Troy.

            (page 543) The County of Miami, being organized in 1807, the task con-fronting the fathers at that time was the selection of a county seat. After a protracted struggle between Piqua, Staunton and Troy, the latter place was selected. At that time Troy was indeed a primitive community, but with the advent of the county seat, the growth became steady and it began to attract many new forces. As set forth elsewhere in the general county history, Jesse Newport, Daniel Wilson and Joseph Lamb were appointed by the court as commissioners to select a location. They decided on what is now Troy, and Robert Crawford was appointed director to purchase and survey the site selected. It was bought from Aaron Tullis, William Barbee, Alexander McCullough and W. H. Gahagan. Andrew Wallace was appointed to survey the land, and he fled his first plat December 2, 1807.

            The first house to be built in Troy was that of Benjamin Overfield, erected on the corner of Water and Mulberry streets. The (page 544) county court was held at this place for a number of years before the erection of its first courthouse. This was a log structure, two stories in height, a part of which was used as a tavern and for a number of years by Mr. Overfield, the upper floor of which was used as a court room. This tavern was the "Forum" in which questions of the day were debated and was often used for prayer meeting, the celebrated revivalist of that time, Mr. Reuben Dooley, often exhorting his hearers in the barroom of the tavern. Mr. Overfeld was also the proprietor of the popular hostelry at the corner of Main and Cherry streets until his death in 1831.

            `William Barbee, or Billy Barbee, as he was familiarly known, was the first blacksmith in Troy. Despite the fact that he knew little of blacksmithing at the start, he succeeded remarkably well and earned a substantial competence. He subsequently engaged in the dry goods business with Dr. Telford and Moses L. Meeker as partners. Squire Brown, a resident of Staunton, removed to Troy and opened a saddlery and later became justice of the peace. Isaac Peck, Henry Culbertson, Joseph Skinner and Judge Joseph Pearson, also of Troy, learned the saddler's trade under Squire Brown. In 1808 Joseph Culbertson engaged in the making and selling of wool hats, his brother Samuel and Joseph H. Fennery serving as apprentices. William Brown and John Wallace opened a carpenter shop in 1809 at the corner of Clay and Water streets. The first dry goods store was located at the Square and Market street and the first hardware store was started next door and operated by Uncle Mac Hart, which later became the Hart & Harter store and subsequently was taken over by Harter and Cosley and later by H. A. Cosley and is still being operated under this name. Uncle "Bobby" Caldron was another pioneer merchant, who for years kept a knickknack store. The first tannery in Troy was that of Milton McCampbell, located on the corner of Market and Water streets.

            Dr. De Joncourt, one of the first physicians to practice in Troy, was of French extraction and "bled" the community literally, but not in the latter-day sense. Dr. Asa Coleman settled here in 1811 and immediately began the practice of medicine.

            Troy early began to feel the need of educational facilities and a school was established in 1813. It was housed in the little log house at Market and Water streets. John G. Clarke was in charge of this school in 1816. Micajah Fairfield, Uriah Fordyce, Mary Barney and George Burgess were among the earlier teachers. The first places of worship were in the homes of the adherents of the different sects, the taverns also being frequently used for prayer meetings. The Methodists were the first to build a place of worship, erecting a log church in 1812 near Main and Clay streets. The building of the Miami canal ushered in a new era in the life of Troy and placed it in touch with the outside markets, when it began to enjoy a new period of prosperity. After the completion of the canal to Troy in 1837 the business life of the little village began to assume splendid proportions. A review of the business in Troy in 1847 notes the following items for the previous year: The transactions of thirty of the leading business houses by purchase of (page 545) goods, manufactures and produce totaled $523,238; sales, $674,307.

            The following articles bought and sold during the same period were: 174,000 bushels of wheat, 290,000 bushels of corn, 100,000 bushels of rye, barley and oats, 17,000 barrels of four, 1,300 barrels of pork, 5,000 hogs, 31,000 pounds of butter, 2,000 bushels of coal, 600 barrels of fish, 3,000 barrels of salt, 30,000 bushels of flaxseed, 304,000 pounds of bulk pork and 136,000 pounds of lard. The trade and commerce of Troy having developed to a great extent, the canal became inadequate as an outlet and the railroads furnished the next solution. In 1850 the first railroad train entered Troy from Dayton, which marked the beginning of the end of canal traffic. Among the early manufacturing establishments of Troy were Beedle & Kelley's Agricultural Implement works, the Troy Spring Wagon and Wheel company, the Troy Buggy works, Kelley & Sons, manufacturers of windmills. The first foundry was built in 1838 by John Smeltzer. Cruikshank Bros., coopers, turned out immense quantities of barrels, kegs, casks and tubs. Other early industries were the Miami foundry, the Troy flax factory, the Wilmington plow works and

Vandergrift's planing mill.

            On June 16, 1885, the cornerstone of the present courthouse was laid. This was a gala day for Troy and for the county in general. This cornerstone marked the final triumph of Troy over her old time adversary, Piqua, for possession of the county seat and the end of the courthouse war as well as the inauguration of the era of good feeling between the two cities. The day was attended with many ceremonies, visiting delegations from surrounding cities attended in a body and a grand procession was held, which was participated in by the delegations, citizens and military organizations. The orator of the day was Elihu S. Williams/who paid tribute to the achievements of Miami county and its good citizens. The new courthouse was designed by J. W. Yost, of Columbus, Ohio, and erected under the direction of T. B. Townsend of Zanesville. The square in which it stands measures 230 by 330 feet. the courthouse itself measuring 114 feet 2 inches square, from the ground to the eaves it is sixty feet in height, and from the ground to the dome 160 feet. The total cost of this building was about $400,000, and it is considered to be one of the finest buildings of its kind in the country.

            Troy City Government. The civic government of Troy is divided into a number of distinct departments or committees, the chief elective officials being the mayor, city auditor, city solicitor and city treasurer. The council consists of three councilmen-at-large and four ward councilmen, the latter being elective Other municipal officers are the director of public service and his assistants, who have supervision over all works of a public nature, both in construction and maintenance. The board of public safety includes a director, the chiefs of the police and fire departments. The civil service commission of four members pass on the qualifications of all applicants for service in the city's employ. There is also a board of health, a board of education, sinking fund trustees, park commission and public library appointees. The present population of

Troy is about 8,000 persons.

            (page 546) City Hall. The City hall or City building of Troy was erected in 1876 to suit the needs of the community for that period and is a substantial three-story building with stone trimmings. The lower floor is divided into sections, one of which is used by the public library, the upper floors being used for the municipal offices. The third story was originally occupied as an opera house.

            Public Library. The public library of Troy was formally opened to the public on December 5, 1896, in an upstairs room in the city hall, the number of volumes at that time being 2,111. On May 1, 1903, the library was opened in its present quarters on the lower floor of the City building, where it has ample quarters for all present needs. On the opening of the new quarters a book shower was held which resulted in the donation of thirteen hundred volumes and a subscription of $1,051.50 to the fund for the purchase of new books. Miss Clara Williams was the first librarian and she was succeeded March 1, 1918, by Miss Blanche Mitchell, the present librarian. The library now has 18,054 volumes of well-selected works.

            Lodges. The Masonic building, located on Main street, is without question the finest building in Troy, and the Masons in point of membership and general activity of its members have always been the strongest lodge in Troy. The Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Eagles, Red Men, Elks, Woodmen of the World, Junior Order United Mechanics and Knights of the Golden Eagles are also prominent as to membership and activity. The auxiliary lodges, Pocahontas, Rebekahs and Eastern Star, add to the social activities of this community and have been prominent in civic betterment and philanthropic work.

            Troy Industries. Troy for many years was noted as a manufacturing center for carriage, buggy and other horse-drawn vehicles, not only for its number of factories given to this line of work, but to the general excellence of their products. When the horse-drawn vehicle business was at its zenith, the well-known Troy farm wagons, buggies, carriages, etc., could be seen in service in all parts of the country. With the introduction of gasoline-driven vehicles, these industries quite naturally began to suffer, and, from a city given almost wholly to the production of horse-drawn vehicles and their accessories, Troy began to gradually enter other manufacturing fields, especially supplanting her former industries with those producing automotive parts. It will be seen in the review of Troy industries that this city is gradually acquiring a diversified class of manufacturing establishments. The World War gave to Troy a decided impetus to manufacture. A number of thriving industries of today which had their inception in war production are now firmly placed and doing a thriving business in every-day necessities. Troy, however, still holds supremacy in one or two features connected with horse-drawn vehicles. A branch factory of the only factory in the world exclusively manufacturing carriage dashes is still doing a large manufacturing business. The making of auto truck trailers is rapidly becoming a decided Troy industry, many of which were used during the recent war. At no distant day, perhaps, Troy will be as well known for its automotive feature as it was formerly known (page 547) in the carriage and wagon field. The industrial contribution to the recent war of many of the industries of Troy has a very creditable showing.

            The Troy Wagon Works. The Troy Wagon works was organized as such May 8, 1891. In 1884 the Beedle & Kelly company sold out to the Troy Wagon company, which later became the Troy Wagon Works company with an original incorporation of $50,000. The Troy wagon became famous throughout the country and was seen in every state in the union and has always had an immense patronage in spite of the sternest kind of competition. The stock of this company was subsequently increased to $1,600,000. The company became builders of farm wagons, dump wagons and slow speed hauling wagons. From 1911 to 1914 a great deal of attention was devoted to the creation of a superior auto trailer and this later became the most important feature of this business. The first contract for motor truck trailers was secured from the government of France in 1915. and this contract continued until the signing of the armistice in 1918. During the duration of the world war ninety per cent of the manufacturing capacity of this plant was devoted to war work. In 1892 the Troy Wagon company was absorbed by the Troy Wagon works and is now occupying the building formerly used by the Troy Wagon company. The officers of the Troy Wagon works are: President, C. A. Geiger; vice-president, C. N. Peters: secretary-treasurer, G. R. Harris; directors, C. C. Hayner, R. C. Sykes and A. O. Brown.

            The Skinner Irrigation Company. Overhead irrigation is the one certain panacea for the lack of rain. To the truck farmer, gardener, florist, it is the best insurance of their crops that may be secured. This irrigation- system is accomplished by the use of a system of overhead pipes running parallel above the acreage or plot of ground to be irrigated. At stated times the water is released. providing a veritable downpour of rain, or as much as is deemed necessary. The Skinner Irrigation company of Troy has produced a splendid system of overhead irrigation. It has equipped a number of estates, aside from the regular commercial demand for its product. Among the estates so equipped is one at Three Rivers, Mich., belonging to H. L. Kellogg, the breakfast food manufacturer ; as is also the estate of H. L. Thompson and the Talbot farm near Dayton. The officers of this company are : President. W. W. Coles; secretary-treasurer. P. H. Bridge; vice-president, W. I. Thompson. The Skinner company was also engaged in war work during the recent war, working for local concerns who held war contracts.

            The Troy Body Company. The Troy Body company was organized February 1, 1919. It was the outgrowth of the Troy Manufacturing company, which did extensive work on war contracts during the late war, manufacturing one hundred different parts used in the making of aeroplanes. The Troy Manufacturing company filled its contracts in a most creditable manner. On the cessation of hostilities, this company was merged with the Troy Body company, the latter concern now devoting its entire attention to the making of superior automobile bodies. In the very short time (page 548) since its organization the Troy Body company has met with signal success and now employes a force of 250 men. Its product is receiving attention from the foremost makers of cars in the country. Among the prominent users of its bodies are the makers of the Grant and Liberty cars. A total of nine different makes of cars are now equipped with bodies made by the Troy Body company. The officers of this concern are : President, C. C. Cross ; vice-president, W. E. Bowyer ; secretary and treasurer, W. J. Kroger. The Miami Specialty Works was organized in 1919 for the purpose of building truck bodies and drivers' cabs. This concern, though in its infancy, has secured substantial recognition in the automobile world for the excellence of their products. The building of bodies is now generally recognized as a feature that requires the highest specialization. Very few automobile manufacturers build their machines entire, looking to these specialists for the various parts in a particular line. There is no feature requiring more care, knowledge and attention to details than the body building of the automobile.' It is the artistic feature of the car. Its grace of outline and appearance in general gives the automobile distinction. The organizers of this concern, fully aware of the tremendous field for a thoroughgoing, conscientious organization, established the above concern in 1919. They have specialized on truck bodies, but give their attention to other lines of work in automobile building. Despite the very short time, however, they have been in this field, they have secured substantial contracts from the International Harvester company and also make trucks for the Indiana and Nash Trucks. The officers are : Clyde Statler, president; Louis Schuh, vice-president, and L. R. Stoner, secretary.

            H. D. Cress Company. Toy making, until the last four or five years, was not considered a permissible field for American industry.

            The so-called excellence of the German workmen on these intricate articles was advanced as the chief reason for a German monopoly of this business. Like many other theories, this myth was exploded and today American-made toys are in demand, second to none in excellence and better than were made in Germany at any time. The H. D. Cress company was organized in 1917, and, starting in a modest way, manufactured educational toys. This concern now occupies 60,000 square feet of floor space and its business has trebled during the year 1919 as compared with the same period during the previous year. The trademark, of this concern bears the following words : "Original Cress Educational Boards Reversible." The officers at present are: President. H. D. Cress: treasurer, T. G. Yantis ; secretary, H. G. Weisenbarger ; vice-president, L. Neal Grassle.

            Troy Pattern Works, although a modest concern at this time. is gradually expanding; its business drawing patronage from many places throughout the country. They make wood and metal patterns of recognized excellence. This concern was organized in 1906 and is owned and operated by 'Tr. S. N. Touchmann. A number of patterns were made and used in local and other concerns during the late war.

            (page 549) The Hobart Brothers Company. This company was organized in 1917 and now operates two factories at Troy, one of which is entirely given over to the manufacture of the well-known line of H-B office furniture, desks, fling cabinets, etc. The Water street plant manufactures motor generators and motor generator sets used for battery charging and naval use during the late war. The Willard Battery Service stations, Prest-O-Lite and other battery stations use the Hobart appliances for recharging their batteries. Both lines manufactured by the Hobart brothers are considered leaders by a wide and growing patronage. The officers of this company are: President, C. C. Hobart; vice-president, Edward A. Hobart; treasurer, Charles C. Hobart; secretary,. W. H. Hobart. The Gummed Products Company. Gummed materials of all kinds are manufactured by this concern-stickers, wrappers, sealing devices-in fact, anything gummed which you may use may have been made by this Troy concern, and, up to date, this concern has more than measured up to the chances in this field, their line being well known throughout the country. The Gummed Products company was organized in May, 1914, and the present officers are: President, Edward F. Herrlinger; treasurer, F. L. Holt; secretary, S. G. Leitsch.

            The Hobart Manufacturing Company. The Hobart Manufacturing company was organized tinder its present form in 1912. In the manufacture of electrically operated food preparing machines, the Hobart company has achieved marked success. Among the items manufactured are: Electric coffee mills, electric meat choppers, electric kitchen machinery for large hotels, and many other electrical labor-saving devices. The Hobart goods were bought by the government for use on the battleships during the war, and is also being installed as regular navy equipment. This plant also manufactured control panels for aeroplanes, making seven thousand sets on government contract during the war. In 1918 the Hobart Manufacturing company established the Troy Metal Products company at Cincinnati for war work exclusively. It manufactured the Adapter No. 2, a small device which was screwed in the ends of explosive shells. Seven hundred and fifty thousand of these were made and delivered during the war. T he officers of the Hobart Manufacturing company are: President. A. G. Stouder: vice-president, H. L. Johnson : treasurer, E. E. Edgar ; secretary, J. M. Spencer; production manager, C. C. Willard.

            The Miami Trailer Company. This company was organized September, 1915, and occupies a floor space of about 45,000 feet and is exclusively engaged in the making and selling of trailers for automobiles. During the war this plant was dedicated to war work and aside from the regular line which was in demand for war service, the company manufactured trench reel carriers, a device used in the trenches and for which this company had a substantial contract which was filled in a most creditable manner. The plant is now engaged in the making of trailers, a field . which is today in its infancy and presents a splendid outlook for the future of this concern. Its progress has been very noticeable each year since its (page 550) organization. The present officers are : Joseph Rebolz, president; John K. Knoop, vice-president ; W. F. Jolly, secretary-treasurer. The McKinnon Dash Company has the unusual distinction of being the only company of its kind in the world making an exclusive line of buggy and carriage dashes and has always occupied a conspicuous place in the carriage and buggy manufacturing world. Despite the usurpation by the automobile, the McKinnon company has pursued the even tenor of its way, and today is a thriving concern, its product being still in great demand wherever carriages or buggies are manufactured. The local company is the outgrowth of the parent company of Buffalo, N. Y. The Buffalo company was established in 1892, the McKinnon company having previously operated at St. Catherine's, Ontario, exclusively. The Buffalo company was established to care for the growing trade in the states. Two years later, in 1894, a factory was established at Columbus, Ohio, with Mr. L. H. McConnel in charge. In 1895 this plant was removed to Troy, Ohio, where it first occupied about 48,000 feet of floor space and to the original have been added about 20,000 feet, The present output is about 800 leather dashes per day, a very striking testimonial of the survival of horse-drawn vehicles to date. Mr. L. H. McConnel, who is in charge of the local plant, is a veteran in the carriage and buggy business, dating back many years ago when he was superintendent of the Haydock Bros. Carriage company of St. Louis.

            Star Foundry is engaged in the making of gray iron castings and does a large business. Seventy-five per cent of the capacity of this plant was engaged in war work during the late war. This work was by indirect contract with local and other concerns which used castings on war material manufactured. The officers of the Star Foundry are : President, W. P. Anglemeyer ; vice-president, A. F. Lockwood; secretary and treasurer, Jacob Lust. Ohio Electric Specialty Manufacturing Co. This company is engaged in the manufacture of brushes used in gathering electricity on dynamos, as engines and other devices. The function of a current collector is to collect the current from its revolving contact.

            There is a large market for this product and this concern is putting forth every effort to meet the demand. The officers of this company are: president, J. R. Simpson; secretary, W. H. Stillwell ; treasurer, J. W. Means. The Ohio Electric Specialty Mfg. Co. was established in 1897 and incorporated in 1908.

            The Lorimer Manufacturing Co. The phonograph, once considered a luxury, has now become a household necessity, nearly all homes of any pretension now owning one. Very few of the manufacturers in this line make the entire equipment ; the motors especially, being a highly specialized industry. The Lorimer Manufacturing company of Troy is engaged in the making of phonograph motors, exclusively. This company, which was organized September 5, 1919, is developing into a substantial concern with a wide demand for its product. During the war, this concern, on subcontract, manufactured trench wire carriers for the Miami Trailer company of Troy. The officers of the Lorimer Manufacturing company are : President, G. W. Lorimer; vice-president, G. R. Harris ; (page 551) secretary-treasurer, F. O. Flowers. The directors other than the officers, are : E. W. Jewell, C. N. Kincaid, H. L. Penn, C. N. Peters, and A. O. Judson is the production manager.

            The Flood at Troy. During the week of March 24, 1913, a downpour of rain, which lasted for forty-eight hours, engulfed Troy in the terrible food, which caused havoc and devastation, without parallel in the history of Ohio. The water rose so rapidly that only comparatively few persons living south and west of the Canal and of Nineveh escaped, as the waters slowly rose. By midnight Monday the river had reached its highest point, and the lowlands in the immediate vicinity were entirely under water. At one o'clock a general alarm was sounded by the church and city bells warning the people of the continued rise of the waters. Many persons, lulled into a fancied security, were hastily aroused, to find the water pouring into their homes. Boats were secured and the work of rescue begun. By Tuesday noon many of the streets of Troy surged with the mad rush of waters, and at two o'clock it reached its highest point; as far as the eye could see beyond the city limits the water extended like a gigantic lake.

            The Big Four tracks, constructed on a running embankment, were blown out, relieving the water congestion at that point. By three o'clock Tuesday the water began to slowly subside. By this time it had covered all the southwest district of the city, as far north as, and including, the Canal, and as far east as Plum street, leaving the east end of Water, Main, Franklin and their cross streets clear. From the Big Four railroad south, Walnut, Mullberry, Clay, Crawford and Union streets were gradually showing themselves above the water.

            Numerous rescue parties under the direction of Sheriff Paul, Chief Headley, Service Director Davis, Fire Chief Sharp, and many volunteers worked unceasingly in their labor of rescue. With a heroic spirit these men, mindful of the perils of many lives, threw their own personal comfort and safety aside, and plunged into the work of rescue. They performed their work heroically and there were many feats of individual heroism. To enumerate any of these would be unjust to many others who shone with splendor in this occasion. With rumors afloat of the breaking of the Lewistown Reservoir; the absence of the electric light and gas-Tuesday night was a night long to be remembered in the history of Troy. With the terrible experience of the preceding night, and momentarily expecting the mad rush of waters from the Lewistown dam, a terrible feeling of suspense pervaded the entire community, which was only lifted when those vague rumors were dissipated, on the receipt of definite information.

            Tuesday night while the food was raging, an improvised organization was formed at the Troy club for the relief of the distressed. The meeting was called to order by Walter E. Bowyer; Mayor McClain announced a general meeting of citizens to take place later and the preliminary meeting was adjourned. Thursday evening, Mayor McClain published the call for a general relief meeting which was held at the Mayor's office at 2 p. m. Friday, at which $5,000 was immediately subscribed, for temporary relief, (page 552) with the assurance of more when needed. "Troy will take care of her own," was the slogan adopted. Walter Bowyer and Horace Allen were selected to organize a committee and they recommended Judge E. W. Maier for general chairman ; John H. Drury, secretary and treasurer; executive committee, J. S. Combs, Horace Allen, Dr. B. W. Jones ; these recommendations were unanimously approved. The immediate needs of the community were discussed and suggestions were asked for. On motion of Mr. E. E. Edgar an immediate canvass for subscription was taken. Five thousand dollars were pledged, as a temporary fund, preliminary to the general canvass for subscription. The estimated amount necessary for general relief was placed at $100,000 for the relief of Troy and vicinity. After a week's survey following the subsiding of the food, the estimated amount of damages in Troy were as follows: Residence property, household and personal effects, $170,000; loss in merchandise stored in basement of stores, $40,000 to $45,000. Loss to factories in Troy, $150,000. The following were the known dead Thursday, April 3rd. Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Smock and child, West Market street; Henry Van Tuyl, West Market street; John Glass, Peters avenue ; George Glass, Peters avenue; Mrs. Henriette Pearson, West Market street, Harry Hall, Fairgrounds ; Mrs. Lydia Bolden, Nineveh; Mrs. Rachael Stewart, Nineveh; Robert Kinney;   Mrs. (Ruben) Jones, Nineveh; George Bosewell, Fairgrounds ; Oliver Bolden Whitle, Nineveh; Josephine Stewart, Nineveh.

            Among the merchants and manufacturers who sustained heavy losses were H. A. Cosley, Shaible & Smith, Gibson & Croner, H. M. Rinehardt, George Clawson, T. M. Grunder C Co., and Miller Bros. Outside the business district the grocery store of H. W. Doppler at Market and Race street, sustained a heavy damage : Young's grocery, May and Garfield streets, and Long's Grocery, West Main street, also suffered heavily. The factories which suffered severely were The Hobart Electric Manufacturing company, Allen & Wheeler, Troy Wagon works, The McKinnon Dash company, Troy Foundry, Troy Carriage Sunshade company, W. W. Crowfoot, and the establishment of L. A. Thomas, florist.

            The second week after the flood found the situation very well defined. The needs of the community became apparent and by this time more than $10,000 had been subscribed. Greater subscriptions being withheld until the exact necessities were determined. The lodges volunteered to assist all members and many other private organizations were assisting in the relief independent of the general funds. The Troy physicians announced free medical service until May 1, 1913.

            Newspapers. The first number of the Miami Reporter, one of the first newspapers to be published in Troy, was issued May 18, 1827, the editor being Micajah Fairfield. The early issues of this paper show the editor of the election of John Quincy Adams as opposed to Andrew Jackson. There were one or two attempts to establish a newspaper prior to The Miami Reporter. About 1817 a small sheet was issued under the title of the Miami Weekly Post, (page 553) edited by a Richard Armstrong. This plant was later purchased by Micajah Fairfield, when he established the Reporter. The Troy Times was started in 1829, John Tullis being the first editor and owner, and he was succeeded by Richard Langdon. The Times continued to serve the public until 1870. In 1865 John W. DeFrees started the Miami Union; in 1883           I. L. DeFrees took charge of this sheet and in 1886 it passed to the ownership of a stock company; the controlling factors today being Pauley and McClung.

            The Troy Sentinel, the first newspaper in this town to carry the Democratic standard, was first published in 1871 by J. A. McConahey and discontinued in 1880. The Imperial and the Bulletin rose and fell in quick succession. The Troy Democrat was established in 1880 by J. P. Barron and was later sold to M. K. Gantz and J. A. Kerr, subsequently passing into the hands of Charles H. Dale who is the present owner.

            In 1891 The Buckeye was founded by Captain Elihu S. Williams. He later sold this paper, but in 1912 again took charge and continued its operation until his death; his slaughter Ollie continuing its publication for some time after the death of her father. It eventually passed into the hands of H. A. Pauley and was consolidated with the Miami Union.

            The Troy Chronicle and Daily Trojan were published by Dr. C. H. Goodrich. This publication was discontinued about 1885.

            The Troy Record was first published in 1897 by the Croy brothers later by V. S. Croy and this was succeeded in 1917 by the Troy Daily Times which was discontinued in June, 1918. The Troy Daily News was founded by Charles Dale in 1909, and later sold to J. Moore and in May, 1919, Pauley and McClung took charge of it and continued its publication.

            The Altrurian Club of Troy. This club, the leading woman's organization of Troy, was organized March 13. 1894. Prior to 1899 its officers were chosen each month: Mrs. L. M. Lindenberger be the first president elected to serve a full year, the presidents subsequently elected to 1919 were : Mrs. A. F. Broomhall, Mrs. George S. Long, Miss Olive G. Williams. Mrs. W. W. Hegler, Mrs. F. E. Scobey, Mrs. Theodore Sullivan, Mrs. Hannah M. Gahagan, Mrs J. W. Stilltvell, Mrs. C. C. Hobart, Mrs. M. K. Gantz, Mrs.  Gabriel, lrs. C. W. Cookson, Mrs. Walter Brewer, Mrs. Clarence Snook. Mrs. B. WV. Jones, Mrs. R. C. Wolcott, Miss Edith Scott, Mrs. C. A. Geiger, Mrs. Edwin Cosley. and Mrs. Edward Wilson. The Altrurian club meets each Wednesday, with a distinctive program. its motto is "In essentials-harmony ; liberty; In all things charity." A comprehensive program is given each week and the discussions cover a wide range of topics, with special attention to home economics and civics. Delightful musicales are a frequent feature of the weekly meetings and child-welfare discussions are one of the special features. The latter subject extends beyond the range of mere discussion-the child welfare work of this organization having accomplished tremendous benefits in this field. The work is largely divided into committees-the civic committee having inaugurated "clean up" week in Troy, and initiated many (page 554) movements tending to civic betterment. In social, civic and philanthropic work, the Altrurian club easily ranks among the foremost clubs in the county. The club was federated October 25, 1894, and incorporated April 26, 1895. The present officers are: President, Mrs. Harry Shilling; vice-president, Mrs. Sterrett Falkner, Mrs. E. W. Jewell; recording secretary Mrs. Lewis Schuh; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Frank McCullough; treasurer, Mrs. Arthur Sheets; auditor, Mrs. Hannah Gahagan.

            The Fortnightly Club of Troy was organized in September 1900, and its membership at its organization were members from the Sorosis Club.  The Fortnightly Club was prominent in Belgium relief work, and is now defraying the expenses of educating a French orphan.  The present officers of this club are: President, Mrs. Pearl Stephens; vice-president, Mrs. Edward Bowers; secretary Ralph Gibson; treasurer, Mrs. F. W. Steil.

            The Sorosis Club was organized November 24, 1893. The motto adopted at the time was “Keep in step, the world is moving.” The Sorosis club, being one of the older clubs of Troy, has always been of distinctive usefulness to its members and to the community at large. The present officers are: President, Mrs. C. M. Smith; vice-president, Mrs. Ivy Yount; secretary, Mrs. Harry Shilling; treasurer, Mrs. W. H. Baker.

            The Varsity Club. Among the younger element of Troy, the Varsity club holds pre-eminence as the dominating social institution. It is composed entirely of the younger spirits of the community and its functions have always been of a wholesome and entertaining variety.  It was organized in 1912; improvements have been made from time to time – the club now having modern and commodious headquarters.  The officers of the club are: President, Warren Chambers; vice-president, D. E. Dalzell; secretary, Paul Shavers; treasurer, Christian Pister.

            Troy Rotary Club. as in other places the Rotary club fills a position in Troy which could not possibly be filled by any other club or organization.  The get together spirit of the Rotary club is the spirit that has made the Rotary clubs famous throughout the country.  The Troy Rotary club holds a weekly luncheon which is animated by lively discussions on current topics, embracing community and civic needs and many kindred subjects. Once a month, a meeting is held, at which the members are privileged to bring their wives or other guests. These monthly meetings are one of the main events of the life of the Rotary club, and are enlivened with impromptu musicales and informal discussions. Many special features are also introduced at these meetings; speakers of note and important personages have been invited and attended many of the meetings in the past. The Troy Rotary club was organized in 1918, the first executive officers being H. L. Johnston, president and Harold A. Pauley, secretary and treasurer. The present officers are J. W. Safford, president; Harold A. Pauley, secretary; Frank C. Roberts, vice-president. The board of directors at present are Fred C. Holt; Glen C. Strock and Sterrett Faulkner.  The work of the organization is divided into committees, which are accountable for the entire activities of the club.

            (page 555)  The Troy Club was the outgrowth of the old Troy Bicycle club. It at first rented quarters in several places, finally establishing a clubhouse on the south side of Franklin street, between Market and Cherry streets, in the Hatfield-Scott building. Later, the Outing Club of Troy, consolidating with it, gave to it an increase in membership. The Outing club was a very popular club for a number of years. It occupied an island in the Miami river, above Troy, for which it paid a yearly rental to the state. This island was the headquarters for the club and was the scene of all their many outings and formal gatherings. Among the moving spirits of the Outing club were George Scott, Chas. W. Tobey and Henry Allen. The Troy club eventually rented the Dunlap building on South Franklin street, between Market and Walnut. This later passed into the hands of Geo. Scott and subsequently became the property of William Hayner. On the death of Mr. Hayner, it was found that provision had been made by him whereby the building became the property of the Troy club. The Troy club is distinctively a social club, embracing many of the business men of Troy. Its present officers are: Dr. J. S. Shinn, president: Sterrett Faulkner, vice-president; William Hartley, secretary. The directors are George Torlina, Harold Pauley and Fired Holt.

            Troy Railroad Service. Since the advent of the first railroad through Troy in 1850 there has been a steady increase in transportation facilities in and out of the town. It is especially fortunate in having two of the foremost steam roads and its interurban facilities are highly satisfactory. The Baltimore & Ohio give a service to Troy of six daily passenger trains, three each way, and the Big Four run two daily passenger trains on this route, one each way. The freight service of both roads has always been eminently satisfactory. and prior to the amalgamation of freight service, under Federal control, gave individual service of the very highest order. D. & T. (Dayton and Troy) traction line operates fifteen passenger trains each way daily, through Troy, and the Springfield.

            Troy & Piqua traction line run ten trains daily, each way, both roads maintaining passenger stations. The traction lines, as maybe seen, give Troy a splendid communication with other points. The freight service on these lines, in light freight and parcels, supply hourly outlets for this class of shipment.

            Troy Banks. In 1871, W. H. H. Dye & Son established the Miami County bank in Troy and eight years later sold it to another company, at the head of which was H. H. Weakley, and later was acquired by the Heywood-Royce company. Although in the beginning its capital was only $50,000, it exactly doubled that amount by 1888, when it became the Troy National bank with the following officers : President. N. H. Albaugh : vice-president. John M. Campbell ; cashier, Noah Yount : assistant cashier, C. E. Wilson. The capital at present is $125,000, with a surplus and undivided profit of $200,000. The present officers are: President, W. E. Bowyer; vice-president, W. H. Francis ; cashier, John K. DeFrees ; assistant cashier, P. G. Yantis.

            First National Bank of Troy. Although the old state banks were an improvement over their predecessors, they were still unable (page 556) to meet the needs of the times, and in 1863 the First National Bank of Troy was established, as a successor to the Miami county branch of the state bank which was founded in 1847. Its first officers were President, Asa Coleman ; cashier, John C. Culbertson ; teller and bookkeeper, D. W. Smith ; directors, Jacob Knoop, Daniel Brown, George Smith, Asa Coleman, Lewis Hayner and H. W. Allen. Mr. Allen was made president in 1865 and D. W. Smith became cashier the same year. The First National was the fifty-ninth national bank established in the United States. A handsome new stone fireproof building, with modern equipment, was occupied in 1908. The present capitalization is $200,000. The savings department is a distinct feature of this bank and is especially appealing to a person who can only make a small deposit each week. The present officers of the bank are: President, F. O. Flowers: vice-president, C. O. Briggs ; cashier, E. Z. Elleman; assistant cashiers: N. E. Metcalf and A. D. Dill.

            The People's Building & Saving Association of Troy, and one of the most substantial institutions of its kind in Miami county, extending a service for many years and having enjoyed a steady and substantial growth, was organized in 1890. The need for an institution of this kind had been apparent for some time and the first officers elected were men of wide experience in business affairs and well adapted to lay the cornerstone of this institution. Its officers were: Dr. L. M. Lindenburger, president ; James Knight, secretary; Noah Yount, treasurer. Mr. Lindenburger resigned and Dr. A. E. Childs was elected president, continuing in office until his death in 1909. After the death of Mr. Childs, J. W. Stephey, the present incumbent, was selected as president, and has continued in this office up to the present time. Mr. L. O. Shilling was elected in 1893, - as secretary, being the present incumbent. The present vice-president is Mr. George W. Conrad: assistant secretary, Mary P. Rosser, and J. C. Fullerton, jr.. attorney. The directors of this company are J. W. Stephey, George W. Conrad, John K. DeFrees. Elmer E. Pearson, Joseph V. McCool, F. W. Steil, R. H. Gibson and C. L. Yost. On June 30, 1919, the total assets of this company showed $1,126,993.17. Since that time loans to the amount of $145,000 have been made. The earnings for six months prior to June. 1919, showed $32,527.35. The earnings for the previous year having totaled $63,289.04 which shows a pro rata increase for the six months ending June, 1919, in earnings. Since July 1, 1919, the assets have increased to S1,1 59,000.

            Troy Churches. From the primitive places of worship, often the rude log cabins of early days, the barns, and when the weather permitted, the open air, to the splendid places of worship of today, is shown the general progress of this community during the last one hundred years. Today Troy is worshiping with almost all denominations known ; the number of churches in Troy indicating a pronounced spiritual atmosphere. The Methodists were the first to build a church here, their first place of worship being a log church located near the corner of Main and Clay streets. The second church was built in 1825 on 'Mulberry street between Franklin and Canal street. This was transformed into a parsonage when the (page 557) third church was built adjoining it in 1839. Ground was broken        for the present beautiful church building in 1899 and was dedicated on May 2, 1901. It is a magnificent stone structure, surmounted by a gilded dome.

            St. Patrick's Catholic Church. About 1857 Catholics in Troy were few in numbers but very zealous in the practice of their religion. They first assembled for divine worship in the home of John Danaher. In the fall of the same year the Hon. J. E. Pearson tendered the use of his courtroom for worship. This generous offer was accepted and the Catholics held services here until the following year. In 1858 the first Catholic church was completed and was dedicated to the honor of St. Patrick. Priests from Piqua and Dayton attended to the wants of this parish until 1877 when Rev. F. H. Menke was made its first resident pastor. In 1883 a substantial addition was made to the church and in 1886 a new parochial school was built. In 1915 a new church was decided on, and on May 28th of the following year, the cornerstone of the present building, a magnificent structure of stone of the pure Gothic design was laid and the building was finished and dedicated November 30, 1916, by Archbishop Henry Moeller.

            The First Presbyterian Church of Troy was organized September 13, 1813, in the home of Alexander Telford; the families who were adherents of this church at this time were the Orbisons, Telfords, McClungs, Youarts, Shacklefords and Scotts. A church was later erected on Crawford street near Franklin. A schism took place in this church about 1840 and for some time there were two divisions of the church existing in Troy, one known as the Old School Church and the other known as the New School Church. These two factions were again united in 1870. The New School had built a new frame church on the present site and in 1859 the present brick structure was erected. In 1917 extensive repairs were made giving the Presbyterians of this community a very beautiful place of worship.   

            The First Baptist Church. The Baptists early worshiped in the homes of its adherents; among the earliest visiting ministers were those of this denomination. About 1830 a regular place of worship was established; being part of the home of Mr. Joseph R. John, on the site of the present place of worship. In 1843 the church was incorporated and purchased this property. In 1855 the present church was erected and in 1865 improvements and additions were made, giving the Baptists a splendid place of worship. The First Christian Church. This denomination for a number of years held services in the old town hall, and in 1862 the cornerstone of the First Christian church was laid. Reverend A. L. McKinney preached the dedicatory sermon. He was known as the "Fighting Chaplain" of the 71st Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The cornerstone of the new place of worship was laid on May 4, 1905. Other churches of Troy were St. Johns Evangelical church, which was founded in 1848 and the new edifice was built in 1882. The Trinity Episcopalian church of Troy is one of the historic places of worship in Troy, and is one of the oldest parishes in the Diocese of Southern Ohio. The Christian Science church maintains reading (page 558) rooms; there are also a number of churches for the worship of the colored people.

            Troy Schools. From the first school of Troy, which was established in 1813, to the present splendid school advantages now enjoyed, is a long stride in popular education. As is set forth elsewhere, the first school of Troy was established at what is now the corner of Market and Water streets, and the first teacher of this primitive school was Samuel Kyle, the number of pupils being fifteen. Somewhat later the Academy was built and here Micajah Fairfield taught, he later taking up the publication of the Miami Reporter.

            The first school board in Troy was composed of the following men: Charles Morris, Rev. Daniel Rice, George D. Burgess, William B. Johnston, Benjamin Powers, Zachariah Riley, and Henry S. Mayo. This board elected as superintendent, William N. Ed wards, one of the most efficient and well beloved men that has ever lived in Troy. The Edwards school has been named for him and his memory is revered. by a few of the older residents of Troy who remembered him. The school system of Troy began to grow from this time on and as the population increased the number of buildings and teachers grew also. The first class to graduate from the Troy high school was composed of Walter S. Thomas, John W. Morris, Diana Meeks, and Augusta Brandriff. Succeeding superintendents were H. A. Thompson, H. P. Uford, John W. Dowd, L. V. Ferris, J. F. McCasky, C. L. Van Cleave and Ralph Brown. Mr. Dowd was one of the most popular superintendents, serving from 1880 to 1906. In a paper which he wrote, in which he collected a number of interesting facts concerning the history of Troy schools, he gives, among other things the list of early teachers: Samuel Brooks, Robert McCurdy, 18        18113); Micajah Fairfield, Powers, 1832; Mr. Walkup, 181313-34-35, Uriah Fordyce, 1837; Hiram 1837, Miss Barney, 42; E. P. Coles, 1826; John Petit, 1831; Benjamin 18038,: George D. Burgess, 1839-41; 1843; Minor Fairfield, 1845; Rev. Edmund Fairfield, 1845-46.

            The public school systems of Troy and Piqua are at the present time as thoroughly modern and efficient as up-to-date equipment, and well-trained, conscientious teachers and supervisors can make them. In Troy the curriculum is divided into three groups; the first six years comprise the elementary department, the seventh and eighth grades are called junior high school and the work is departmental, preparatory to the work in the high school proper. The high school course is four years and manual training, domestic science and a commercial course extend the work beyond the purely academic. The present high school course is much more comprehensive than that of the most progressive college of a hundred years ago. Manual training was included in the course in the Troy high school in 1906, domestic science in 1912, and the commercial course in 1905. The enrollment for 1919 was 1,540, 315 of whom were in the high school and 210 in the junior high school. Every child in the Troy schools was a member of the American Red Cross and worked loyally to raise money and make clothing for the soldiers and refugees of Belgium and France during the great war. School (page 559) and home gardens were successfully maintained adding a practical, useful project to the course.

            The personnel of the present Board of Education is: President, Walter Duer; clerk, J. C. Fullerton, jr.; R. W. Crowfoot, Dr. Geo. McCullough, Dr. J. W. Means, and P. G. Yentis.

            A splendid athletic field that has been in use for the last few years has been taken by the Miami conservancy. Mr. Charles W. Cookson, who for twelve years was superintendent of schools, recently resigned to accept the superintendency of the Franklin county school with headquarters at Columbus. Mr. Cookson is a graduate of Wooster university and of Ohio university at Athens.

            Mr. T. E. Hook, the present superintendent, is a graduate of the University of Michigan, with the degrees A.B. and A.M.; taking the former degree, in the class of 1914, and the latter in 1918. After graduation, he subsequently went to South Haven, Mich., as principal of the high school at that place, and later became superintendent of schools, which position he resigned to become superintendent of the Troy high schools.

            St. Patrick's Parochial School has a splendid curriculum, taught by sisters of the Most Precious Blood. This school has an attendance of about 100 pupils.

Piqua

            From the Shawnee Indians come the name of Piqua, in their lore signifying "ashes" and the story of the rising of the wraith of a white man whom they had tortured and burned to death and the awed exclamation of the chief "Otatha-ha-wagh-piqua." "He has risen from the ashes" is a familiar local tradition.

            Job Gard, a storekeeper with General Anthony Wayne's army, was the first white settler in this section, building his cabin and clearing ground in the fall of 1806 at "Upper Piqua" about two and one-half miles northwest of the present city of Piqua. It was at Upper Piqua that Fort Piqua was established by the British. In the spring of 1807 he migrated down the Miami river, and built a cabin at what is now the corner of Harrison and Water street. Other settlers arrived this same year including one by the name of Hunter who settled in what was first Huntersville. The land west of the river was included in the famous Symmes :land grant and was barred from settlers at that time.

            The first hamlet of Piqua consisted of seven log cabins occupied by Benjamin Leavell, John and Edward Manning, Alexander Ewing, Nathaniel Whitcomb, Armstrong Branden, Casper Henderschott and Joseph Porquette; and the first white child Elias, son of Tohn Manning, was born in 1800.

            In the summer of 1807 the first survey was made and John Manning was granted a patent deed by President Madison to 101 acres covering the land from what is now Wayne street on the east to the river as a boundary line west and north, and extending to what is now South street. Mathew Caldwell secured land to the west of the Manning section. It was also in 1807 the first wedding was celebrated when Benjamin Seawell married Martha McCorkle.

            (page 560) Washington was the first name given this settlement in 1808. The records show that Washington extended as far south as Sycamore street, east to Harrison street, north to Green street, and west to Downing street. Piqua bore the name of Washington until 1816 when by the wishes of the people and an act of the legislature it was restored to the old Indian name of Piqua.

            In the war of 1812, Gen. William Henry Harrison had quarters at Upper Piqua on the Swift Run creek, called Camp Washington.

            Blockhouses for protection from the Indians had been established; previously one stockade house of logs had been built in 1811 about where Harrison street intersects Water street; one in Huntersville and one on what was afterward the old Turk farm west of town. At this time Col. John Johnston was the Indian agent here and by his tact and courage, kept the Indians well in hand, holding a number of them on his land. There were about six thousand Redmen at one time under his surveillance and' his success in keeping them neutral was the saving of much bloodshed in this territory. The signing of the treaty of Peace between the United States and Great Britain gave the settlers a chance to return to the development of their little communities. With the organization of Miami county into townships in 1814 Piqua (Washington) was located in Washington Township, the smallest but now the most populous and wealthiest in the county.

            In 1822, a petition to the State legislature bearing the date of November 7th was signed by 57 of the householders that Piqua be           incorporated as a town. The list of the signers included Robert Young, John O'Ferrall, William McLean, Benjamin S. Cox, Alexander McClintock, Robert Bigger, James Jugrum, Jacob Lauder, William R. Barrington, Barnard Arstingstate, Joseph Bennett, Joseph Caldwell, John Orbinson, W. Johnston, John McCorkle, Phebe Shaw. John P. Finley, David Morris, Jacob J. Cox, John Heller, Joseph Sage, James DeWeese, Boyd Edinger, John Blange, Mary Donally, John Chatham, Charles Royal, Joseph Porquette, John Brown, William Perrue, Asa Dunham, William Royal, John Lorton, James Tamplin. William Julian, Nicholas Greenham and Nicholas Smith. These early settlers came mostly from Pennsylvania and Kentucky. In 1825 the population of Piqua had increased to 348 souls.

            Additional territory was added to Piqua by a special act of the general assembly of Ohio, March 9, 1835, and john L. Tohnston was elected the first mayor of Piqua. Robert Young was the first treasurer and filled this office for four successive terms, the terms being for one year. Joseph G. Young was also town treasurer for several terms. An act incorporating Piqua as -a city of the second class was passed March 19. 1850, and the first city officials were: Stephen Johnston, mayor: M. H. Jones, recorder, and John Morrow, treasurer. By the census of 1860 the population was shown to be 4,616. When the Civil war broke out, in 1861, Piqua furnished seven companies of infantry of 104 men each, fifty of her men were included in the 8th Ohio battery, and the cavalry company mustered in Piqua became part of Co. 12, O. V. C. The Piqua lodge of the Grand (page 561) Army of the Republic numbers today many of the veterans of the Civil war.

            Huntersville became part of Piqua in April, 1892. This village, named after David Hunter, and also called "Shawnee," was on the east side of the Miami river to the south and east of Piqua. Nearly all of the original land had belonged to the Hilliards, who settled there in 1879. Their first mayor was L. C. Cron, elected in 1875; John W. Eley was the mayor at the time of the annexation of Huntersville. This part of Piqua is now known as East Piqua.

            Piqua today covers an area of three and a half square miles. Manier street is the last street at the south end of town, Drexel avenue is the last street north, Riverside drive (the old St. Mary's pike) skirting the canal and river, the last street east, and the Washington pike is the western boundary. Statler's pike is the south boundary of East Piqua. Directly to the north and east of Piqua across the great Miami river is the village of Rossville, platted in 1840, and named after a man by the name of Ross who established a carding mill on that side of the river. In 1846 John Randolph had freed his slaves in Virginia and these came north and quite a little colony of them settled in Rossville, where their descendants are living today.

            Piqua with her population of over 15,000 and extensive manufacturing interests is easily the most important city in Miami county. Thirteen of the sixty miles of streets are paved, and a boulevard electric lighting system is installed. It is an attractive city with its many handsome homes, and the maple and elm trees that still beautify and shade the streets in summer. The residences are landmarks that have special interest. The old Ashton and the old Joseph G. Young homes on North Main and Greene streets are typical of the 1820 style of buildings, the Davies and O'Ferrall homes on Wayne street are types of 1830 to 1840 structures with their pillar construction of walls and boxing under the eaves. The seventies brought the Mansard roof as witness the Orr home and barn on Greene and Downing streets. After 1900 came the homes of L. M. Flesh, George H. Rundle and John P. Spiker. An elbow of the Great Miami river flows through the east side of the city and Riverside drive glimpses some very picturesque spots on this river. Echo Lake, a part of the hydraulic system, is overlooked by some attractive homes and Sugar Loaf island antedates Piqua history by thousands of years, being a conglomeral of the glacial Morain. Fountain Park and the Chautauqua. Beautiful Fountain park, Piqua's playground for old and young, was made possible by the women's clubs. About twelve years ago Miss Martha Wood, daughter of Mr. C. L. Wood, was on the program of the Fortnightly club for a paper on Parks and Playgrounds. And in looking into the situation in regard to Piqua, she found that the beautiful tract of woods on the hydraulic canal, in the extreme western part of the city, was to be divided, the timber cut down and sold, and the ground cut up into city lots. She made such a strong plea for the saving of the tract and making it into a park that the members of the club at once decided to take the matter up with the other women's clubs. (page 562)  An offer, in the name of the women’s clubs, was made to raise the money to purchase the grounds for a city park. They found the city council in sympathy with the project, and the city decided finally to purchase the tract of land, and the members of the women’s clubs, by a “tag day,” and in other ways, raised the funds to improve it.  This was done co completely that Fountain park, as it was named, is now a delightful place, enjoyed not only by Piquians, but by people of this and adjoining counties.  A wading pond, swings, and a playground apparatus, dancing pavilion with bandstand, add to its natural beauties, make it an ideal picnic ground, and as such it is widely taken advantage of and here the Piqua Community Chautauqua meets each year.

            Federal Building. The Federal building is one of which the citizens of Piqua may well feel proud.  Built of Bedford stone with granite entrance steps, it is an unusually handsome structure of the Grecian style of architecture with Doric columns supporting the entablature.  An original appropriation of $100,000 was made for this building in 19190, and an additional appropriation of $75,000 asked for in 1912 when this became a postoffice of the first class. A site was acquired on the corner of Wayne and High streets, with a frontage of 179 feet on Wayne and 147 feet on High street and ground was broken for the erection of a building March 29, 1914.  The building was finished August 26, 1915, and the postoffice moved from its former location at the southeast corner of Maine street and the Public square under the direction of Dr. W. J. Prince, postmaster from August 27, 1913, until his death, March 28, 1919.  William H. Flach, recently appointed, is his successor.  The first postoffice was established April 1, 1811, and officially bore the name of Piquatown.  This name was retained until 1823 and was then changed to Piqua.

            The Piqua Chamber of Commerce was organized in January, 1916, and James L. Black elected as the first president.  Its quarters are in the three-story Boal building on Wayne street and occupy the whole second floor. In the building is an auditorium 70 by 30 feet which seats about three hundred and fifty and is used for meetings of the Chamber of Commerce and various office rooms stand for industrial, commercial and social betterment, supporting and developing it manufacturing interests, promoting good city government, and assisting every movement for the general good.  The various departments of the organization and the chairman elected January, 1919, include civic bureau, J. L. Black; industrial bureau, M. H. Lytle; membership council, Meyer Louis; convention and publicity bureau, J. E. Bryan; mercantile bureau, C. E. Lynch; rural affairs bureau, E. H. Allen; transportation bureau, J. F. Hubbard. The transportation bureau retains the specialized services of S. D. Hutchins for routing shipments, etc. One of the feats of the Civic Bureau has been the removing of unsightly bridges across the old canal at North, Greene, High and Water streets and the construction f concrete culverts.  The rural affairs bureau helps promote good rods and assisted in establishing the Dixie Highway. War gardens, of which 126 were assigned to individuals and approximately $20,000 of produce raised.

            (page 563) Co-operating with the Troy Chamber of Commerce the elimination of the dangerous road curve at Farrington between Piqua Troy may be accomplished.

            The mercantile bureau formed a retail board of directors, numbering in its personnel the following representative retail merchants: F. E. Campbell, furniture; C. G. Fisher, leather goods; George Benkert, dry goods ; Ray Woodcox, plumbing and hardware ; George Higgins, druggist and C. E. Barker, men's clothing. This retail board of directors meets every two weeks and passes upon matters of importance to merchants.

            The Piqua Chamber of Commerce was the center of war work activities. It took the lead in conducting all manner of such work. s headquarters for the Miami County Liberty Loan committees and was largely responsible for the success of the Liberty Piqua. The Red Cross headquarters was at the Chamber of Commerce.

            The Piqua Fuel Administration, with Mr. Hutchins as secretary, procured for Piqua a sufficient supply of coal to prevent the closing, churches and factories during the war-time shortage of fuel. The officers elected January, 1919, are as follows: A. Acton Hall, president ; Ralph B. Sullivan, executive secretary; August S. Clouse, treasurer; J. L. Black, national councilor; S. D. Hutchins, office manager. The board of directors are E. H. Allen, M. B. Orr, Leo Louis, J. E. Bryan, Meyer Louis, Ferd A. Beckert, W. O. Taylor, F. L. Marshall, Eugene Johnson, C. E. Lynch, M. H. Lytle, George Washing, J. F. Hubbard, J. L. Black, and the membership four hundred.

            The original Piqua Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade was organized in 1887 and had its headquarters in the Wilson block, where the present location of the Miller-Baldwin company. Of this organization, Homer C. Nellis was president ; C. L. Wood, vice-president; Walter D. Jones, secretary. Among the directors were L. C. Cron, W. P. Orr, H. K. Wood, William C. Johnston and Leonard Lewis. This was a very active organization in its day and the one which directly secured for the city the location of the Favorite stove works, the Cincinnati Corrugating company, the Piqua rolling mills and several smaller industries. The organization was also very active in securing aid for road and bridge improvements, and, in fact, was a powerful factor in the affairs of the y. It missed "by an ace" the securing of the State Soldiers' home for Piqua. When it came to determining the selection, two members of the board voted for Piqua, two for Sandusky and finally, after some hesitation the latter city secured the g vote. The organization also, on one occasion when the city council failed to act, took up the matter and went into court secured an important victory in defeating an attempt to interfere with the city's gas supply.

            Public Utilities. Railroads as a means for transportation were preceded first by the flatboats plying the great Miami to the Ohio vers; a large Keelboat for this primitive method for carrying on commerce being built on what is now the public square. The method of transportation was the opening of the Miami and (page 564) Erie canal for traffic between Piqua and Dayton July 6, 1837. With the active operation of the canal Piqua became a point of distribution for the products brought in by wagons from the counties north and west of Miami county.

            The Columbus, Piqua & Indiana railroad was the first brought through Piqua. Authority to use Sycamore street for this railroad being given May 17, 1851. This was the terminal point of Te road until 1864 when the Richmond branch was completed to Bradford. Before that time the round house and shops were located at Piqua. It was the custom to detach the wood burning locomotive in common use and attach the new-fashioned "coal burner."

            This line is now a part of the Pennsylvania system, and Piqua is a station on the main line between Columbus and Indianapolis, just seventy-eight miles from Columbus and having a passenger service of thirteen trains a day.  Extensive improvements were begun in 1912 and finished in 1914. The twenty-two feet of elevation of the track through the city, replacing the six miles of single track road with double tracks and the building of a handsome new station on Wayne street.

            The Dayton & Michigan railroad first ran cars through, in 1854, from Piqua to Dayton. The D. & M. railroad was absorbed by the C., H. & D. and this road became a part of the Baltimore & Ohio System in 1917. Before the war Piqua had ten passenger trains a day, but is now reduced to six a day. As a station on the B. & 0. it is eighty-eight miles north of Cincinnati and 114 south of Toledo. August 5, 1889, a charter was granted to construct the first electric street railway, the line to extend from Favorite Hill to the cemetery. In 1896 extensions were made through River street and Broadway to Ash. The city line now runs from the city limits on Favorite Hill to the cemetery and has been extended to South street. It is now owned by the Dayton & Troy traction line, this also gives Piqua a passenger service of twenty trains a day between Piqua and Dayton. The Dayton, Covington & Piqua traction lines ran their first cars through Piqua in October, 1902, and this line gives a service of twenty trains a day. The Western Ohio Traction line, running to Limaand Finley, was established April 5, 1903, and has a schedule of twenty trains a day.

            Water Supply. The Piqua Hydraulic Company was organized May 1, 1866, to build a hydraulic canal from Lockington to Piqua and the following officers and directors were elected : President, G. V. Dorsey ; secretary, A. G. Conover ; treasurer, J. zerman ; directors, G. V. Dorsey, Stephen Johnston, A. G. Conover, J. F. McKinney, John O Ferrall, W. J. Jackson, and J. D. Holtzerman. The state had previously agreed to grant a supply of water for Piqua from the Miami and Erie canal which has its big reservoir at Lewistown, forty miles from Piqua.

            A hydraulic canal from Rocky Branch to Swif Run creek was built and completed by the fall of 1870. May 22, 1872, the city took over the task of completing the city waterworks system. William Scott, William Johnston and Stephen Johnston were appointed trustees and this board was responsible for getting the interrupted work under way again. The present system was (page 565) completed June 16, 1876, and consists of four miles of hydraulic canal which leads to the pumping station, located on the corner of North street and Washington avenue. The canal connects with a feeder at Sidney and comes through Lockington where a basin was built on an acre of ground given by the state. There are three reservoirs or reserve basins for the local supply of water, one at Swift run, Echo lake and the Franz pond. These three reservoirs in all occupy fifty-eight acres.

            Central Union Telephone Company. This company is now occupying its fine, new building, constructed this last year on Wayne street between High and Ash. Every detail to make this an exchange of the very highest type has been attended to, both in the building and in the equipment and is now considered one of the most complete plants in the state. Regardless of the size of the city thirty-five operators are employed. This office serves 2,200 subscribers as well as those of Lena and Fletcher. The cut-of of the old switchboard in the former offices was made and the new board put in commission without any interruption to service at midnight on June 29, 1919.

            Originally the Central Union Telephone company had its exchange in the old Scott building, on the corner of Ash and Main streets. From this building the company later moved their offices to the second floor of the old postoffice.

            The Piqua Home Telephone company was incorporated February 6, 1899, by Stanhope Boal, W. A. Snyder, Henry Flesh, William Snif, S. K. Statler, M. G. Smith, and L. M. Flesh. This company was taken over in October, 1917, by the Central Union Telephone company. Both exchanges were kept in operation until the cut-off to the new building.

            Artificial Gas. The first gas company was organized by Joseph G. Young and A. G. Conover in 1854, and the gas works were built on River street between the canal and Spring street. In 1856 the city gave this company a contract to light the streets and this was the method of street and home lighting until 1889.

            Natural Gas. A franchise was granted November 15, 1887, to the Mercer Gas & Fuel company to lay natural gas pipes through Piqua to the Mercer county gas fields. This pipe line was completed early in 1888. The company was financed by the Brice Thomas syndicate, in which William P. Orr and S. K. Statler were interested. The Dayton Natural Gas company succeeded this company, this being followed by the Miami Valley Gas & Fuel company, who have been merged into the Ohio Fuel Supply company.

            Its offices are now located in the Third Savings & Loan company's handsome marble front building on Wayne street. Frank C. Davies has been local manager since 1896.

            The Dayton Power & Light Company has its Piqua office in the Boal block on Wayne street, and the power plant and central station of the hot water heating plant is situated on Sycamore street between Alain and Wayne streets. Mason H. Lytle is the local manager and fifty men are employed at the plant and office. The system of the city heating was installed in 1901, but the generating (page 566) equipment has all been practically rebuilt since then and materially improved.

            H. K. Wood secured the first Edison rights in Ohio, although Piqua was not the first city to have the electric lighting installed. However Piqua has the honor of being the seat of organization of the Ohio Electric Light Association of which Thomas A. Edison, Samuel Instill (president of the Commonwealth Edison company of Chicago) and H. K. Wood of Piqua were three of the five organizers in 1898, and Mr. Wood was its third president. The Piqua Edison Illuminating company was the first electric light company in Piqua and the officers were: President, Harvey Clark secretary, H. K. Wood ; treasurer, Henry Flesh. They built a plant at the corner of Water street and the canal and also furnished power to the 'first electric railway here. This company was succeeded by The Piqua Electric Light company, whose officers were: H. K. Wood, president and general manager; Henry Flesh, secretary and treasurer. In 1900, they built the original plant between Main and Wayne street just of the railroad. December 1, 1912, the Miami Light, Heat & Power company took over this company and operated until complete transfer of the property was made in 1915 when it became part of the Dayton Power & Light company. The plant here also supplies St. Paris, Rossville and Fletcher.

            The Piqua National Bank. In 1847 Joseph G. Young, one of the most prominent men of his time, active in promoting the success of every business enterprise of importance in Piqua during his day, was the prime mover in organizing the first bank in the city and was its cashier twenty-eight years until his death in 1875. It was incorporated as the Piqua Branch of the State Bank of Ohio, with a capital stock of $100,000 and Mr. Young personally made out the slate of officers as follows : President, William Scott ; cashier, Joseph G. Young; directors, William Scott, Joseph G. Young, H. W. Hughes, J. D. Holtzerman, Stephen Winans, Robert Young, L. R. Brownell and J. A. Schmidlapp. On March 13, 1865, it was nationalized with William Scott and Joseph G. Young still president and cashier and Henry B. Greenham, assistant cashier ; and its capital stock was doubled.

            The first location was on the west side of Main street, at the present location of the Border City Building association. Later it moved several times before reaching its present location at the corner of Main street and the Square. This present three-story stonefront building was erected in 1900 and was considered a model bank building of its time, but the business has so increased that much more extensive quarters are necessary, and a handsome new building will be erected on the lots the bank has purchased at the corner of Market and Wayne streets, 90 feet on Wayne and 100 feet on Market street. The present officers and directors are : H. K. Wood, president; J. H. Clark, vice-president; John H. Young, vice-president; George M. Pefer, cashier ; August S. Clouse, assistant cashier; James R. Duncan, Wm. Cook Rogers, A. W. French, A. G. Rundle, L. A. Frazier, W. W. Wood, John W. Brown, directors. Its capital is $200,000; surplus, $200,000; undivided profits, $200,000, and its resources are over $3,000,000. This bank has been considered during (page 567)its entire career as one of the strong and stable financial institutions of the state.

            Citizens' National Bank was organized in April, 1865, at the close of the Civil war, with a capitalization of $100,000. Its first officers were: President, Mark N. Megrue ; vice-president, William Megrue; cashier, H. Clay Landes; directors, M. N. Megrue, William Megrue, H. C. Landes, Stephen Johnston, Dr. C. S. Parker, Colonel Granville Moody, Samuel Wood. Dr. G. Volney Dorsey, one of the eminent men of his times served as president from 1867 until his death May, 1885. He was succeeded by General W. P. Orr, who held the office as president until his death, May 23, 1912. Henry Flesh then served as president, cashier and director until his death, May 29, 1919. The location of the bank building has always been on the northeast corner of Main and Greene streets. In 1882 a three-story stone-front building was erected that served until this spring. At present the bank is in temporary quarters two doors north of their old building, which has been torn down and a handsome new modern one story and a half building is in process of construction on the site of the old building and additional ground, the building next door north having been purchased from F. C. Davies. Their capitalization is now $150,000 and the officers are: L. M. Flesh, president; W. A. Snyder, vice-president ; J. P. Spiker, vice-president, F. P. Irvin, cashier; directors, L. M. Flesh, W. A. Snyder, O. J. Licklider, Val Decker, J. P. Spiker, Walker McCorkle Dorsey, George H. Statler, Alfired L. Flesh, F. P. Irvin.

            The Piqua Savings Bank Company, organized October, 1901, occupies handsome quarters in the Plaza block. On the first board of directors were: W. P. Orr, Henry Flesh, L. M. Flesh, A. M. Orr, George Benkert, W. A. Snyder, J. L. Boyer, Stanhope Boal, J. H. Frantz, S. K. Statler and J. W. Brown. The first president was W. P. Orr and L. M. Flesh was vice-president ; from October, 1901, until March, 1902, John Fouts acted as cashier, and was then succeeded by John L. Prugh, who has been the cashier ever since. Wm. B. DuBois, who has been with the company since its organization, first as bookkeeper, is the assistant cashier. The first capitalization was $100,000 with $50,000 paid up. Present officers are H. D. Hartley, president; W. A. Snyder and George Benkert, vice-presidents ; directors, L. M. Flesh, chairman ; W. A. Snyder, Geo. Benkert, J. L. Boyer, J. W. Brown, Wm. M. Boyer, H. D. Hartley, George H. Statler, Morrison B. Orr. The present capital stock is $100,000 paid up, $100,000 surplus and $35,000 undivided profits. Assets, $1,237,000. The president of this bank, H. D. Hartley, was chairman of the Executive Committee of the Miami County War Chest. The Third Building & Loan Company was organized in September, 1884. Its list of incorporators were : Clarence Langdon, A. W. Alexander, L. C. Cron, R. M. Murray, Harvey Clark, John U. Patterson, C. L. Wood, Francis Gray, H. H. Bassett, Richard Lee, Leopold Kiefer, Homer C. Nellis, Wm. C. Johnston, W. Scott Johnston. Originally the capital stock authorized was $500,000, increased to $10,000,000. The original office was in George Brook's law offices. In 1892 they moved to what was known as Music Hall block on Ash and Wayne streets. For sixteen years they occupied (page 568) quarters in The Piqua National Bank building, and in 1909 changed their name to The Third Savings & Loan company. This company is now occupying their own handsome modern, marble-front building on Wayne street which they erected in 1916. It is a model for institutions of this character. Present officers are: A. M. Leonard, president; George M. Pefer, vice-president; Mrs. F. E. Purcell, second vice-president; J. H. Clark, treasurer and Louis G. Pefer, secretary. Border City Building and Loan Association is the oldest building and loan association in Miami county and one of the oldest in the State, having been incorporated June 6, 1871. The original capitalization was $100,000 and the directors were: Francis Gray, H. H. Smiley, J. W. Shipley, R. P. Spiker, William McWilliams, William Turk, A. A. Blinn and S. N. Todd. The first active secretary was S. N. Todd from 1871 to 1884. Later J. H. Hatch, who became secretary in 1885, conducted the affairs of the company for sixteen years in the Council house and old Postoffice buildings. In May, 1901, the business was moved to its present location in the Parker block on North Main street. Seth McColloch became the active secretary of the company June 24, 1901, and has continued in office to date. During his incumbency of eighteen years the assets of this institution have increased from $154,000 to $600,000. Henry Flesh, who was president for over forty years until he died, May 29, 1919, was the company's financial adviser and had always watched the conduct of its affairs with close personal interest. The present officers are: Vice-president, P. I. Hedges; treasurer, F. P. Irvin ; secretary, Seth McColloch; assistant secretary, Mary Hughes ; directors, P. I. Hedges, F. P. Irvin, Otto Von Bargen, John Zollinger, Alfired Flesh, W. D. Jones and W. H. Flach. Present capitalization is $2,000,000.

            The Piqua Club, organized December, 1901, is composed of the most prominent business and professional men of the city. The original membership was sixty-five and the club house was the present residence of William K. Leonard on Wayne street. A handsome new club house of brick and stucco was erected at the southeast corner of Wayne and Greene streets in 1908, built on a high terrace, three stories and basement, with every convenience for club purposes. This $50,000 property is unusual for a club of this character in a city of its size. The first officers were: President, William P. Orr ; vice-president, J. L. Boyer; secretary, F. B. Roe ; treasurer, W. J. Kelley. The membership has increased to 110 resident members and 65 non-resident. The present officers are: President, J. L. Black; vice-president, W. K. Leonard; secretary and treasurer, Logan A. Frazier.

            The Piqua Golf Club occupies the old Kelly grove, two and a half miles northeast of town, consisting of thirty-four acres, the property of Mrs. Augusta I. Boal. It was organized in 1898 by Nathaniel Neill, William P. Rice, William Lauder, J. W. Flesh, J. Frank Gray and Henry Kampf. The course is one of the most beautiful spots around Piqua, Rush creek running through gives a natural hazard. At present there is a 2,300-yard course. Donald Ross, the eminent golf architect, is about to reconstruct same, making it a nine-hole, 3,300-yard (page 569) course, when it will be one of the best nine-hole courses in the State.

            Plans are also under advisement for a $25,000 club house to be built next spring. At present there is a membership of one hundred and the officers are: President, J. L. Black; vice president, Alfired Flesh; secretary and treasurer, C. C. Jelleff.

Women's Clubs of Piqua

            In Piqua the women's clubs, federated or unfederated-all are literary clubs organized for intellectual growth-worked magnificently to further every interest of the United States and her Allies in the World war. And this can undoubtedly be said of all in Miami county. All Piqua club women invested liberally in Liberty bonds and sold thousands of dollars worth of them, at first as clubs and later uniting with all women of the city.

            Almost every club in Piqua paid the expenses of at least one French or Belgian war orphan, and most of them are also contributing to the Loan Scholarship Fund. They never failed to fill their quota of anything given them to do during the war. The club women also filled the part of "four-minute" speakers during the war, proving themselves thoroughly competent. Progressive and quick to initiate or assist any movement for city or world improvement, there is a saying: "When Piqua club women take hold of anything, it is sure to succeed."

            The Fortnightly Club, organized in 1889, is the oldest women's club in Piqua, and has always been a literary club of the highest attainments. This club has fifty members and meets once each fortnight. Its first president was Mrs. Emily Pyncheon Reed, and the present occupant of the chair is Mrs. Grace Albers French. Daughters of the American Revolution. The Piqua chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized on the day which we now set apart on which to especially honor the fag of our country, June 14, 1896, the charter members including Mesdames Martha Geyer, George W. Statler, Gertrude M. Irvin, Wm. P. Hall, Louise Wood McKinney, Elizabeth G. Royer, Elizabeth R. Slauson, and the Misses Martha H. Wood, Nellie E. Wood (now Mrs. George Taylor), Daisy Mary Smith, Mary E. Hall, and Adeline E. Gross. Mrs. Augusta I. Boal was the first regent, and the regent today is Mrs. Helen Widney Walker, the membership numbering twenty-two. The Piqua Daughters erected a stone at Upper Piqua, in front of the old Colonel Johnston Indian Agency House (now the Morris Farm), to commemorate' the last battle of the French and Indian war, which was fought there. They also placed a tablet on the Indian Agency House, and have marked the graves of Revolutionary soldiers who are buried in the county. They have also contributed to Memorial Continental Hall at Washington, and to the various calls of the National Society for funds connected with the World war, and furnished comfort kits for Company C, Piqua's first company of soldiers to leave for service in that war; doing war work also with the Red Cross and other local organizations. The Piqua Chapter's national number is 275, which shows that it was one of the earlier ones organized. The Columbian Club. Another which has accomplished results (page 570) is the Columbian club, organized in 1892 as the Sommerset club, with literary improvement as its object, and eight charter members, and the following year the name was changed to the Columbian club. Two years later it was federated. From this small beginning, the present club of fifty members has grown. Purely a literary club from the first, it has never-the-less been active in assistance rendered in many other fields, and has the honor of starting the City Federation. Mrs. Binney M. Sweezey was its first president; Mrs. Allen L. Marshall was president in 1919.

            The History Club was organized in 1895 by Miss Mary Hall as a little study club for a group of young teachers who were obliged to pass special examinations, and Mrs. Louise Wood McKinney taught them. The club was federated in March, 1897, the study having brought so much of pleasure and profit, that the members decided to continue as a club. There are now twenty-five active and one honorary members.

            Helen Hunt Circle. Intellectual and social culture is the aim of the Helen Hunt Circle, organized in 1894 and federated in 1897.

            Its first president was Mrs. Libbie B. Robison, and Mrs. Minna B. Hunter is the present incumbent. The number of members is limited to twenty-five, and there are at present five non-active charter members. The programs have dealt principally with history, literature, civics and related subjects and the world today. The Book Club, a delightfully informal one, organized in 1900. Mrs. Fired Johnston, now Mrs. Albert Barber, was its first president, and Mrs. A. A. Hall, who has held the chair for several years, this year is still its official head. To familiarize themselves with the best of modern fiction, and current events, are the aims of the Book club, which has met continuously for nineteen years. The Non-de-Script is another club which developed from a little study class, eight or nine girls meeting together to study Shakespeare under Mr. J. W. Fisher, and in 1901, it was organized into a club with Professor Moffet, a teacher in the high school, as leader. Miscellaneous study is now its aim, and the membership limit is twenty-five.

            Reading Circle. The year 1904 saw the organization of a little group of women into the Reading Circle, a club of twelve members, congenial souls, who have found much pleasure in the meetings. It has never been federated, but its aim has been literary profit and social intercourse-purely a reading circle, as the name indicates. Mrs. Rebecca Ludlow was the first president, and Mrs. William Fleming presided over the Circle in 1919.

            The Story Tellers' League, organized by Miss Jessie Masden, now Mrs. Harold K. Harvey, of Greenville, has brought joy to all those fortunate enough to be numbered among its members, for it has a particular charm all its own. Miss Masden suggested, and carried out, her desire for a League in 1911, and made it a branch of the National Story Tellers' league from the beginning. She was the first president, and Mrs. Helen Reymiller is its president today. Its aim is to revive the lost art of story telling, and to familiarize its members with the great stories of literature ; and its programs have been some of the best given in Piqua.

            (page 571) City Federation of Women's Clubs. To unite for cooperative work all the women's clubs of Piqua is the aim of the City Federation, and it has been a powerful factor in the life of the community, for by organization the clubs have been able to accomplish much that would have been wholly impossible if attempted individually. In 1897-98 there had been a Miami County Federation, but this had long since been abandoned.

            It was early in November, 1909 that the organization was completed, Mrs. Todd being elected president. The clubs represented, and their presidents, were: Fortnightly, Mrs. William Cook Rogers ; Columbian, Mrs. E. A. Todd ; Helen Hunt, Mrs. E. H. Butterfield ; History, Miss Effe Angle; Reading, Mrs. Frances Nelson ; Book Club, Mrs. A. A. Hall ; Non-de-Script, Mrs. George Berry; Reading Circle, Mrs. Louis Koester; American University, Mrs. R. P. Sprague. The Federation has executive, philanthropic, club extension, educational, art, civics, health, and Florence Crittenden committees, and each by enthusiastic work has accomplished splendid results.

            It is impossible for lack of space to enumerate the many good works, but during Mrs. Todd's incumbency, the Parent-Teachers' Association, and "Clean-Up Days" were established; Miss Belle Boyer, the second president, initiated and established the Scholarship Fund and took one girl through the high school ; Mrs. A. A. Hall's term of office saw the initial move taken for the Y. W. C. A., with $1,000 earned for it and the Research club organized; during Mrs. William Cook Rogers' term, 1915-17, the City Federation, with the help of the Piqua Welfare association, brought the Public Health Nurse to Piqua. During Mrs. W. C. Kerns' tenure of office, 1917-19, the Convention of the Middle West District was brought to Piqua-the first time in twenty years-and the Young Women's Christian association was organized. Several girls have also been educated, or partially educated, during the various years, each year the Health committee managed the selling of large numbers of Red Cross Christmas Stamps to aid in the fight against tuberculosis. Mrs. Meyer Louis was elected to the presidency in the fall of 1919, and in her hands the same high standards will be maintained. The Research Club. A new club, organized through the club extension committee of the City federation, in 1915, and federated the same year, is the Research, whose members are especially enthusiastic in all club work. Miss Almont Stewart was their first president, and Mrs. J. C. Cron was elected in 1919. Social and intellectual culture, and the promotion, so far as may be practical, of measures for the good of the community, are its aims.

            Piqua Branch Child Conservation League of America. This, the youngest of Piqua's clubs, was born of the child welfare movement in 1918. Its president is Mrs. E. H. Allen, and monthly meetings are held.

            The Round Table. September, 1878, at the home of Dr. Dorsey, Mrs. George Nelson, Mrs. J. F. McKinney, Mrs. G. Volney, and Mrs. Charlotte Goode, discussed the possibility of forming a literary club in Piqua and in October the club was organized, "the object of which should be the social and intellectual. improvement (page 572) of those who should be connected with it." This club continued to meet every Monday evening for thirty-two years. Two reasons for its long life, and unusual loyalty of members may be discovered in article 3, which says: "The presiding officer shall preside at one meeting and appoint his successor for the next," and article 9: "It shall be considered a point of honor with members not to criticise or discuss d the exercises in the presence of persons who are not members."

            The original membership was twenty-five, afterward extended to thirty. The name adopted was The Round Table, and a pleasant conceit was inaugurated, giving to each member a club name from "The Idyls of the King." The charter members were Dr. and Mrs. G. Volney Dorsey, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. McKinney, Captain and Mrs. George Nelson, Mr. Richard Slauson, Miss S. M. Scott, Miss A. L. Frye, Mr. James Johnston, Miss Adeline E. Gross, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Gross, Miss Margaret Johnston, Mrs. Charlotte Goode, and Miss Callie Pettitt. This club became ver