Ohio History Journal

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The Croghan Celebration

The Croghan Celebration.                    31

 

liberty that we are enjoying to-day, and I wish to say that upon this

spot, this historic spot that the tide turned in favor of the American

nation, in the war of 1812-13. How unfortunate you are to have within

your corporate limits the most historic spot in the United States of

America. I never stood upon this ground, upon this battlefield until to-

day. My mind turns back to my youthful days, when I read of the

bravery of Croghan and his 160 men, and I

often thought it was a miracle, he being a

mere youth and only 160 men, and de-

fending the fort against so many British

and Indians. But it was done, and from

that day to this, this spot has been a his-

toric spot, a spot that is dear in the minds

of our American citizens.

Now, there are others to make a few

remarks, and I want to give them a chance

to make them, and I only want to say in

conclusion that I congratulate the city of

Fremont in the respect and love that it has

shown for this spot, and its great defender.

I want to congratulate the city of Fremont

for having in your midst a young soldier

who is aiding to keep this a historic spot,

dearer and dearer each year in the mem-

ory of the American people, in the person of Col. Webb C. Hayes.

I thank you for your attention for you must be getting tired and I

will leave you, saying that I am glad it was my privilege to be with

you to-day, and I will ever remember this meeting as long as I live.

This day will be deep in my memory.

 

ADDRESS OF E. O. RANDALL.

 

SECRETARY OHIO ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

The only apology I have for the honor of appearing before you on

this interesting occasion is that my college friend of years ago, your

splendid, patriotic and enterprising fellow-citizen, Colonel Webb. C.

Hayes, invited me to come; his apology being that I am an official of

the Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society, whose business it

is to gather, preserve and disseminate the lore, historic and prehistoric

of our great state. The orator of the day, the Hon. Samuel D. Dodge,

has recited to you in graphic terms the history that led up to the

siege of Fort Stephenson and the incomparable bravery and patriotism

with which the youth George Croghan and his gallant little band defended

the crude stockade fort and stemmed the tide that to that moment seemed

against the Americans. The successful repulse of Proctor and the British