Ohio History Journal

OHIO

Archaeological and Historical

 

QUARTERLY.

 

 

Vol. II.        SEPTEMBER, 1888.           No. 2

 

ISRAEL WARD ANDREWS, D.D., LL.D.

 

MEMORIAL ADDRESS BEFORE THE OHIO ARCHAEOLOGI-

CAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY, DELIVERED

AT MARIETTA, JUNE 26, 1888.

BY WILLIAM P. CUTLER.

A CHRISTIAN missionary was discussing the grand prob-

lem of immortality with a learned Chinese philosopher,

presenting to him the truth as revealed in God's word and

believed by all Christians. He was met with the declara-

tion, made with evident sincerity by the Chinaman: " The

immortality that I desire and expect is, that I may live in

the remembrance, the love and reverence, of my posterity;

this is the motive that inspires my efforts to lead a virtu-

ous life."

We are thus presented with the expression of a senti-

ment, which is of common acceptance, and has become a

controlling power, moulding the character of a nation

numbering one-third of the human race. So thorough

and intense has that sentiment become, that it forms the

basis of individual worship as well as of national life.

I do not know from what source China derived that idea,

but I do know that away back in the past centuries a Voice

was heard, mingling with the thunder and lightnings of

253

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254   Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

Heaven, uttering the commandment of promise: " Honor

thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon

the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." I also

know that the same Voice has said: "Thou shalt rise up

before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man,

and fear thy God: I am the Lord."

I do not know that the "ancient people," the founders

of national life in the "land of Sinim," either heard or

heeded that Voice, but I do believe there is a conservative

power in that principle and guide of human conduct suffi-

cient to impart longevity, not only to individuals, but to

communities and nations.

If China did catch the echo of that Voice, did accept

that promissory note, has adopted in good faith, however

ill directed, that sentiment and principle, the Maker of

that promise has not and never will dishonor his own

paper.

In other words there is a conservative influence in the

right application and exercise of that principle which calls

out and cherishes not only the filial affections in life,

but embalms memories, virtues and services of departed

friends in a way that elevates, purifies and gives a positive

and healthy direction to individual and national life. A

bond that binds every part of the social system to a com-

mon center is reverence and affection for the dead. This

gives harmony, strength, and perpetuity to the whole. The

individual or community that cordially adopts that divine

precept will live the longer for it.

I am not a croaker or grumbler, but rather a pained

observer of a lack of that reverence and affection which is

due from the young to the aged, that hurried forgetfulness

of past merit and services, that discourteous sneer at "old

fossils" which is becoming current in our country.

China has corrupted the promise into idolatry, and idol-

atry has made her heathen; but China to-day is the oldest

nation among the races of men. Her days have been long

in the land the Lord hath given her.

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Israel Ward Andrews, D. D., LL. D.    255

All communities have something in common, something

that contributes to all alike, either in character or value.

Each one has its location, privileges, public buildings,

beginnings, history-even individual enterprise and invest-

ment may enhance the common weal-but there is nothing

more valuable to any community than the character of its

own citizens. It is therefore incumbent upon all to cherish

and guard with honest fidelity the reputations and good

name, especially of those who have in any wise spent life

or property in promoting the common welfare. This obli-

gation runs beyond the tomb. It is not enough simply to

observe the old injunction, to " say nothing but good about

the dead;" but the example of every worthy citizen should

be cherished and published for the imitation and guidance

of those who follow after.

As an illustration of the value to a community of the

character and reputation of their own citizens, I may be

indulged in saying that nearly forty years ago it became

my duty to offer in the New York markets the municipal

and corporate securities upon the sale of which depended

the successful prosecution of an important public enter-

prise. At that time Western bonds of that kind were a

novelty. They were a form of credit that were subjected

to a most careful scrutiny. One of the strongest reasons

that contributed to their successful introduction and sale

upon the market was found in the high personal character

of the business men and merchants of the respective local-

ities. I can testify to-day that the high-toned integrity of

that class of their citizens went very far to procure the sale

in foreign markets of the bonds of Marietta, Harmar,

Chillicothe, and of the Counties of Washington, Athens

and Ross. The corporate securities of the railroad which

these people were then struggling to build, found a favora-

ble introduction and sale from the same source.

No community can prosper without good citizens,

not solely active, energetic and wise builcters of their own

fortunes, but with enough of public spirit to promote all

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256      Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

objects of common utility.  Those "solid men" of the

past are gone but their characters helped to build one of

the most important and costly public improvements in the

State of Ohio. Their characters went away from home

and there was a money value in them to their respective

communities.

A half century ago, a young man started out from his

New England home on life's journey, and following the

track blazed out through the wilderness by earlier pioneers,

landed in Marietta. His capital was principles, ideas,

character.    He brought neither wealth, titles, authority

nor the prestige of high rank, but he brought Israel Ward

Andrews,¹ and that was enough. His outfit was that of a

Christian teacher and an educator, having the acquisitions

of a student's life. His commission and letter of intro-

duction was the diploma from Williams College at the

hands of its President, Mark Hopkins. He found here a

college with a charter, a building and a beginning of reg-

ular classes.    Young Andrews accepted the position of

1Israel Ward Andrews, was born in Danbury, Conn., Jan. 3, 1815, one

of six sons of William and Sarah Parkhill Andrews. The father, Rev.

William Andrews, descendant of William Andrews, one of the first settlers

of New Haven, graduated with high honor at Middlebury College in 1806,

was settled as pastor at Windham, Conn., afterwards at Danbury and finally

at Cornwall, where he died in 1838. He was strongly attached to the old

New England theology, of which he was a zealous and able defender and

was one of the founders of the East Windsor (now Hartford) Theological

Seminary. He was an earnest and forceful preacher, distinguished for clear-

ness of style and power of logical reasoning. Though without other means

than the small salary of a country clergyman, he gave a college education to

four of his six sons and a professional training in law and medicine to the

other two. These six brothers have filled many posts of usefulness in the

pulpit, at the bar, as instructors in colleges, in medicine, and in the army.

They have contributed to literature important works on Biblical history,

the doctrine of the church, political science and geology. One of these

works, "The Life of our Lord," by Rev. Samuel J. Andrews, of Hartford,

is one of the best known authorities in the English language on some of the

difficult questions of gospel history. Dr. Andrews thus came of that race

which a great writer has called the Brahmin Caste of New England; and of

a family of brothers that is remarkable even in its class.-From the Memorial

Address by Prof. D. E. Beach.

• 4
 

Israel Ward Andrews, D. D., LL. D.     257

tutor. This placed him in the line of duty as instructor

in an institution designed by its founders to become a

Christian college, that is, an institution aiming to give to

young men the highest literary and scientific culture with

a full recognition of the truths and moral obligations of

God's recorded will to man. In accepting this position

and devoting his energies to the infant college, where he

was soon advanced to the professorship of mathematics,

he did not shun or withdraw himself from the duties and

obligations of a citizen of his adopted home.

At that time the common school system of Ohio was

in a crude but progressive form. The law for " the better

regulation of common schools " was passed in 1825. By

its provisions the State of Ohio assumed for the first time

the duty of extending to her children a common school

education at public expense.  The first lessons to be

learned under that enactment were for the people them-

selves to put in operation a system of laws committed

to their hands for execution. This was really the work

of one generation. Marietta was not behind other com-

munities in giving efficiency to the common school laws,

but it was a time when wise, prudent and energetic work

was needed. For twenty years after the passage of the

law, graded schools were unknown. Scholars of all ages

and degrees of progress were committed to the care of the

same teacher. The first departure may be recalled as the

"Akron system." Then followed general laws providing

for school organizations according to age and acquire-

ments, but this required more buildings and in some cases

more teachers and of course more expense.

In effecting this advanced movement in Marietta, Dr.

Andrews co-operated cordially and efficiently as a citizen

with other friends of education. He brought to bear the

experience and results of his native State, Connecticut,

upon the general subject; and in this way gave valuable

aid in organizing and perfecting a system of common

schools of which Marietta has since been justly proud.

 

Vol. 11-17

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258   Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

Not only was he willing to aid in this most appropriate

line of a citizen's duty, but he was ready at all times to

identify himself with every enterprise of public utility. I

well remember that the first line of levels to decide the

practicability of a railroad grade that would suit the inter-

ests of Marietta were run by the Professor of Mathematics

of Marietta College. It was a preliminary of the route

now in use westward of this city.

His influence was always exerted for all similar enter-

prises. No system of drainage or grading of streets had

been adopted in Marietta at the time he was in charge of

his professorship in college. He volunteered his services

at slight remuneration to lay out the system as it has

since been carried out. As a business man, he managed

his personal affairs with the greatest economy, regularity

and success. A fair proportion of his acquisitions was

invested in Marietta property. His liberality was guided

by a spirit of discriminating benevolence, embracing the

broad fields of missionary enterprises, at home and abroad;

and his contributions represented a much larger propor-

tion of his income than is usual. Not only were all the

ordinary calls of Christian benevolence cheerfully met,

but very many young men struggling through their course

of study were aided either by his own personal means or

from funds that he had secured for that specific purpose

from others. In all business and social relations he was

the reliable, the public-spirited, the good, citizen, as well

as the learned and accomplished educator and religious

teacher.

His efforts in promoting the interests of common

schools were not confiued to his own locality. He was at

all times a most active and useful co-worker with others

in all parts of Ohio and the west in giving a healthy di-

rection to educational efforts. His attendance abroad

upon school conventions and institutes was frequent and

his addresses and advice most highly prized. He also re-

garded the school as the fountain to which the college

• 6
 

Israel Ward Andrews, D.D., LL. D.        259

 

must look for its supplies of students. He took the broad

and comprehensive view that carried him beyond the chair

of a professor and led him into the wide field of the com-

mon school as a recruiting agent for his classes. He acted

upon the theory that a love for learning once implanted

by thorough instruction at the start, would multiply the

number of those who would press forward to higher attain-

ments.

Upon the resignation of Dr. Smith in 1855, Dr. Andrews

became invested with the responsible duties of the presidency

of the college.

He assumed those duties at a time when the future of

the institution depended mainly upon the character and

efficiency of its executive head. It was no sinecure, very

little of the ornamental, very much of uncertainty and hard

labor. It must be made a fountain from which the pure

streams of literary culture and Christian principles would

be sent forth to bless the country. But it had acquired

a capacity for absorbing money. Its Board of Trustees

were mainly business men, who were necessarily occupied

in their several pursuits. They had contributed liberally,

but still there was no permanent endowment, no state or

national aid. The only capital the college had was what

might be roughly termed its "capacity to beg," the mute

appeal of a great want to intelligent benevolence. The

successful exercise of this power of appeal rested entirely

upon the confidence that could be inspired in the minds

of donors, in the purposes of the institution and in its

management. All the elements of confidence were repre-

sented by its executive head. Friends at home and strangers

abroad must first be satisfied with that head, or no

pecuniary aid could be obtained. Upon him, therefore,

devolved the double task of giving assurance that a high

tone of literary and Christian culture would be maintained,

and that its finances would be economically and honestly

managed.

I do not mean that President Andrews ever assumed a

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260   Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

 

control of management or that its Board of Trustees ever

relinquished or neglected their own responsible duties.

There was at all times harmony of action. Differences

of opinion brought out discussion, but conclusions once

reached the Board was a unit. Dictation was never at-

tempted,- advice and counsel were given and taken.

This was an element of Dr. Andrews's strength. He could

afford to have his co-workers, the Board, know    their

duties and exert their proper influence without exciting

jealousy or irritation. He therefore stood before the pub-

lic as the executive of a united management. His per-

sonal influence was thus greatly strengthened and en-

hanced.

Notwithstanding the cordial support derived from an

influential and united Board of Trustees, the great bur-

den of responsibility rested on his own shoulders. He was

really the "committee of ways and means," the responsible

financier to provide money and meet current obligations.

With occasional rays of sunshine, the clouds of debt and

deficits have been in constant attendance; yet it may be stated

that the financial credit of the college has remained sound.

Promises to pay have been met, services have been rewarded,

and a large list of beneficiaries have received instruction free

of charge.

At the time he accepted the presidency the pecuniary

support of the college amounted to $90,000; at this time

the entire property is estimated at $260,000. There are

additional pledges, to be realized upon certain contingen-

cies, amounting to $200,000. One of the largest of these

comes from his native State. It may fairly be claimed

that a very large proportion of the amounts added to the

funds of the college during his administration resulted

either from his direct efforts or from the confidence the

donors reposed in him. Marietta therefore is now enjoy-

ing the benefit of an investment, either now made or in

certain prospect, of $46,000 in an educational institution

of more value to the community than anything else; and

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Israel Ward Andrews, D. D., LL. D.    261

her people are indebted to Dr. Andrews mainly for that

result. The saving of money to residents in educating

their sons, as well as payment of teachers, and the expen-

diture of those who come from abroad to enjoy the bene-

fits of the college, all of which goes into the channels of

business, constitutes an item of commercial value worthy

of mention and recognition.

The annual catalogues show that a large proportion of

the students in college classes and the academy are from

Marietta and vicinity. The economy of home life to such

is great. The others expend here money brought from

abroad. It may be fairly claimed that the money value

of the institute to Marietta is not less than $50,000 per

annum. This may seem a sordid view, and is so, as com-

pared with the vastly more valuable results annually flow-

ing from the college. Probably only a small proportion of

those whose names appear on the annual catalogues as

residents of Marietta and vicinity would have incurred the

expense and difficulties of securing an education at a dis-

tance from home. A recent annual catalogue shows one

hundred names from Marietta and vicinity. But its influ-

ence has not been local solely; it has drawn students from

all parts of the country, and its influence, with the reputa-

tion of its executive head, has become national.

But there is another aspect of his character and labors

that is worthy of special regard. He aimed to place the

college on the highest plane of literary, scientific and

moral culture. The funds at command did not furnish

that complete assortment of scientific and experimental

machinery that belonged to wealthier institutions; but the

course of study adopted, and the constant aim of the Pres-

ident and Faculty, has been at all times to maintain a high

grade of scholarship, to send out from its walls young men

who could stand as the peers of any from other colleges.

The more than 600 graduates who have gone forth are

living witnesses to the success of this policy. This result

has only been reached by earnest labor and honest fidelity.

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262   Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

Obedience to necessary regulations, resulting from the ex-

ercise of a wholesome discipline, has been characteristic

of an administration, which can point to so large a num-

ber of useful and distinguished men in all departments of

active service.

In accomplishing this grand result, this forming, mould-

ing, and giving proper direction to the energies and char-

acter of young men, Dr. Andrews has inspired and retained

the confidence, the respect, and best affections of the bene-

ficiaries of his professional labors. In this he has realized

the dream of the Chinese philosopher-he lives, is an im-

mortal in the memories, the love and reverence of the

hundreds who will cherish the recollection of his labors for

their good as long as life lasts. The large donations made

to the college by the alumni are an evidence not only of

their own personal liberality, but also of their affectionate

regard for its head.

It is not my purpose to discuss the literary and scientific

elements that entered largely into Dr. Andrews's character.

They are more appropriate topics for others to deal with.

I take the liberty, however, of quoting from a most reliable

source the following estimate of these characteristics:

"Dr. Andrews had no superior as an instructor and

disciplinarian. He was one of the ablest mathematicians

of the day, and before a college class he was an inspira-

tion. No one of the five or six hundred graduates of

Marietta College can ever forget his perspicuous, forcible,

and exhaustive methods in the class room. The dullest

and most diffident student was made at ease, and taught

to express in the best way what he knew, and, in addition,

every student was instructed in what he did not know.

He was an artist, and the student departed from one of

his recitations or lectures instructed and refreshed. He

was not only a mathematician of the first rank, but he was

a master of every branch taught in the college course.

He was not satisfied with anything short of the exact,

either in scholarship or character. This characteristic

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Israel Ward Andrews, D. D., LL. D.      263

was ever present with him. No guess-work could pass

muster before him; no slip in language or expression

could escape his acute observation, yet he was ever gentle,

though firm in criticism.

" It was a good part of a liberal education to listen to his

running criticisms in the class-room and in the rhetorical

exercises. He could not tolerate shams or unfaithfulness

in any form. Himself always punctual, he insisted that

promptness was one of the cardinal virtues.

"As a writer and preacher, he had few if any superiors

in force and clearness. He was a forcible writer on all

subjects, and was a frequent contributor to the current

newspaper and magazine literature."- (Cincinnati Times-

Star, May 7, 1888.)

This tribute to Dr. Andrews has the merit and force of

personal experience and observation.

His resignation of the executive office of the college in

1885 was accepted by the Trustees with great reluctance

and only in deference to an honorable and successful ser-

vice, claiming that relief from labor which is due to ad-

vancing age. He retained the Putnam Professorship of

Political Philosophy, and thus continued to support the

character and usefulness of the college. He remained a

member of the Board of Trustees, and although relieved

of much personal responsibility, continued with unabated

zeal to watch over an institution that he cherished as a

child during his life and which falls heir to his estate.

The outbreak of the rebellion was an occasion that

called out a very general discussion of the organic princi-

ples of our government. The bold and continued asser-

tion of state sovereignty had culminated in open defiance

of the general government. Every citizen was obliged to

decide as to his own line of duty. It was a time when

clear definitions of public rights as well as wise counsels

were needed. At the request of the "National Union As-

sociation of Cincinnati" he delivered an address before

that body on June 2d, 1863, on the subject: "Why Is Al-

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264   Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

legiance Due? and Where Is It Due?"    It was not the

voice of the partisan or politician. It was the reasoning,

the logic, the demonstration of a level-headed, conservative

citizen, a learned expounder of the law and a true patriot.

After a most thorough historical treatment of both sides

of the great controversy, he gives expression to sentiments

that are worthy of repetition and remembrance. He says:

" I have thus attempted to answer the two questions, Why

do we owe allegiance? and where do we owe it?

"Allegiance is due from us, not because civil government

is composed in part or in whole of powers which we, as

individuals, have conferred upon it, but because civil gov-

ernment is a necessity, and we are necessarily subject to it.

"We are under government as we are born into a fam-

ily; we are so constituted as to make its existence a neces-

sity. In other words, government is of divine origin, and

it is as much our duty to obey it as to avoid theft or murder.

'The powers that be are ordained of God,' and we are to

obey and respect them for conscience sake-that is, because

it is right to do so. Exceptions are to be judged of as in

regard to other moral questions, and no disobedience can

be allowed that is not strictly conscientious, and that does

not itself sustain authority. * * * In our mixed gov-

ernment the highest allegiance is due to the Nation, and

not to the State. If the State can absolve its citizens from

their allegiance to the general government-that is, to the

government that represents the whole people-anarchy at

once ensues. The doctrines of state sovereignty, using

the word in its strict and proper signification, is utterly

destructive of all government, for it leads legitimately to

secession, and secession is disintegration.  There is no

true sovereignty attributed to the States in the constitu-

tion, but on the contrary, all the powers involving it are

delegated to the general government, and expressly pro-

hibited to the States. The more we study the history of

the country, both before the adoption of the constitution,

and since, the more shall we be convinced that state sov-

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Israel Ward Andrews, D. D., LL. D.   265

ereignty never had any legitimate place in our govern-

ment. State sovereignty is utterly antagonistic to nation-

ality; and the consistent advocates of that doctrine are

those who deny that we are a Nation.

"There is not the slightest desire on the part of any

one to obliterate state lines. Though apparently compli-

cated in structure our government is practically far more

simple in its operations because of the division of the

powers and functions between the State and Nation.

"Keep out the insane jealousy lest the rights of the

States shall be encroached upon, and impress more rever-

ence for law, and more respect for rulers whether State or

national, and there is nothing to fear. Let my love of

my country not be confined to a part but let it embrace

the whole. Let no sectional feeling dwarf or pervert

my patriotism. The doctrine of state sovereignty has

furnished the pretext for secession and secession has

plunged the Nation into civil war. The falsity of the

doctrine is now written in bloody lines, and the groans of

the battle field call upon us to abandon it. The Nation's

life must be preserved, and the government, whose duty

it is to preserve it, must be sustained.

"The allegiance of the citizen, as we have seen, is not a

matter of choice, but a duty. And if the citizen owes

allegiance, the government owes protection.

"As it is the duty of the parent to protect his family, so

it is the duty of the ruler to defend the nation over whom

he is placed. He must do it. He has no option in the

case. The duty grows out of the very nature of his office

as ruler. Even were there no written constitution and no

oath of office, the duty to suppress a rebellion would be

imperative."

While it is true that the rebellion was put down by force

of arms, such words "fitly spoken," such sentiments so

clearly stated have had more weight than artillery, and

more efficiency than musketry, in forever settling the con-

troversy, and giving permanent peace to the whole people.

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266   Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

As an author, Dr. Andrews has rendered a most valuable

service to his country, in the preparation of his " Manual

of the Constitution." With characteristic diligence and

thoroughness he has not only condensed the organic

ideas that form the basis of our republican system in a

form to render them intelligible, as well as forcible, but he

has traced out their historic origin. The work was pre-

pared for a text-book for our colleges and higher institu-

tions of learning. This has brought it under the imme-

diate notice of the most competent judges. It has received

the commendation of Presidents, Justices of the United

States Supreme Court, of Senators and Representatives in

Congress, of Governors, of distinguished lawyers, and of

leading educators in a large number of literary institutions.

As a result of the careful examinations and criticisms to

which such a work would very properly and necessarily be

subjected, it has been very generally adopted as a text-book

for the instruction of American youth in the principles of

their government. The views, which I have quoted from

his Cincinnati address upon the important topics of state

rights and national sovereignity, are embodied and taught

in this text-book.

In harmony with this important labor, embracing so

much of the nation's political history, his attention has

been directed to other historical discussions. A notice of

these topics will be appropriate to this occasion.

The observance of the National Centennial of 1876 was

an occasion that directed general attention to subjects of

American and local history. Dr. Andrews was selected

to prepare a history of Washington County, Ohio. This

brought him into direct contact with subjects that he has

since pursued with great diligence and thoroughness.

His address was delivered at Marietta on July 4, 1876, and

was published in a pamphlet.

He identified himself actively and efficiently with the

Washington County Pioneer Association, taking a lively

interest in all its proceedings, and turned his attention to

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Israel Ward Andrews, D. D., LL. D.     267

a careful investigation of the causes that led to the first

organized settlement of the Northwest Territory, begun

at Marietta, April 7, 1788.

He has presented to the public addresses and papers

upon the following subjects:

1st. An article on West Virginia, published in 1878.

2d. On the Admission of Ohio to the Union, published

in 1879.

₃d. Address at Fiftieth Anniversary of Marietta Col-

lege, 1885.

₄th. Early Money, a Review of McMaster. Magazine

of Western History, June, 1886.

5th. Northwest Territory, published in Magazine of

American History, August, 1886.

6th. Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio, Magazine of

American History, 1887.

7th. Ordinance of 1787; address before the National

Education Association, Chicago, July 1₃th, 1887; pub-

lished in Salem, Mass.

8th. Paper on Ordinance of 1787 before the American

Historical Association, Washington, 1886.

9th. To the above may be added his address before the

New England Historical and Genealogical Society, deliv-

ered a short time before his death.

These papers have earned for Dr. Andrews a national

reputation for thorough investigation and accuracy in his-

torical subjects.

The near approach of the centennial anniversary of the

first organization and permanent settlement of the Terri-

tory Northwest of the River Ohio, under the ordinances of

May 20th, 1785, and of July 13th, 1787, undoubtedly stim-

ulated Dr. Andrews to a careful inquiry into the causes

that led to the establishment of civil government and

social order in what was then a vast and savage wilder-

ness. The subject itself had escaped the attention of most

professional historians. A few items embraced in brief

chapters constituted the only notice given to one of the

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268   Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

most important events in American history. The reasons

why a systematic and well organized plan of settlement

was devised and executed had never been fully explained,

Most of the personalities connected with it were consigned

to as dark an obscurity as rested upon the mummies of the

Egyptian tombs. A more important service was never

performed for our great nation or for humanity than was

accomplished by men whose names were consigned to

oblivion, not intentionally, but from lack of careful inves-

tigation. Those men were found in the legislative halls

of the old Continental Congress and in the ranks of the

Continental army. From the beginning of the Revolu-

tionary struggle, all the way down through its continu-

ance, at its close by the peace of '83, and subsequently,

there seems to have been a broad and comprehensive

view taken of the immense value of the great Mississippi

Valley. This view was taken by clear-headed men both

in Congress and the army. Consequently there was har-

mony of efforts in securing practical results.

This great Northwest came to be regarded as the center,

the very heart and seat of empire, upon which the coming

power of the people could successfully unfold and main-

tain the grand theories and principles of republican insti-

tutions. It was a virgin soil, no long-established-fossilized

abuses to be brushed away, no stereotyped evil habits to

be overcome. The weeds of despotism or bigotry or igno-

rance had not filled the soil with their noxious seeds. To

occupy this inviting field, to secure its successful cultiva-

tion, to plant the wheat before the tares could enter, to

invite sunshine as darkness receded, to cast here an anchor

that would forever hold the great Republic to its moorings,

was a work not surpassed in importance by any in Amer-

ican history.

It was to the discussion of these grand subjects that Dr.

Andrews turned his attention. He sought for the reasons

why important steps were taken. Upon the search for

correct dates, the acts of legislative bodies, even the right

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Israel Ward Andrews, D. D., LL. D.      269

orthography of names, the identity and acts of individuals,

he brought to bear the thoroughness and accuracy of

mathematical demonstrations. Lapse of time and exceed-

ingly meagre records have rendered this pursuit difficult

and not always satisfactory, but he has been very slow in

making any historical statement until every source of ev-

idence has been exhausted. In this interesting field he

has performed a most important service to the truth of

history.

In these different papers Dr. Andrews has carefully

considered and presented the titles asserted to the Missis-

sippi Valley by France, Spain and England and traced

their origin and changes up to its acquisition by the

United States under the treaty of 1783. Following this,

he has made a careful examination of the claims of the

States to the Northwest Territory and cited their several

acts of cession to the United States. He has also re-

viewed the public acts of the Continental Congress by

which the territory was prepared for permanent occupa-

tion in a manner that would best secure to the whole peo-

ple the full benefits of political and personal rights, and

its full enjoyment as property, with organic laws best

suited for social order and the highest form of a Christian

civilization. The two great ordinances of May 20, 1785,

and of July 1₃th, 1787, are shown to be the basis and

ground work for the great results that have followed. He

has also made careful inquiry as to the personalities en-

gaged in accomplishing these objects. He has shown that

Congress and the army wrought harmoniously together

not only to conquer the territory from Great Britain but

also in organizing systematic plans of settlement under

the ordinances for disposing of the territory as property

and for the government of its inhabitants.

From these careful examinations he became convinced

that an exceptional case of progressive civilization was

presented in the first settlement of the territory northwest

of the River Ohio. The State of Ohio was the first ever

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270   Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

admitted into the Union from United States territory out-

side of the original number. He has traced out with

great care the exact date of its admission.  He has

shown that the two great ordinances were in force the

moment the subjects of civil government placed them-

selves upon the soil they were designed to cover; that

the plan of settlement was pre-arranged; that, in the

language of a most intelligent observer of the movement,

" the system had never before been attempted, and that it

was the greatest undertaking ever attempted in America."

It was undertaken by a selected body of the most robust,

hardy, and industrious class of men. The real signifi-

cance and historic value of what may be justly styled the

" Birthday of Ohio," April 7, 1788, is to be found in ante-

cedent preparations as much as in the definite date of

consummation.

The following extract from a paper read by Dr. Andrews

before the New England Historical and Geneological

Society in Boston, a short time before his death, presents

his views upon this subject. He says:

"After the lapse of a hundred years it is not always

easy to establish the precise date when a community

had its beginning. Of the thirteen old States, and the

twenty-five new ones that compose the American Union,

it would be difficult to give for most of them the time and

place of origin. The landing of the Pilgrims in 1620,

though the day is definite, has not escaped controversy as

to the place. But when Ohio began, and what was the

starting point in time and place of the first settlement

in the first territory of the United States, there is no

question. General Rufus Putnam and his associates

planted themselves on the north bank of the Ohio, at

the mouth of the Muskingum, on the 7th day of April,

1788.

"Most beginnings in new regions are by a few settlers,

perhaps by one; often the selection of the place is purely

accidental. But this Ohio colony numbered nearly fifty

• 18
 

Israel Ward Andrews, D. D., LL. D.    271

men, and they were but the advance guard, with a much

larger number to follow. Nor did they wander about in

search of a place. This was all determined before they

left their homes. The company which they represented

had bought of Congress a large tract of land, and they had

located their chief town at the confluence of the Ohio and

Muskingum rivers. The plan of the town had even been

determined upon; the number and width of the streets, the

form and size of the squares and blocks, as well as the

dimensions of the town lots. In the library of the college

at Marietta is a map of the town made by Rufus Putnam,

in 1788, with every square and every lot numbered just as

they are to-day; the number of lots extending from one to

one thousand, which was the original number of shares in

the company.

" The interest which attaches to this first colony, or set-

tlement, in the western country is not wholly or chiefly in

its being the first, though priority in a matter of settle-

ment always gives pre-eminence.

"The region north of the Ohio has in itself great his-

toric interest; and so, too, have the incidents connected

with and determining the settlement. Then, too, the

pioneers themselves were no ordinary men, and their

characters are worthy of our study, as well as the work

they did in laying the foundations of civil government in

the great Northwest."

Dr. Andrews has shown in his papers, before referred

to, that this general subject of a government for the West-

ern Territory, or "back country" as they called it, had

been before Congress for many years without any practi-

cal results until July, 1787. Crude and unsatisfactory out-

lines of a governmental scheme were the only fruit of

their labors. He quotes from the historian, Bancroft, the

following estimate of the vast importance of that partic-

ular crisis when the foundations of civil government were

actually laid. Bancroft says: "An interlude in Congress

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272   Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

was shaping the character and destiny of the United

States of America, sublime and eventful in the history of

mankind.    *    *   *    For a time wisdom, peace

and justice dwelt among men-and the great ordinance

which alone could give continuance to the Union came in

serenity and stillness."

Upon this remarkable and striking statement of the his-

torian, Dr. Andrews remarks that " This interlude in Con-

gress, which was shaping the character and destiny of the

United States embraced alike the ordinance for the gov-

ernment of the territory and the sale of lands. The two

could not be separated. Richard Henry Lee, one of the

committee, writes to Washington on the 15th of July, two

days after the passage of the ordinance: 'I have the

honor to enclose to you an ordinance that we just passed

in Congress for establishing a temporary government be-

yond the Ohio as a measure preparatory to the sale of

lands.'"

To these statements I may add that Nathan Dane,

another member of the committee, wrote to his friend

Rufus King on July 16th, enclosing a copy of the ordi-

nance. He takes the same view, that the plan of "gov-

ernment " and the " Ohio purchase " as he termed it, were

so intimately connected that each depended on the other,

and both occupied the attention of Congress at the same

time.

From these concurrent evidences it is quite obvious,

I think, that those two transactions, the " plan of govern-

ment and the sale of lands," made up, constituted that

"interlude" which was "deciding the destiny of the

United States of America," which was "sublime and

eventful in the history of mankind." It is also evident

that the "interlude" became a consummation, a living,

actual reality when the associates of the Ohio Company

took possession of the Northwest on April 7th, 1787.

That "interlude" was the prelude to laying the founda-

• 20
 

Israel Ward Andrews, D. D., LL. D.              273

tion of our empire, resting upon freedom, religion, mor-

ality and knowledge.1

Dr. Andrews had no more patience with shams and

cheats in history than in the class room. Hence his re-

fusal to ignore well established dates and facts or yield to

clamor or influence from any quarter to change that

which the truth of history had made unchangeable.

He would not overlook the arrival and permanent

settlement of the pioneer forces of civilization made un-

der ordinances of law, and in fulfillment thereof, and

which was in itself the establishment of civil govern-

ment and social order, opening the gateway of an empire

to the coming millions, and substitute in the place of

such a " land mark" any incident that may have grown

out of that antecedent event. This testimony to his fidel-

ity and firmness in adhering to the truth of history is due

to his memory.

I may venture to say, with great deference, that this

historical society cannot afford to countenance inaccura-

cies, or even mistakes, much less concerted misrepresen-

tations of historical facts. We are to stand for the truth

of history, the truth of Ohio's history. Nothing more

honorable can be found among the records or traditions

of the nations than the events that culminated here on

the seventh of April, 1788.

Dr. Andrews's relations to this society commenced with

its organization on March 13, 1885. He esteemed it a

1"From this narrative I think it must be clear that the plan which

Rufus Putnam and Manasseh Cutler settled in Boston was the substance of

the ordinance of 1787. I do not mean to imply that the detail or the lan-

guage of the great statute was theirs. But I cannot doubt that they de-

manded a Constitution, with its unassailable guaranties for civil liberty,

such as Massachusetts had enjoyed since 1780, and such as Virginia had en-

joyed since 1776, *    *   and that this demand was an inflexible con-

dition of their dealing with Congress at all."-Senator Hoar in oration of 7th

of April, 1888.

"Thus the ordinance to govern the territory and the scheme for its colo-

nization at this place were almost cotemporaneous and stood related as cause

and result."-Hon. John Randolph Tucker in oration of ₇th of April, 1888.

 

Vol. II-18

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274    Ohio Archaeological and Historical Quarterly.

privilege and pleasure to respond at all times to any

demands the society made upon him. He has been, since

its organization, one of its trustees, and has filled the

position of associate editor of its QUARTERLY.

The deep interest he felt in Ohio's history, as well as

respect and reverence for the memories of the "Founders

of Ohio," 1 led him  to devote himself most earnestly to

promoting an historical observance and celebration of the

seventh of April as an event of national significance, and

as one of special value to Marietta, to Ohio, the North-

west, and the Nation.

No one labored more zealously or contributed so much

to the distinguished success that has attended our recent

celebration, over which hung but one cloud of deep sor-

row, his own absence. The vast audience assembled on

that occasion sent him a most cordial greeting and kindly

sympathy as a testimony of their high appreciation of his

persistent labors in promoting a celebration that goes into

history as the starting point of a new century. His life

was not a noisy torrent or a " babbling brook," but rather

the " still waters" from which sprang up the "green pas-

tures " and fruitful fields. The youth of firm, well defined

and righteous principles grew into a manhood of solid

character and ripened into mature wisdom, sound learning

and high attainments.

A contemporary has justly remarked that " in his death

one of the most finished scholars of the century has been

removed from the world of letters."

If duty called him to any place he filled it, filled it com-

pletely. The appellation, "thorough," bestowed upon

one of England's greatest statesmen was a characteristic

1At a meeting of the agents and proprietors of the Ohio Company, held

in Marietta, in February, 1789, the following resolution was adopted, and

placed upon their records:

"Resolved, That the 7th of April be forever considered as a day of public

festival in the territory of the Ohio Company, as their settlements in this

county commenced on that day; and that the directors request some gentle-

man to prepare an oration to be delivered on the next anniversary."

• 22
 

Israel Ward Andrews, D. D., LL. D.   275

of Dr. Andrews. He was thorough in personal attain-

ments, both mental and moral, he was thorough in dis-

charge of official duties, thorough in dealing with all

social problems, thorough in business relations, thorough

in historical investigations, a thorough patriot and Chris-

tian gentlemen, and as modest and unassuming as he was

thorough. " Know ye not that there is a Prince and a

great man fallen this day in Israel?"

Such a life never dies, it lives on. It may be rounded

up like a shock of corn fully ripe, and be gathered into

God's granary, but the echo of past services, of deeds well

done, comes back to us from the tomb and will travel on in

a widening sphere of influence through the coming ages.

As we lay this garland upon his grave, a Voice that he

always heeded assures us that this "mortal shall put on

immortality," not the dream of a vain philosophy, not

the uncertainty of tradition, but that immutable decree,

" the wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament,

and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for-

ever and ever."

• 23