been cabled to the trunk. The barricade

has effectually protected the tree from damage by the tops of

autos running under it. No vandalism has been reported. All

• 35
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.           519

visitors have respected the memorials to an unusual extent.

Since our last report a new memorial has been completed and

formally accepted by our Society in the shape of an imposing

granite monument to the Indian Chief Logan, which occupies

a most prominent spot, the first stone to be reached as one enters

the Park. It contains on one side Logan's message to Lord

Dunmore, read under the Elm at the treaty in 1774, together

with a bas-relief in bronze of the tree, giving its dimensions.

On the reverse, also in bronze, the strikingly handsome head of

an Indian, reproduced from the recent nickel coin, under which

there is cut in the stone about twenty lines, well chosen, ex-

planatory as to the history connected with the site, and com-

ments upon the incidents which inspired Logan to the eloquent

and pitiful words of the message. This memorial is well con-

structed throughout, reflecting much credit upon the donors,

citizens and former citizens of Pickaway and Ross counties.

Messrs. J. T. Sharp and John A. Wilson, representatives of fam-

ilies living in the immediate neighborhood for over one hundred

years, were instrumental in carrying the project to a most suc-

cessful end. They deserve our thanks and congratulations. The

unveiling occurred last September, with appropriate ceremonies,

in the presence of about one thousand persons, including the

scholars from a nearby township school, who, under the direction

of their teacher, Miss Hanna McKenzie of Circleville, recited

separately a playlet written by Miss McKenzie called "A Tribute

to Logan," which embraced all the known history of Logan's

life, each scholar having committed to memory one incident

thereof. A copy of this 'Tribute' should be in our achives;

it is worthy of publication in our QUARTERLY.

"We recommend the purchase by this Society of that por-

tion of Congo Creek that lies just outside our east line and the

removal of the fence to the opposite bank, throwing the creek

within the Park, and thereafter terracing our bank to the water's

edge, thus giving the visitors a view of the swift running and

clear stream, which is now invisible.

"Some attention should also be given to the general beautifi-

cation of the ground by planting hardy shrubs, together with

each and every variety of native trees. This can be done with-

out interfering with the parking space. Complaints have been

made that there are no trees around the cabin, and that we have

not started a grove in the southeastern part, now unused, which

if done will make more room for picnics and parties.

"Respectfully submitted,

(Signed) "FRANK TALLMADGE,

"Chairman."

• 36
 

520      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

Mr. Tallmadge then read a letter, addressed to President

Campbell, as follows:

"I regret that it will probably be impossible for me to attend

the annual meeting of The Ohio State Archaeological and His-

torical Society, on the 15th inst., of which I have just received

my notice. Before I received the notice, I had made my arrange-

ments for an important out-of-town business trip, and cannot

break that engagement. It is possible, however, that I can return

in time to attend the meeting.

"I congratulate the Society and yourself as its President,

on the work done during the present calendar year. I hoped to

attend the annual meeting, because I wished to present for the

consideration of its members a tentative plan for improving and

perpetuating the state's property in Pickaway county, and hope,

in lieu of doing that, that I may have the opportunity, later on,

to present that matter to the members of the proper committee.

"Very truly yours,

"H. J. BOOTH."

Mr. Tallmadge stated that he did not pretend to know what

improvements Mr. Booth refers to. The road will be improved

this winter, by widening it so that automobiles entering the

Park will not all run in the same track. The Park, four and

seven-tenths acres, is wedge shaped, the north line being only

one hundred and fifty feet in length. The branches of the tree

are now so long that they reach the fence, and if the adjoining

field should be put into pasture live-stock could easily nibble

the ends of the branches.

On motion of Mr. Mills the report was received and placed

on file.

Mr. Bareis moved that the question of the purchase of ad-

ditional land for the Park be referred to the Board of Trustees.

Carried.

Dr. Cole read the report of the Committee on

 

SERPENT MOUND,

as follows:

"The Serpent Mound continues to attract an increasing

number of visitors.

"The Custodian reports eight thousand registered during

the past year, with probably as many more who did not register,

• 37
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.            521

making sixteen thousand who enjoyed the pleasures of the Park

during the year.

"While many of these, doubtless, belonged to the great com-

pany of sightseers, it is fair to assume that most of them carried

away more or less impressions of the great Serpent effigy.

"It has been the policy of the administration to get into the

possession of visitors some literature concerning this marvelous

work of prehistoric man. To aid in this there has been prepared

and placed on sale at the Park some inexpensive literature set-

ting forth the main features of the Park, and the effigy. This

embraces "Serpent Mound," by our former Secretary, Mr. E. O.

Randall, "Map and Guide of Serpent Mound," compiled from

the published report of Professor Putnam of the serpent effigy

and his operations and work at the Park, and a large folding

card, six by fourteen inches, on one side of which is a large cut

of the effigy, and on the reverse side a map of the Park together

with historical and descriptive notes of interest to the general

reader.

"Of this literature twelve hundred and fifty pieces have

been sold during the year, and it is a safe assumption that this

literature will increase information and interest in the archaeo-

logical work of the Society. This literature has been circulated

without expense to the Society, it being sold at a price to cover

the printing and selling costs.

"We take the liberty of again calling the attention of the

Society to the value of the Museum that has been installed in

the Shelter House. While only a beginning has been made, the

results in the way of interest of visitors fully justifies a larger

collection as soon as the Society can provide funds for the neces-

sary cases for the protection of specimens.

"Our Curator informs us that a large collection could be

made from the numerous duplicates belonging to the Society

without in any way impairing the parent Museum.

"During the year there has been erected at the entrance to

the Park two modest but somewhat imposing pillars, two and a

half by six feet. These pillars were constructed of concrete,

the material for the same being hauled by the Custodian, who

also assisted in the labor of construction. The cost of these,

together with some work on the Shelter House, was $94.18.

"The driveway up the hillside to the plateau, being some-

what steep and subject to frequent washings of the soft material

used in its construction, should be replaced as soon as possible

by some kind of firmer material that will make it more per-

manent.

• 38
 

522      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

"During the year our Custodian, Mr. Guy Wallace, has

married a wife, left the Park and turned the care of it over

to his brother, Denver, who has been associated with him in its

care and who now seeks the appointment as Custodian.

"In view of the fact that in some of the properties owned

by the Society there are cultivatable lands that yield income,

and that the Society is paying stipulated sums for the care of

these properties, would it not be well for Custodians to account

more specifically for the labor performed in the upkeep, and for

the receipts from lands under cultivation?

"Respectfully submitted,

(Signed) "W. H. COLE,

"WM. C. MILLS,

"Committee."

On motion of Mr. Heer the report was received and placed

on file.

Mr. W. J. Sherman, Chairman of the Committee on

 

FORT MIAMI, FORT MEIGS AND FALLEN TIMBERS

being unavoidably absent, Secretary Galbreath read his report,

as follows:

"Your Committee on Ft. Miami, Ft. Meigs and the Battle-

field of Fallen Timbers respectfully submit the following report:

 

FORT MIAMI

"The full committee paid a visit to this historic site Novem-

ber 4, 1920, and made a very careful and thorough inspection of

the present condition of the earthworks. It may not be generally

known that these old works are still well and clearly defined and

in an excellent state of preservation. They occupy one of the

most commanding sites to be found on the West or left bank of

the Maumee River. The state monument at Ft. Meigs, some

two miles away, is plainly visible. It is the unanimous opinion

of the committee that this beautiful and historic spot should

belong to the Society. We regret to report the property is still

in the hands of owners who state that they do not wish to sell

the property, though their reason is not apparent, for Ft. Miami

is not a source of revenue to its owners.

 

BATTLE FIELD OF FALLEN TIMBERS

"Your committee has been working for a long time past in

an effort to secure from the owners with practically no cost to

• 39
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.           523

the historical society a suitable site for the monument to com-

memorate the Battle of Fallen Timbers. We are pleased to re-

port that a beautiful spot has been selected by your full com-

mittee and the representative of the owner, complete typograph-

ical surveys and maps have been prepared, as has also a descrip-

tion of the property for incorporation in the deed. The owner

is an elderly lady whose brother, a local real estate agent, is

representing her in the transaction. Though we are not able to

report as yet that the deed to this beautiful property is resting

in the vaults of your Society, nevertheless we have been re-

peatedly assured by the representative of the owner that we

may expect to receive the deed to the property within a very

short time. The owner asks no compensation whatever and

promises to insert no conditions save such as any prudent busi-

ness man would require.

FORT MEIGS

"The conditions at Ft. Meigs remain practically the same

as they were one year ago. Some ten thousand dollars have

been expended during the past season in improving the water

supply for the Fort and the rest house. Your full committee

had the pleasure of inspecting this property on the 4th of last

month and unite in reporting it to be apparently in fine condition.

"Very respectfully yours,

(Signed)  "W. J. SHERMAN."

The report was ordered received and placed on file, on

motion of Mr. Cole.

The Committees on Fort Laurens and Campus Martius

made no report, on account of the fact that the Chairman, Mr. E.

O. Randall, is now deceased.

 

NECROLOGY.

Curator Mills reported that during the year the Society

has lost, by death, the following members:

Mr. E. O. Randall, for many years Secretary of the Society.

Mr. Almer Hegler.

Dr. J. C. Reave, of Dayton.

Mr. Louis P. Schaus, for many years a member of the

Board of Trustees.

Mr. Wood moved that the Secretary be requested, at his

earliest convenience, to prepare an abstract of the recommenda-

• 40
 

524      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

tions made by the several committees in their reports, and sub-

mit them to the Board of Trustees for action. Carried.

On motion of Mr. Heer the meeting adjourned.

 

OPEN MEETING OF THE SOCIETY.

SOCIETY BUILDING, COLUMBUS, 0.,

2:00 P. M., December 15, 1920.

President Campbell called the meeting to order, stating that

it was called for the purpose of receiving a number of interest-

ing and valuable- almost priceless- donations.

The chairman then called upon

 

MR. JOHN G. DESHLER,

who read the following letter:

"COLUMBUS, OHIO, DEC. 1O, 1920.

HON. JAMES E. CAMPBELL,

President, The Ohio State

Archaeological and

Historical Society.

Columbus, Ohio.

DEAR SIR: -

"I take pleasure in presenting, through you, to The Ohio

State Archaeological and Historical Society, a cane that once

belonged to my father. It bears the inscription:

'Salmon P. Chase                           "Merrimac."

to                                      April 1864.

Wm. G. Deshler                          88/64.'

"The intrinsic, historic value of this cane rests upon the

fact that the wood is a part of the celebrated Confederate con-

verted ram, the Merrimac, which for a time struck terror to the

North during the War. Its metal--the handle and the ferrule

- is made from material taken from the guns of the Merrimac.

"The historical association of the cane, why it was made

and the occasion of its presentation, is likewise of great interest.

My father in his lifetime, when he was seventy-three years old,

wrote out a full history of this cane, which I have in my posses-

sion, and from which I will summarize the events which led to

the circumstances of its presentation.

• 41
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.           525

"On the 14th of April, 1864, my father received the follow-

ing telegram from Washington:

'Confidential.'

'Am going to New York tonight. If you can, meet

me at Fifth Avenue Hotel on Friday night or earlier. Come

at once.                             'S. P. CHASE.'

 

"In his memoirs, from which I shall quote quite extensively,

my father says:

"This call did not surprise me, as from the beginning of

Secretary Chase's administration of the United States Treasury

Department, I had frequent conferences with him, through cor-

respondence and in person, so that I was familiar with the new

condition of his Department required by the wide extension of

its operation in consequence of the breaking out of the rebellion.'

"He was in New York the next day, and when he went to

the hotel desk to register the clerk said: 'Mr. Deshler your room

has been secured-thirty-six Parlor floor-you will find a

gentleman awaiting for you in the next room, as they connect.'

The gentleman was Secretary Chase, and apparently he was very

much concerned about the financial situation of the government.

In this conversation Mr. Chase said:

"' We are confronted here in New York, on every side, by

the rankest treason. Men professing loyalty- with our flag

at their desk--are secretly engaged in trying to break down

the credit of the government by speculation in stocks and gold.

They have a chain of operations, reaching from here to Rich-

mond, by way of Montreal and by way of Louisville. They have

given the State Department great trouble in our strained foreign

relations. The thing I am interested in directly, and which has

worried me, is that they have thwarted my negotiations with a

syndicate of German bankers for a loan of two hundred million

dollars.'

"As he related the details of his negotiations his eyes

snapped, his tone was bitter, his feelings intense to the point of

vengeance. He said with emphasis 'That conspiracy must be

crushed and the gang punished. I want you to take the matter

in charge, make your own plans, which we will talk over this

evening.'

"Handing my father a paper he said: 'Here is a list of that

gang, and you will be surprised to see some of the names on it

-honorable men, forsooth,' he said bitterly, 'yet that list is re-

liable, as I am assured by the Secret Service Department.'

• 42
 

526      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications. "Mr. Chase left, saying he would return in an hour. "Quoting my father's memoirs again, he said: 'As I looked over the list I was surprised, as I knew some personally, others by reputation, as among the best business men in New York. To myself I said, "Here is a job; he wants me to crush this gang; why don't he shoot them, as do our boys down South?"

I thought over the general situation, and the outlook was not pleasant; our army massed to protect Washington (the battles of the Wilderness were fought a few days later); copperheads rampant throughout the North; gold going up (which was green- backs going down); speculation in stocks wild, so much so that every evening the lobbies of the Fifth Avenue Hotel were crowded with a mob of howling brokers plying their trade; the

• 43
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.           527

issue of bonds and paper money to pay war expenses; many

soldiers called out and in the field; the ultra democratic papers

objecting to the draft; the taxes and the flood of bank circula-

tion on top of the greenbacks. Indeed it was not a healthy con-

dition.'

"After dinner Mr. Chase and my father met in the former's

room, and to the Secretary of the Treasury he outlined a plan

of operation which, in his mind, was sufficient to check the dis-

astrous financial condition. He said to the Secretary: 'If I can

sell a few millions of gold a little under the market rate, to be

paid for in greenbacks, no checks on the banks or certificates of

deposit to be taken, greenbacks will become scarce, the banks

will be alarmed, they will call in loans or demand increased

margins as the market for gold and stocks declines. Then I

will find out the 'specialties' protected by the men in this list

and look after them in the Stock Exchange; also I will offer

a premium for greenbacks to be paid for with checks on the

banks. In other words my gold business will be done on a

money basis only. Of course I must employ brokers and pay

their commissions, but I will get the right kind of brokers - and

all of their operations in stocks will be by bank checks. Thus the

government will be buying its debts in the shape of greenbacks

and paying them in gold, which it has in the Subtreasury; the

law certainly allows that, but it don't allow government funds

to be used in stock operations. The gold and stock operations

must not be mixed, but can be cooperative in producing the

result desired. The stock part I must handle myself, and it

must be left to me. The gold business will be done through the

Subtreasury where secrecy must be maintained for a short time

at least.'

"The Secretary approved this plan of operation, and it was

agreed that they should meet at Mr. Cisco's office, who was the

Subtreasurer of the United States.

"The rest of the evening was spent in gossip about home.

Reference was made to the early associations in and around

Columbus. My father says that he asked him if he remembered

his first speech. The Secretary inquired 'Do you mean the slave

girl case?' 'No,' said my father, 'long before that. It was at

your uncle's, the Bishop's school near Worthington, upon the

occasion of the examination just before vacation when you and

Joseph Sullivant were school-boys together.' He remembered

Sullivant's story and laughed heartily. After a few stories of

Ohio times they parted with the understanding that they would

meet at the Subtreasurer's office at 10 o'clock the next morning.

• 44
 

528      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

'When my father entered Mr. Cisco's private office he found

Horace Greeley there, and upon being introduced as from Ohio

Mr. Greeley said: 'Great state, but too many copperheads in it.'

"My father in his memoirs gives a passing description of

the great editor. He speaks of him as 'standing there, a rare

picture, his big loose coat, with its pockets stuffed with news-

papers, his necktie shifted around with its knot under his ear,

and the big-brimmed hat set back on his head, making him look

like a belated cherub with a misfit glory on.'

"After a few remarks about Greeley, Secretary Chase said to

Mr. Cisco: 'Mr. Deshler will want to use some money during

the next few days, and you will let him have what he wants,

taking his receipt, which will be your sufficient voucher.' Mr.

Cisco said: 'Why, Mr. Secretary, we have a great deal of

money here, and do I understand that your order is unlimited?'

'Yes,' replied the Secretary, looking at my father with a twinkle

in his eye. Mr. Cisco, somewhat surprised, said: 'Will you

kindly put your order in writing, Mr. Secretary?' Mr. Chase sat

down as Cisco's desk and wrote the order, and handed it to him.

He carefully read it, looked at Chase, then at my father, 'some-

what dazed.' I quote again from my father's memoirs: 'Mr.

Chase then left. As the door closed Mr. Cisco said: "Is the

Secretary a relative of yours?" "No," I replied. "How much

gold have you on hand?" He looked over a little book and told

me the millions, as he muttered to himself, "Remarkable."

"Well," I said, "I don't think I will need it all; have you a con-

siderable sum in bags, ready for delivery?" "Yes," he replied,

and again muttered "Remarkable." I left, telling him I would

call soon again.'

"My father then went to the American Exchange Bank, to

Mr. George S. Coe, its President, at that time one of the most

prominent and influential bankers in New York. They were

business and personal friends of many years' standing, and he

was known as one of the most conservative of bankers, actively

and thoroughly loyal to the government, and one of the advisors

of Secretary Chase when his advice was asked. From Mr. Coe

my father received a general letter of endorsement, practically

guaranteeing any contracts that he should make. Armed with

this letter and the backing of the Treasury of the United States,'

and with his own individual means used in the purchase of

stocks, he went upon the market to sell gold, which he did at a

price below the market price, and bought greenbacks at a price

above the market price. The result was that after expending

several million dollars in gold in the purchase of greenbacks,

and selling several million dollars of gold below the price of the

• 45
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.           529

raiders, the projects of the gold conspirators were defeated. He

kept feeding the market with gold and purchasing greenbacks

at higher prices every day. The purpose desired by Mr. Chase

was accomplished. Greenbacks rose and gold went back. The

financial condition of the government was such that Mr. Chase

readily disposed of his war bonds, but for four days there was a

merry time on Wall Street. Its gamblers in gold discovered

on the second day that it was government gold that was being

thrown on the market, and of course that created a tremendous

panic as they well knew that with the government as a com-

petitor their end was in sight.

"My father was called to New    York on April 14; the

Ohio State Journal in its New York "Stock Report" of April

18th, says:

'Money market much disturbed by stock panic- no regular

rate of interest-at public board the panic became intense, and

blocks were thrown overboard at almost any price. One per cent

a day interest is paid - the banks are not paying out greenbacks,

and legal tenders are worth two per cent premium more than

certified checks - a large number of bull operators have broken

down.'

"The operators that broke down were members of the gang

who has conspired to cripple the United States government at

its most critical period. While all this was going on and the

end of the gold orgy was approaching, my father went to Wash-

ington and reported to Secretary Chase what he had done. The

Secretary was greatly pleased.

"He declined to receive any pay for his services, and re-

ceived a draft on the Assistant Treasurer of the United States

for his expenses, $123.93. In sending this draft to my father,

Mr. Chase's private secretary said, in a letter in my possession:

'I am directed by the Secretary to enclose draft on Assistant

Treasurer, New York, for $123.93. He would write himself

but for pressure of public business. The fidelity and success

with which you conducted the important duties imposed upon

you in New York met his hearty approval, and he directs me to

assure you of his thanks.

"Very truly yours,

"J. W. SCHUCKERS."

"After my father had completed his labors in New York

he received the following letter from Mr. Chase:

Vol. XXIX-34.

• 46
 

530      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

'TREASURY DEPARTMENT

"April 26, 1864.

'MY DEAR SIR:-

'I am sorry that you go home unwell, but hope that home

and its affectionate cares for your well being will soon give you

perfect health.

'Accept my thanks for your services to the public and

especially to this Department, in New York-you must allow

me at least to repay the expense you incurred. Please state the

amount.

'I beg you to receive my thanks, and as a slight mark of

my personal appreciation, a cane, all the materials of which are

from the wreck of the Merrimac, blown up by the order of her

rebel commander the morning after the capture of Norfolk.

The cane was made for me by Norfolk mechanics, and may be

received as genuine and authentic. I received it and another

because having been a volunteer aid to General Wood on the

Norfolk expedition, and pretty active in the whole affair, which

was immediately followed by the suicide of the Merrimac, I was

thought to take special interest in the wreck.

'Your friend,

'S. P. CHASE.'

'To W. G. DESHLER, ESQ.

"I am presenting this cane with the original telegram and

letters, for its historic value and as a memento of my father's

patriotic service to his country. I have felt that I owe it to his

memory to make this explanation of its history, and at the same

time I have, out of a sense of filial duty, left this written report

of his conduct in one of the most crucial periods of our nation's

history.

"Very truly yours,

"JOHN G. DESHLER."

Mr. Deshler stated that the cannon on this cane is an exact

duplicate, in miniature, of the cannons on the Merrimac, and

that when a boy he frequently shot it. In reply to a question he

said that the inscription "88/64," means that gold went to 88 in

1864; the plan of the conspirators was to send gold to 200, and

greenbacks down to fifty cents.

President Campbell stated that four of the "Merrimac"

canes were made, one of them was presented to Mr. Lincoln,

one to the Smithsonian Institute, and two to Mr. Chase.

• 47
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.          531

MR. COLE: As a fitting expression of our appreciation I

want to make a motion that the thanks of this Society be ten-

dered Mr. Deshler, not only for the cane, but also for the inter-

esting letter and memoranda. Carried.

Chairman Campbell stated that two gifts are to be presented

through Governor James M. Cox. The first a library, the second

a trust fund of $47,424.69. Governor Cox will tell you how

this fund was raised, and why it is to be given to this Society

to build an addition to the Museum and Library Building, the

addition to be known as "The Memorial Building to the Soldiers,

Sailors and Marines of the Great War."

 

 

GIFT BY MR. CLAUDE MEEKER.

Hon. Daniel J. Ryan explained that Mr. Meeker, the donor

of the library, being unable to attend the meeting has requested

him [Mr. Ryan] to represent him. Mr. Ryan then read a letter

from Mr. Claude Meeker, as follows:

 

"COLUMBUS, OHIO, December 4th, 1920.

"Gov. JAMES M. Cox,

"Executive Office,

"Columbus, Ohio.

"SIR:-

"It is my pleasure to present through you, to the State of

Ohio, a collection of books and pamphlets relating to Ohio. I

intend this as a heritage to the people of the State, upon the

following conditions:

First:- They are to be held forever in the custody of and

under the exclusive control of 'The Ohio State Archaeological

and Historical Society.

Second:-They are to be preserved, maintained and in-

dexed as a separate library unmixed with any other books or

library except such of a kindred nature as may be added to it

from time to time.

Third: -Said collection of books shall be known as "The

Meeker Collection of Ohioana."

Fourth: -Said collection shall be used as a reference

library, free to the use of all scholars and students.

"This library specialized on the State of Ohio, is the result

of intelligent and discriminating collecting for a period of forty

• 48
 

532      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications. years. It was selected with a view of preserving for the future the history of the people and manners, the evolution and accom- plishments of our State as recorded in the literature covering a period of from 1750 to the present. "Its card index shows that it contains two thousand one

hundred and ten (2110) volumes, of which about three hundred (300) are in pamphlet form, bound separately. "It can be said with certainty, and without qualification, that there is not in this country, under private ownership, a library as complete and comprehensive on its subject matter,

• 49
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.            533

and as numerous in its titles. It is very largely composed of

literature of the nineteenth century; the dates of publication

throughout that period ranging from one hundred and fifteen

years ago to the present time.

"The value of this library as a collection can only be ap-

preciated by a personal examination and study, but its scope

may be realized by the following summary of the character of

its contents.

"1. Pertaining to the physiography of the State, being the

literature relating to the fauna and flora; its geology and its

rivers and water-sheds; the histories of its floods and flood pre-

vention.

"2. The literature of the prehistoric or mound-builder

period of Ohio, containing all that has been written upon that

subject.

"3. The publications relating to the Indians of Ohio, and

the period of their occupation, including those treating of the

Indian wars in the settlement of the State.

"4. Numerous histories of the pioneer occupation and

early settlement of Ohio. In this are also included the histories

and lives of the pioneers, both autobiographical and biographical,

as well as local histories of cities, towns and counties.

"5. Travels through, and tours into Ohio, commencing

with Rev. David Jones' Journal of 1772-1773, and including

Forman (1789), Walcott (1799), Michaux (1803), Ashe (1806),

Cuming (181O), Melich (1812), and others of later dates. This

literature, composed of original editions, narrating experiences

of those early travelers and their comments upon the new

country and its people, is extremely interesting and valuable,

rare and out of print.

"6. The literature pertaining to the Ordinance of 1787,

the Northwest Territory and Ohio when a part of such territory.

"7. A complete collection of all the histories of Ohio as a

State, commencing with that of Thaddeus M. Harris, published

in 1805, to Randall and Ryan's in 1912.

"8. Biographies, autobiographies, speeches, addresses and

writings of distinguished Ohioans - statesmen, lawyers, min-

isters, physicians, soldiers, literary men, poets and politicians.

"9. The historical literature of Ohio relating to the War

of 1812; with special reference to the battle of Lake Erie, the

siege of Fort Stephenson, the battles in the Northwest and Gen-

eral Harrison's campaigns.

"10. Official documents, writings and histories relating to

the construction, development, and operation of the Ohio Canal

System.

• 50
 

534      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

"11. Proceedings of, and literature pertaining to the Con-

stitutional Conventions of 1851, 1871 and 1912, including the

current publications composed of pamphlets, brochures and mag-

azines relating to the questions before the people at the time

of their submission.

"12. The magazine literature published in Ohio including

complete sets of the official publications of the Western Reserve

Historical Society (1877-1917), the Firelands Historical Society

(1858-1915), the Ohio State Archaeological and Historical So-

ciety (1887-1917) and the Old Northwest Genealogical Society

(1898-1912). Among the magazines are complete sets of the

Hesperian (3 Vols. 1838-1839), The American Pioneer (2 Vols.

1842-1843), and the Cincinnati Miscellany (2 Vols. 1845-1846);

all of which are out of print and extremely rare.

"13. The educational literature of Ohio; being a collection

of the histories of its colleges and universities; histories relating

to the establishment and growth of the common school system

and institutions of higher education; the official reports, pre-

sented to the Legislature, providing for the establishment of a

common school system (1825), and general educational addresses

of a historical nature.

"14. The ecclesiastical history of the state; being histories

of the growth and religious progress of the leading denomina-

tions; numerous anniversary sermons relating to the foundation

and development of individual churches, and the history of

various religious movements, together with memoirs and remin-

iscences of pioneer preachers of Ohio.

"15. Official publications of the state, bearing upon, and

recording historic events, and having a distinct value for that

purpose. These are entirely out of print and are now only to

be found in institutional libraries.

"16. The political literature of the state; embracing com-

plete histories of the Democratic and Republican parties; political

addresses, platforms and biographies of the prominent political

leaders of Ohio.

"17. The Civil War literature of Ohio; composed of (a)

the writings of Ohio authors upon the Civil War; (b) the writ-

ings of authors concerning Ohio in the Civil War; (c) the

official records and literature of the state for that period, and (d)

the histories of Ohio regiments and other army organizations.

To those may be added (e) Publications of the Ohio Com-

mandery of the Loyal Legion, (f) the Grand Army of the Re-

public of Ohio, (g) speeches, addresses and sermons on the

war, and (h) miscellaneous military literature of that period.

This collection of Ohio Civil War literature is the most complete

• 51
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.           535

of its kind in this country, not excelled in number and complete-

ness by the Congressional Library or the War Department

Library. This division of the library alone contains seven hun-

dred and twenty-eight (728) volumes.

It is well known among librarians and book collectors that

the historical literature of Ohio is becoming scarcer year by

year. The great public libraries of the state universities and

colleges have been collecting so industriously that it is practical-

ly removed from the private collections. Indeed it has become

impossible to secure the publications printed in the first half of

the nineteenth century. Therefore, so far as duplicating by col-

lection at this late date, such a library as this, neither money nor

search can accomplish what years of patient work have done.

"Such a library should be within free and easy access of

students and scholars, and to this end I have thought that its

place is in the building of the Ohio State Archaeological and

Historical Society, and I have therefore made this donation so

that that purpose may be accomplished.

"Very respectfully,

"CLAUDE MEEKER."

MR. RYAN: Governor, I am authorized by Mr. Meeker to

say in addition that it is his purpose to create a foundation, or

fund, the resources of which will be used to keep up this library

and purchase hereafter any rare works pertaining to the history

of this state, whenever the opportunity to do so may arise.

(Applause.)

GOVERNOR JAMES M. COX

was presented and spoke as follows:

"Mr. President, Members and Guests of this Society:

"I am very happy that the last days of my incumbency of

the executive office bring circumstances which enable me to come

here, and in my official capacity make a presentation of two

substantial things to this very historic historical society.

 

CHECK FOR MEMORIAL BUILDING.

"Acting on the suggestion of your distinguished president,

I will give you, briefly, the history of this fund which was as-

signed to my care. Soon after the selective-service law became

operative in this State - speaking now, when the hours of stress

have passed with a confidence that wouldn't have been prudent

at that time- I might say to you that we had some misgivings

• 52
 

536      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications. in this state, as they had doubtless in some other states, as to just how this law would work out. When the first realization of the stern fact of war came, young men, of course, were leav- ing their homes and were taking trains for the training camps. General Glenn, then in command at Camp Sherman, very happily

conceived the idea of making a moving picture out of the daily life of the boys in camp. I remember very well that the first part of the film was made up of the entrance into camp of sundry contingents in citizens clothes, carrying their traveling bags and belongings; every process of physical examination; the

• 53
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.          537

 

drilling of the boys; the precautions taken as to health and sani-

tation, the provisions that were made for food, in fact every-

thing that entered into the day of the young soldier was shown

upon the canvas by means of this picture, and in consequence of

it the law, as we continued to administer it, seemed to have

very much less severity to it.

"When the picture was first exhibited, a small admission fee

was charged to bear the cost, because there was no governmental

fund available for that purpose, and its finally developed that

there was such a demand for the picture that three or four

distinct outfits were provided.

"When General Glenn went over seas, he advised me that

he had the fund in his possession, and he was very much in the

position of the man having hold of the cow's tail--he didn't

quite know how to let go of it - He wanted to place it in charge

of some state authority. I told him there would be a great im-

propriety in permitting it to pass into the general revenue fund

of the state; that it ought to have a great historic value and ap-

plication, and I agreed that if the whole enterprise from its

outset were audited by acknowledged experts, I would become

the custodian of the fund. After it was given to me, the money

was turned over to the State Treasurer, and placed on interest.

We disbursed a few thousand dollars in order to get under way

the vocational training of soldiers. This left a sum aggregating

$47,424.69. Governor Campbell in some way discovered that

we had the money, and in his enthusiasm in behalf of this

organization, so well known to you that there is no need of men-

tion of it by me, he requested the money and persisted in it until

the hour came when I realized there was to be no peace of mind

until I gave it to him. Then the task was in ascertaining just how

the transfer might be made and the fund administered so that

there would be no trespassing upon propriety, and we finally

agreed that the money would be used and the donation made upon

the definite specification that it would be employed in building,

in whole or in part, an addition to this structure, into which

would pass, exclusively, collections and data, historical and other-

wise, bearing upon the Great War.

"Now I conclude my responsibility, and very happily, by

presenting the check to this organization.

 

MEEKER LIBRARY OF OHIOANA.

"The collection of books presented by Mr. Meeker is, be-

yond any question, the most important one of its kind in exist-

ence. I will not permit the modesty of Mr. Ryan to be respon-

sible for your leaving this room without knowing who it was

• 54
 

538      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

that made, in the first instance, this collection. It was Mr. Ryan

-Daniel J. Ryan himself. The question of purchasing this col-

lection and making it a part of some private library was under

consideration by a number of individuals in this state, but those

of us who gave it thought were all agreed in this, that no selfish

ambition should be permitted to interfere with this unusual col-

lection of books being made a part of the great historical prop-

erty of the great commonwealth of ours.

"Now I take great pleasure in presenting this library as it

comes from Mr. Claude Meeker, than whom there is no prouder

citizen of this Commonwealth, no man, I mean, who is prouder

to be an Ohioan and to have come from the flesh and bone of

Ohio people. He is himself Ohio born. He had a long and

distinguished career in journalism, and his golden hearted qual-

ities and unselfish spirit generally are so well known to most

people in this community that it would be almost inappropriate

for me to elaborate upon them.

"I lay down the cares of office now in a little while, after

having served longer than any man in the history of Ohio as

Governor of the State, and somehow it seems to me that I would

be a little ungracious if I did not leave some observations with

reference to and in behalf of the departments of government

with which I have come into more or less close contact. Acting

upon that thought, I am going to make a suggestion in behalf

of this association. It must be something more than a coinci-

dence that in the main people don't give much attention to the

history of their own state until they have at least entered or

passed through middle life. There must be something which

joins to our physical and mental transformation which does not

make the history and traditions of a state or a nation of appealing

interest to humanity until old age is in sight. It seems to me

that we ought, in this state, because it is a commonwealth of a

wonderful history both in men and in events - no state is her

superior in war or in peace [applause] -encourage study along

these lines. If you will consult the current text books in the

schools, you will be very lucky, I believe, and I am speaking not

critically of the school text books, but you will be very fortunate

if you find three pages, or possibly two pages, devoted to the

early history of Ohio. My suggestion is that three or four times

a year, and perhaps once every month, the schools, public and

private, in Ohio, be called upon in their history courses or in their

general courses, to set aside a day for the study of the early

history and the traditions of this state, and that some one con-

nected with this organization prepare for the year a definite

course of study to that end. I am quite sure, Mr. President, that

• 55
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.           539

you will have the most enthusiastic co-operation of the University

presided over by that great executive and educator, Dr. Thomp-

son. I am happy to see with my retirement from office that his

spirit is undiminished, that his strength goes on just as it did

when I came eight years ago, and that his sympathetic interest

continues in behalf of our ambitious boys and girls seeking

higher education. I hope his shadow will never grow less.

"I now formally present you with this check, accept the gift

tendered by Mr. Meeker's representative, and tender this collec-

tion to you also, at the same time take my official leave of this

organization, and submit my recommendation for what it is

worth." (Applause.)

GENERAL KEIFER: "I arise to move, on behalf of the So-

ciety, the tender of our warmest thanks to our distinguished

Governor, James M. Cox, and also to Mr. Claude Meeker, for

the services they have rendered to the people of Ohio, and par-

ticularly to this Society." The motion was carried.

PRESIDENT CAMPBELL: "I think the necessity for the addi-

tion to this building is not altogether understood. You see here

six or eight tons of material. There are in this building fifty

tons of material, relating to the State of Ohio in the World War,

which we have no place to exhibit. It relates to every phase of

activity - the soldier papers; thousands and thousands of their

letters; every newspaper published in Ohio during the war; the

activities of the Red Cross, Y. M. C. A., Jewish Relief, Knights

of Columbus and every institution of every character that had to

do, either at home or abroad, with the war. So that to erect a

building to house this material, where it can be classified and

placed together, not only appeals to the patriotism of the men

who won the war, but equally to those of us at home who did

everything in our power to make the war a success. I know

of no possible way that this money could be better expended than

in preserving the history of the soldiers and patriots of this

state. I am a thousand times gladder than I was before that

I pestered the Governor until we got it."

Dr. W. O. Thompson, President of Ohio State University,

being called upon for remarks, spoke as follows:

• 56
 

540      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

DR. W. O. THOMPSON.

Mr. President:

I wish to say that so far as the University is concerned,

and so far as I can help, we shall be most happy to inspire in the

coming generations a love of our commonwealth, where your

chairman was born, where we live, love and labor; and if the

University can do anything more to make the history, the early

history, of Ohio sacred and beloved by the coming generations

I am quite sure we shall do our utmost to that end.

I am intensely interested this afternoon. I attended a while

this morning, and returned this afternoon. These two exer-

cises I have enjoyed.

The details concerning the cane displayed with filial devo-

tion by Mr. John Deshler, the account of the great events in

which his father participated, let us know what hundreds of

thousands of people of Ohio have not known, and may never

know, that in men like William G. Deshler and others of his

kind the commonwealth has always had its most valuable asset

in patriotism, in devotion and in love of country. This makes a

country like ours imperishable. It has made me feel anew my

interest in Ohio and her history.

I have been so long associated with the gentleman who made

this collection of books presented this afternoon, and have

respected him so sincerely, that it would be family history, al-

most, if I should tell you he spent forty years of his life in the

making of this collection. Moreover his association with his

colleague in the preparation of Randall and Ryan's "History

of Ohio," and my own intimate relation with both men, have

brought me into close association with this Society and have in-

creased my interest. I realize the benevolence of Mr. Meeker,

who made this presentation here today a possibility-I am

grateful to him, and I am also grateful to Mr. Ryan for the

services he has performed for so many years. I congratulate

this Society on the acquisition of this wonderful collection.

Being the President of the University, which has a great

library in the making, of over two hundred thousand volumes

now, I feel that I can speak in defense of the Ryan collection

being here, rather than in the library of the University. I want

to say as President of the University, although I might not

speak for a majority of the faculty, I am glad it is here and not

there; it will give it a distinct place in the study of the history

of Ohio that it might not have in the State House or any place

else.

I may say that there is a long history concerning the bring-

ing of this building to the campus. Twenty years ago I took

• 57
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.          541

 

a great interest in bringing your collections here. We housed

them in our buildings as best we could. However, the coming

of this Society to the campus was a matter of serious distress

to some people, but after long years of endeavor the state pro-

vided this building for our Society. It was located here, and,

as I think the testimony now shows, it has been of great educa-

tional value. When Sir William Ramsey came from Scotland

to study our archaeological exhibition, once and again he demon-

strated what I think we did not always appreciate, that a man so

interested in history or archaeology as to travel thousands of

miles is not especially interested in what street corner it is

located on; but I think he is interested in its location where are

present the human interest and factors that make history. So

while the word "archaeology" may remind us of human bones,

I wish you to remember that this building houses a human so-

ciety, and the most human thing about it is the devotion to our

history and the history of what makes men.

We are located between the Ohio and the Lakes, with as

great a variety of resources as any state in the Union, a great

state in material wealth, a great variety of resources in what is

under the ground, what is in the ground and what may be taken

out of the ground. We have great assets in common business

and transportation, and are so located that the world cannot get

away from us, but must come to us and buy from us. President

James said he regarded Ohio State University as the greatest

competitor the West had in education. I want to say of our

state, that in my opinion, as time goes on there will be an in-

creasing population and wealth; that no less in fundamental edu-

cational than in other advantages will there be a great increase

in the development of things worth while.

Speaking of Ohio citizens, climate or location is very un-

important. The quality of this state is determined by the char-

acter of her men and women. Here, from this day on, with

thirty languages spoken in the city of Cleveland, will be one of

the greatest melting pots in the greater melting pot of America.

We hope there will be wrought out here the great problem of

real Americanization. We must secure in some way the means

by which the people who come into this commonwealth can

grasp the spirit of Ohio, which I think is the spirit of the

United States. We must do something that will make people

when they come here become a part of us; we must have no

traitors in Ohio. [Applause.] We welcome immigrants, but

when they come they must begin at once to become Americans.

We have seen the day when Ohio was laughed at for her forty-

eight colleges. I have never laughed at it. I said a few days

• 58
 

542      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

ago there was more Americanization taking place on the foot-

ball fields in Ohio every fall than in any other place in the country

because we sing the same songs, experience the same emotions

and suppress all differences. I think that in our Ohio colleges,

in our Ohio homes, and in the hearts of our people there is

something we cannot lose. That is what I want the man who

comes into our midst to participate in. Our distinguished Presi-

dent said we did not ask anything for ourselves in this great

war, that we did not ask for others; but I wish to say that we

do not have anything in Ohio that we are happy about that we

are not willing to share with any other man or woman in Ohio,

and thus enable them to become what we ourselves ought to be.

The spirit of Ohio is the desire for the development of that kind

of character in men and women. I should like to see the Uni-

versities, Colleges and Schools become the agency for that work.

Let me say that I believe the greatest characteristic of this state

has been the dependability of her citizenship. No man has ever

become a member of this society and lived in it a year and then

felt that here is a place where any ulterior or selfish purpose

could have a place. We ought to see that our colleges shall be as

far from that selfishness as it is possible to be in this world of

ours. It is with such men and women as I believe you to be

that Ohio is putting forth her supreme effort in the making of

men and women whose hearts are warm, whose conduct is above

reproach, whose patriotism will stand the test, whose citizenship

is a citizenship that will do honor to Ohio at home and abroad.

There is nothing small, or narrow, or provincial in the Ohio

people; albeit some people express it that way. They are mis-

taken. Ohio is a place of profound conviction, of calm con-

sideration, of religious liberty, of sound personal judgment. It

is a place worthy of our greatest endeavor in doing things that

are right, so that our commonwealth may throughout the years

be proud of its manhood and womanhood. I trust we shall hold

these high ideals, so that, just as our grandfathers one hundred

years ago helped to make Ohio what it is, we shall help to make

it a better place -so that we shall be better Buckeyes and bet-

ter Americans.

 

GIFTS OF CHARLES F. KETTERING.

PRESIDENT CAMPBELL: "Speaking of the University, I have

a letter from an alumni, a resident of Dayton. In this letter he

explains that he is unable to be here today, Had he been here he

would have presented to our Society, first, an archaeological

collection which he purchased at a great price; and, second, the

• 59
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.         543 Miamisburg Mound. To obtain this mound he had to buy a farm of more than two hundred acres. He has set aside the mound, which has been deeded to this Society, and is spending

a large amount of money to make it a park. It will be a pleasure ground and park for the people of Ohio forever. I would suggest that some one offer a resolution thanking Mr. Charles F. Kettering, the donor of these gifts."

• 60
 

544      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

MR. WOOD: "I move that we express, by a rising vote, our

appreciation and thanks to Mr. Kettering for his splendid gifts;

and that we also empower the President and Secretary of this

Society to prepare appropriate resolutions to Governor Cox, Mr.

Meeker and Mr. Kettering for their great gifts." Carried.

 

JOHN BROWN RELICS.

In the absence of Mrs. T. B. Alexander, of Put-in-Bay,

Ohio, granddaughter of John Brown, who had consented if

possible to be present and personally transfer the John Brown

relics to the custody of the Society, C. B. Galbreath, the Secre-

tary of the Society, read the following telegram from Mr. T. B.

Alexander and the greeting from Mrs. Alexander:

 

TELEGRAM.

"C. B. GALBREATH,

"Columbus, Ohio.

"Severe storm on lake since Monday. No small boats could

live in it. Regret my inability to be present. Please present our

regrets to Governor Cox and all and you act as our proxy deliv-

ering Mrs. Alexander's message to the distinguished guests.

"T. B. ALEXANDER."

GREETING OF MRS. T. B. ALEXANDER, GRANDDAUGHTER

OF JOHN BROWN.

"My grandfather, John Brown, was concerned about the

legacy of reputation he should leave to his children. On Octo-

ber 31, 1859, while in prison awaiting execution he wrote to his

wife and family:

"'I feel no consciousness of guilt in this matter, nor even

mortification on account of my imprisonment and irons; and I

feel perfectly sure that very soon no member of my family will

feel any possible disposition to blush on my account.'

"A few days later he wrote:

"'I can trust God with both the time and the manner of

my death, believing as I now do, that for me at this time to seal

my testimony for God and humanity with my blood will do

vastly more toward advancing the cause I have earnestly en-

deavored to promote, than all that I have done in my life before.

I beg you all meekly and quietly to submit to this, not feeling

yourselves in the least degraded on that account.'

• 61
 

Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting.           545

"On November 28, 1859, his son, John Brown, Jr., my

father, in a farewell letter to his father, my grandfather, written

from Ashtabula, Ohio, said among other things:

"'We feel rich in the legacy of your life and your deeds

*  *  * and now, dear father, be cheered by our conviction

that your life furnishes the best vindication of your memory;

that, even now, your motives are appreciated by those whose

hearts are susceptible of generous and noble emotions.'

"With these legacies in mind, it seems to me that if the

spirits of my grandfather and his children could return, they

would be gratified to know with what marks of respect and

honor these relics and mementoes of the days in which they lived

have been received in the custody of Ohio-the state in which

he lived and in which fourteen of his sons and daughters were

born."

After reading the message from Mrs. Alexander Secretary

Galbreath at the request of President Campbell gave a general

description of the large collection of John Brown relics now on

exhibition in the museum of the Society. He stated that "these

include guns, swords, uniforms, surveying instruments, auto-

graph letters, photographs, daguerreotypes and other items rang-

ing from bullet molds to locks of the hair and beard of this

sturdy old anti-slavery warrior and a bronze replica of the gold

medal presented to John Brown's wife by Victor Hugo and his

associates. Mr. Galbreath's remarks are omitted here because he

expects to include a portion of what he said on this occasion in

future articles in the QUARTERLY.

Mr. Ryan presented the following resolution:

 

"Resolved, That in recognition of services and gifts to this

Society, The Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society

create life memberships in said Society as follows: Hon. James

M. Cox, Governor of Ohio; Mr. Charles F. Kettering, of Day-

ton, Ohio; Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Alexander, of Put-in-Bay, Ohio,

and Mr. John G. Deshler, of Columbus, Ohio."

The resolution was adopted by a rising vote.

On motion of Mr. Wood the meeting adjourned.

 

 

Vol. XXIX-35.

• 62