Ohio History Journal

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EDITORIALANA

EDITORIALANA.

A CHAPTER OF CORRECTIONS.

 

R. W. MCFARLAND.

[History is never free from imperfections. Particularly is this true

of the collected and collated records and data of pioneer periods--the

beginnings of history. This is most natural as the memoranda are fur-

nished by different authorities who discern the events recorded from

various points of view or who are not accurate in their method of

statement.  The  Ohio   State  Archaeological and  Historical Society

endeavors to gather and preserve all that is worthy of preservation con-

cerning the early history of our state.  It therefore gladly welcomes

criticism  upon and corrections of the material which it puts forth. It

of course goes without saying that the Society is not to be held

responsible for the authenticity or accuracy of articles contributed by

various writers to the columns of the Society's publications. We there-

fore readily publish "corrections" when they come from persons de-

serving credence.  One of the most learned and critical scholars of

Ohio's early history is Professor R. W. McFarland, who was born near

Urbana in 1825, and who still at the age of eighty-two, with eye un-

dimmed and faculties unimpaired takes an enthusiastic and active interest

in the events of "ye olden time." He knew and conversed with many

of the prominent settlers of the Buckeye State. Probably no one living

has so much knowledge "at first hand" of the startings of our state

history. Professor McFarland's memory retains it strength and clear-

ness unabated and what he says has the stamp of original authority.

The editor of this Quarterly has often during the past years been in-

debted to Mr. McFarland for much valuable assistance in the effort to

obtain reliable data of pioneer times and also for much revision and

correction  of material published.  The editorial desk retains safely

pigeon-holed many letters from the professor touching upon articles ap-

pearing in the Quarterly.  We have culled from    them  some of the

"items" we believe deserve not only the light of day but permanent place

in the literature of the Society. The purpose of their appearance and

their value speak for themselves. While much of the matter herewith

published was intended only for the personal benefit of the Editor of

the Quarterly, we gladly give the readers of the Quarterly and thereby

all students of Ohio history, the benefit of the statements.-EDITOR.]

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