MS-205
The Piqua Register Collection
Introduction
The Piqua Register Collection was accessioned into the Piqua Public Library Archives and Special Collections on 24 November 2010. The collection was a donation from Ms. Carol Blakeslee-Colin, Director-Curator of the Clinton County Historical Association, 98 Ohio Ave., Plattsburgh, NY 12903. The collection is a complete set of Volume 1 of The Piqua Register beginning with 2 December 1848 (No. 1) and ending with 24 November 1849 (No. 52). The paper appeared weekly on Saturday.
The Piqua Register was printed on rag paper and is in very good condition. The paper showed evidence of being bound in a book but most of the binding had been removed prior to accession. The remainder of the binding was removed and the papers were separated into individual editions (a total of 52). The papers are stored flat in a 23”w x 31”l x 3”d metal edge acid free box lined with acid free tissue paper. The papers are available for use by researchers and there are no restrictions on the use of the materials contained in the collection.
The Piqua Register published by John W. Defrees Volume I numbers 1-52 was a continuation of The Piqua Register, which had gotten up to Volume 7 and numbers in excess of 79. The paper followed the Whig Party line and was in opposition to Democrats (called “locofocos” by Defrees), free soilers and abolitionists. The term loco foco, which originated with a workingmen’s equal rights party in New York, was used by Defrees to refer to all Democrats and on some occasions to all opponents of the Whig Party.
The paper contained fiction reprinted from other sources generally on its front page. News was generally in paragraph form with a few longer articles. Marriage and death notices were printed but rarely was there anything resembling an obituary. The paper published a large amount of business advertising. The paper also published foreign news, generally from Europe. The European news came from east coast ports where ships carrying European newspapers docked and from these ports the news was published in local papers and then disseminated by mail or courier to newspapers like the Register. California news generally came north from New Orleans. The paper also frequently printed a list of letters held at the post office. Other features routinely in the paper were Piqua Ordinances, acts passed by the state legislature and Sheriff’s Sale notices.
Scope and Content
The Piqua Register Collection is processed in a single series of fifty-two newspapers comprising all of volume 1. They are housed in a single newspaper acid free box laying flat. The newspapers will be found in a single stack in the box.
SERIES I: The Piqua Register Volume I – 2 December 1848 (No. 1)-24
November 1849 (No. 52).
The Piqua Register Collection
Businesses which advertised in the paper: 1848-1849
Alexander, James – clothing and dry goods
Beebe, F. – bindery
Bennett, W. P. – cabinets, furniture and undertaking
Bierman & Dopken – clothing
Bierman, A. – clothing
Booth, William – scribe
Bowdle, C. W. – machine shop
Brooks, R. – dentist
Brown, E. R. & F. Brown – dry goods
Brown, Nelson – hatter
Butsch, V. – tool factory
Carson, A. – grocery, confectionary, cigars
Chapman, J. S. – jewelry store
Cheever, J. M. & Olivia Ashton – medicines and drugs
Chitty, George C. – grocery
Clark & Zollinger – wholesale and retail grocery
Clark, H. – grocery
Cole, R. F. – music instruction
Cook, S. S. – botanic physician and eclectic practioner
Cordell & Yager – grocery
Crossland, Smith & Co. – drugs, medicines, dye
Crozier, William R. – carriage manufacturing
Crozier, William R. – carriage manufacturing (new company)
Dills, W. C. – manufacture of pine sash, windows and doors
Dunlap & Sanders – house and sign painting
Dunn & Roe – dry goods
Ewing, Joseph M. – attorney
Exchange Hotel – J. Thompson, proprietor
Ferguson & Wise – tailors
Ferguson, R. & Co. – clothing store
Finegan, T. G. – grocery
Fletcher, N. - attorney
Foster, W. N. & William Scheaffer – Piqua Carriage Co.
Friedlich, A. – clothing store
Frye, George B. – insurance agent for the Protection Insurance Co.
Garvey, William M. – boots and shoes
Geyer, F. – stove sales
Gordon, J. L. M. – physician and surgeon
Gordon, Samuel – dry goods
Griggs, C. S. – hats & caps
Hall, W. P. – dentist
Hanselman, John – cooper
Hart, James H. & Judson D. Miller – attorneys
Hayn, J. – groceries
Hayn, James – tailor
Hayn, James & J. E. Mitchell – tailors
Hetherington, W. – lime
Holtzermann & Dettmer – liquor store
Horton, J. C. – blacksmith
Horton, J. W. – boots and shoes
Horton, James W. – boot and shoe manufacturing
Houston & Janvier – clothing & accessories
Jackson & Barton – grocery
Jacobs’ Arcade – boots and shoes, Samuel Jacobs, proprietor
Johnston, Stephen – attorney
Jones, M. H. – attorney
Jones, M. H. – insurance agent Portage Mutual Fire Insurance Co.
Jones, Mrs. S. A. – Millinery
Jordan & Brother – dry goods
Jordan & Sons – dry goods
Jordan & Sons – dry goods
Kirk, J. W. – insurance agent for Toledo Fire and Marine Insurance Co.
Limbocker, H. – book store
Lindsey, J. C. & Co. – grocery
Little, D. L. – tin, copper, sheet iron
Little, L. S. – manufacturer of tin, copper and brass products
Locke, H. B. – tailor
McKinney, S. S. – attorney
Meyer & Lines – boots and shoes
Mitchell & Starrett – medicines, drugs, turpentine, fish oil and shop furniture
Morrison, James – books and paper
Morrow & Wood – dry goods
Morrow, J. A. & Co. – iron and hardware
Mott, G. N. & Co. – dry goods
Muchmore, R. – furniture manufacturing and undertaking
Mull, E. W. – chair making
National Hotel – J. K. Bennett, proprietor
Newman, W. B. – tailor
O’Brien, Dennis – cooper
O’Connell, W. – livery stable
O’Farrell, John, Sr. & R. M. O’Farrell – medical doctors and surgeon
O’Ferrall, I. K. – leather goods
Ohio Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 2 – fire fighting
Pearce, H. B. – cabinets, chairs, woodworking
Piqua Academy– school, T. B. Van Horne, proprietor
Piqua and St. Mary Turnpike Company
Piqua Branch State Bank of Ohio – later Piqua National Bank
Piqua House – hotel, P. Scully, proprietor
Piqua Library Company
Pleasure Garden Ice Cream – D. H. Place, proprietor
Professor Hornby – medicines, cosmetics, language classes
Raisbeck, Samuel M. – attorney
Reading, Charles – dentist
Rees, J. – groceries
Reliance Fire Engine & Hose Co. No. 1 – fire fighting
Roe, J. M. & Co. – groceries
Rouser & Clark – machinists
Sawyer, J. – fence posts
Schwartz, A. – French lessons
Shipley & Moorehead – butchers
Simpson & Defrees – iron and steel products, nails
Slauson, R. – dry goods
Smith, B. – boot and shoe store
Smith, J. A. – medical doctor
Sniveley, Dr. D. S. – botanic physician
St. Paris, Elizabethtown, Fletcher, Piqua and Covington Turnpike Company
Streeper, John & Co. – boot and shoe manufacturing
Strong, W. Y. – dry goods
Thompson & McMullen – grocery
Troy and Piqua Turnpike Company
Truit, J. A. – auctioneer
Truitt & Kelly – auctioneers
Voorhees & Peirce – stage coach line to Dayton & Cincinnati
Voorhees, A. – drug store
Ward, Jonas – grocery
Webb, L. D. – hats and caps
Weiler, A. & Co. – clothing
Wilbur, N. F. – attorney
Williamson, J. P. – grocery and dry goods
Wise, William – tailor
Wood, Jane & N. Wood – private school
Ziegenfelder, C. F. – variety store
Ziegler & Spottswood – tailors
Zollinger & Mentzer – grocery
Container List
BOX 1
SERIES I: The Piqua Register Volume I – 2 December 1848 (No. 1)-24
November 1849 (No. 52).
2 December 1848 Vol. I #1
Front page articles: Select Tale – “Christmas Presents: A story for the Holidays” by T. S. Arthur reprinted from Godey’s Lady’s Book. [Most editions featured a “Select Tale” or other work of fiction on the front page.] ; other articles of general interest. Inside pages: articles of general interest; businesses advertising in the paper: H. Limbocker – book store; C. F. Ziegenfelder – variety store; A. Friedlich (formerly Fredlich & Bloch) – clothing store; J. C. Lindsey & Co. – grocery; Cordell & Yager – grocery; George B. Frye, Agent for the Protection Insurance Co.; W. P. Bennett – cabinet making, furniture and undertaking; Jordan & Sons – dry goods; Mitchell & Starrett – turpentine, fish oil, shop furniture, medicines. Back page: Hints to mechanics and workingmen; results of the November 1848 presidential and governor’s election by counties in Ohio.
9 December 1848 Vol. I #2
Front page articles: Reorganization of the Bellfontaine & Indiana Rail
Road; failure of the Ohio House and Senate to organize for a new session. Inside pages: a list of the members of the Ohio General Assembly 1848-1849; a reprint of the President’s message (President James K. Polk); marriage announcement: George W. West to Susan Russello, both of Piqua. Businesses not previously listed in the newspaper: J. S. Chapman – jewelry store; William Booth – scribe; James Morrison – book seller; Simpson & Defrees – iron, steel and nails; A. Bierman – ready-made clothing; Crossland, Smith & Co. – drugs, medicines & dye-stuffs; National Hotel – J. K. Bennett, proprietor; F. Beebe – bindery; V. Butsch – Telegraphic Tool Factory; I. K. O’Ferrall – leather goods; H. B. Locke – tailor. Death notice: Margaret Ellen Wise, age 6 years, daughter of William & Mary Ann Wise.
16 December 1848 Vol. I, #3
Front page articles: conclusion of the speech by President James K. Polk (sent in writing to Congress 5 December 1848); Whig vs. Locofoco members in the Ohio House of Representatives; news from Europe on revolutions in Prussia, Austria, Hungary. Inside pages: articles on farming methods; President Polk’s views on the tariff; speeches in the Ohio General Assembly; California gold; article from the New York Tribune critical of President Polk. Marriage announcement: Jonathan Legg to Nancy P. Garlley both of Shelby County. Death notice: William Henry Newman, age 2 years, 10 months, son of W. B. & Margaret Newman. Business advertising not previously listed: Piqua Branch of the State Bank of Ohio (later Piqua National Bank); Jacobs’ Arcade – boots & shoes, Samuel Jacobs, proprietor; James Hayn – tailor; John Streeper & Co. – boot and shoe manufacturing; Zollinger & Mentzer – grocery; W. O’Connell – livery stable; C. S. Griggs – hats & caps; H. Clark – grocery; Thompson & McMullen Canal Grocery – grocery; William R. Crozier – carriage manufacturing; G. N. Mott & Co. – dry goods.
23 December 1848 Vol. I #4
Front page articles: a general letter “To the People of the State of Ohio” explaining the Whig party position in the Whig vs. Locofoco (Democrat) dispute over the organization of the Ohio House of Representatives; in a section titled “Piqua Weekly Register” there are reports of activity in the state legislature (both houses) and in the U.S. Congress (both houses). Inside pages: article on the impact of California gold on the nation and of California becoming a state; article on the new Baptist meeting house (currently the Masonic Hall on High St.); further reports of activities of the Ohio Legislature and U.S. Congress; Piqua market prices for farm products; marriage announcement – William Delap to Mary Ann Franklin. Businesses not previously mentioned: J. P. Williamson – dry goods and grocery; A. Schwartz – French lessons; T. G. Finegan – grocery; James W. Horton – manufacture of boots and shoes; J. C. Horton – blacksmith; A. Voorhees – drug store; A. Carson – grocery, confectionary, cigars. Back page: news from Europe brought by the Cunard steamer Canada; news from Mexico brought by the ship Lemuel Dyer.
30 December 1848 Vol. I #5
Front page articles: further commentary on President Polk’s speech; creation of the Republic of Liberia; the Ohio House of Representatives is finally organized; a description of General Taylor’s family (Taylor was President elect); Panama Railroad Bill in U.S. Congress; the return of Henry Clay to the Senate and “A Proposition for Settling the Slavery Question” (the beginning of the legislation that became the Compromise of 1850). Inside pages: article on California gold; results of the 1848 Presidential election, popular vote by states and electoral vote broken down by free states and slave states; article supporting free trade; Piqua farm market prices. Businesses not previously mentioned: James Alexander, Jr. – clothing and dry goods; William M. Garvey – boots and shoes; Samuel Gordon – dry goods; H. B. Pearce – cabinets, chairs, wood working; L. D. Webb – hats and caps; R. Muchmore – furniture manufacturing and undertaking.
6 January 1849 Vol. I #6
Front page articles: report from Ohio Legislature – nothing done; article on the pay of Congress and complaining of inflated travel allowances; article on the unlikely chance of slavery existing in California. Inside pages: letter from California written by Commodore John D. Sloat, U.S. Navy describing the circumstances of the discovery of gold and of the current state of disorder in California; news from Europe brought by the steamer Europa; marriage announcement – Peter Maxwell to Mary Rossell. Businesses not previously listed: R. F. Cole – music instruction; C. W. Bowdle – City Machine Shop. Back page: article on slavery in Washington D.C.; article on the creation of the Ohio State Agricultural Fair; a list of letters waiting at the Piqua Post Office.
13 January 1849 Vol. I #7
Front page articles: message from Governor William Bebb to the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Ohio (concluded on page 4). Inside pages: Free Soil Platform; report from the Ohio Legislature; news from Europe; Piqua farm market report; list of letters held at the Piqua Post Office; list of Piqua lots and owners who had delinquent taxes. Death notice: Mrs. Sarah Comly – age 33 years. Marriage announcements: Dr. R. M. O’Ferrall to Sarah C. Farmer both of Piqua; Hugh F. Reed to Jane Butler both of Piqua. Businesses not previously mentioned: Charles Reading – dentist. Back page: proceedings of the Piqua Town Council.
20 January 1849 Vol. I #8
Front page articles: report on the Ohio governor and legislature; complaint about the continued suspension of Public Schools in Piqua. Inside pages: Ohio Legislature – speech of Representative McClure of Summit and a report on the first seven weeks of the legislature; news from Europe; Piqua farm market report; list of delinquent taxes. Businesses not previously listed: J. M. Cheever, Olivia Ashton – medicines and drugs; S. S. McKinney – attorney.
27 January 1849 Vol. I #9
Front page articles: on the diagnosis and treatment of Cholera; on famous persons who died in 1848; on social life in California. Inside pages: Inaugural Address of Ohio Governor Seabury Ford; Piqua farm market prices; Piqua delinquent tax list. Businesses not previously listed: F. Geyer – stove sales; Piqua Library Company.
3 February 1849 Vol. I #10
Front page articles: story of an escape from slavery; article on slavery and disunion. Inside pages: news from Europe; discover of new gold in California; Piqua farm market prices; marriage announcement – George H. Hine to Elizabeth Apgear both of Piqua; delinquent tax list. Businesses not previously listed: J. A. Truit – auctioneer; W. N. Foster & William Scheaffer – Piqua Carriage, Wagon and Plow Manufactory; James Hayn & J. E. Mitchell – tailors; Professor Hornby – medicines, cosmetics, instruction in Latin, French, German; William R. Crozier – carriage manufacturing.
10 February 1849 Vol. I #11
Front page articles: report on actions of the Ohio General Assembly. Inside pages: Southern Manifesto; emigration to California; Piqua farm market prices; marriage announcement – Simon R. Ball to Henrietta Phillips both of Piqua; Piqua delinquent tax list.
17 February 1849 Vol. I #12
Front page articles: a number of articles on gold; article on the treaty of peace with Mexico. Inside pages: news from Europe; thirty-two Sheriff’s Sale notices; death notice – Izorah Charlotte Rodgers, infant child of W. K. and Elizabeth T. Rodgers, 3 February 1849, also O. T. Rodgers a sister of Izorah Charlotte Rodgers, age 4 years and 8 months, 13 February 1849. Business not previously listed: Piqua Academy, T. B. Van Horne. Back page: proceedings of the Piqua Town Council.
24 February 1849 Vol. I #13
Front page articles: creation of the U.S. Department of the Interior; cost of war in the U.S. since 1789; Columbus, Piqua & Indiana Railroad; result of the electoral college vote as counted in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Inside pages: list of possible cabinet appointments by President-elect Zachary Taylor; proceedings of the Piqua Town Council; marriage announcement – James Caldwell to Sarah E. Statler; death notice – William Bigger, Esq. age 71 years; thirty Sheriff’s Sale notices. Businesses not previously listed: Ohio Fire engine Company No. 2; Joseph M. Ewing – attorney; Piqua and St. Marys Turnpike Company; Troy & Piqua Turnpike Co.; Stephen Johnston – attorney; St. Paris, Elizabethtown, Fletcher, Piqua and Covington Turnpike Company; Piqua House – hotel, P. Scully, proprietor.
3 March 1849 Vol. I #14
Front page articles: report on the school fund of Washington Township Schools. Inside pages: numerous paragraph long articles on a wide variety of topics; Piqua farm market prices. Businesses not previously listed: M. H. Jones – attorney; George C. Chitty – grocery. Twenty-nine Sheriff’s Sale notices.
10 March 1849 Vol. I #15
Front page articles: “Odd Fellowship” on the Odd Fellows lodge; “The Grand Secret of masonry – Discovered by a Lady” from the Masonic Review; the Inaugural Address of President Zachary Taylor; “Trouble at Panama” about non-U.S. citizens attempting to get to the gold fields of California. Inside pages: a list of President Taylor’s Cabinet appointments; article on the opinions of The Piqua Register – a strong supporter of Whig Party policies and politics; annual report of the Ohio Attorney General to the state legislature; Business not previously listed: J. Sawyer – fence posts. Thirty-two Sheriff’s Sale notices.
17 March 1849 Vol. I #16
Front page articles: “Letter from Henry Clay on the Emancipation of Slavery in Kentucky”; news from Europe. Inside pages: articles on “Legislative Tomfoolery”; “Estimate of the Population of the States”; “Pennsylvania-Slave Limitation”; marriage announcement – William C. Defrees to Catherine Campbell both of Piqua area; Piqua farm market prices. Businesses not previously listed: Kirk, Lawton & Co. – commission merchants and forwarders. Thirty Sheriff’s Sale notices.
24 March 1849 Vol. I #17
Front page: “Select Tale” and news of a general interest. Inside pages: news from the state legislature; modification of state tax law; appropriations for the State of Ohio1849; pension laws passed by Congress; publication of an act for support and betterment of the Ohio common schools. Back page articles: “Cost of a Queen and Royalty” on the British monarchy; “The Roman Republic” on conditions in Italy in 1849; “Home Department” of the U.S. government; “Business left Undone” – nine items of business left undone by the adjournment of Congress.
31 March 1849 Vol. I #18
Front page articles: proceedings of the Piqua Town Council; State Homestead Exemption; news from Europe. Inside pages: a letter to the editor concerning the Public Schools; joint resolution of the Ohio House and Senate calling for a convention to draw up a new state constitution; Piqua farm market prices; list of letters at the Piqua Post Office; death notice – Mrs. Isabella H. Eskew. Businesses not previously listed: Dr. J. A. Smith – medical doctor; J. Rees – grocery; W. Y. Strong – dry goods; J. M. Roe & Co. – grocery.
7 April 1849 Vol. I #19
Front page articles: annual meeting, secretary’s report and treasurer’s report of the Piqua Female Bible Society. Inside pager: articles on conditions in California; letter from Mexico; proceedings of Piqua Town Council; Piqua farm market prices; list of letters at the post office; obituary of Mrs. Rachel Bradford. Businesses not previously listed: N. F. Wilbur – attorney; Morrow & Wood – dry goods.
14 April 1849 Vol. I #20
Front page articles: stories of general interest and news from Europe. Inside pages: news from California; news on Canadian affairs; attacks on the Locofocos in Ohio; proceedings of the Piqua Town Council; Piqua farm market prices; marriage announcement – Samuel B. Garvey to Elizabeth Mattox both of Piqua; John Finfrock to Sarah H. Moore both of Piqua; death notice – W. R. Kirk, age 40; William Morris Hart infant son of James H. and Mary H. Hart, age 16 months. Businesses not previously listed: Reliance Fire Engine and Hose Company No. 1; A. Weiler & Co. – ready-made clothing; Mrs. S. A. Jones – millinery; Houston & Janvier – clothing and accessories; Jordan & Sons – dry goods.
21 April 1849 Vol. I #21
Front page articles: news from Europe; article on sea/land routes taken from New York to California; Piqua news. Inside pages: general U.S. news; letter from Rev. R. S. Maclay, a missionary in China; Piqua farm market prices; death notice – Mr. Moses Sturgeon, age 72, Dissolution of business – partnership in J. C. Lindsey & Co. between J.C. Lindsey and J. Hayn is dissolved; partnership known as Clark & Myers (J. P. Clark & Levi Myers) is dissolved. Businesses not previously listed: J. Hayn – grocery; Dunn & Roe (successors to J. M. Roe & Co.) – dry goods; L. S. Little – manufacturer of tin, copper, brass; R. Slauson – dry goods. List of letters held at the Piqua Post Office.
28 April 1849 Vol. I #22
Front page articles: further and final account of Col. J. C. Fremont’s expedition through New Mexico; news from Europe; creation of the “Southern League.” Inside pages: article on Maryland gold; news of general interest; letter from China; news from California; article on the possible annexation of Canada; Piqua farm market prices; marriage announcement – Robert M. Robbins to Catharine McConnell both of Piqua. Dissolution: the co-partnership between J. O’Ferrall & Son (John O’Ferrall, Sr. and John O’Ferrall, Jr.) in the practice of medicine is dissolved; partnership in the firm Bierley & Wilson (Lewis Bierley and George Wilson) – shoe manufacturing is dissolved. Business not previously listed: J. O’Farrell Sr., M.D. & R. M. O’Ferrall, M.D. – physicians and surgeon.
5 May 1849 Vol. I #23
Front page articles: local and regional news; news from Europe. Inside pages: news from Canada; various news in paragraph form from all over; Piqua farm market prices; marriage announcement – Henry Rupple to Mary Tamplin both of Piqua; Dr. W. P. Hall to Ann M. Ward, both of Piqua. Businesses no previously listed: Miss N. Wood & Miss Jane Wood – private school; Voorhees & Peirce – stage coach line from Piqua to Dayton and Cincinnati; Pleasure Garden Ice Cream – D. H. Place, proprietor.
12 May 1849 Vol. I #24
Front page articles: articles on farming; a list of “new states” (after the original thirteen) and when they were admitted; news from Europe, Canada and California. Inside pages: a letter from J. Walkup en route to California, to his brothers in Piqua; problem of counterfeit money; article on public lands for sale; Piqua farm market prices; marriage announcements – Joseph Davis to Hannah Roberts both of Piqua; Dr. J. W. B. Wright of Knox County to Sarah M. Ute of the Exchange, Piqua; death notice – Mrs. Joseph L. Priest (formerly Maria l. Russell of Piqua) died in Salisbury, Connecticut. Business not previously listed: Godfrey Hauk has sold his shop and is going out of business. Back page: proceedings of the Piqua Town Council.
19 May 1849 Vol. I #25
Front page articles: on Cholera and sanitary regulations; riot in New York City; news from Panama; news from Europe. Inside pages: more articles about cholera; more news from Europe; a temperance law passed by the Wisconsin legislature; Piqua farm market prices; marriage announcement – J. A. Crossland to Drusilla W. Mellinger both of Piqua; Harvey Clark to Mary Jane Kitchen both of Piqua; William Campbell to Mary M. Mitchell both of Piqua; death notice – Leah Malvina Evans, age six (scarlet fever) daughter of J. M. and Ann Evans; Matthew B. Locke, age five years, 11 months, 6 days, son of H. B. and Emily Locke; Mr. George M. Sturgeon, age 34, in Sidney. Business not previously mentioned: J. W. Kirk – insurance agent for Toledo Fire and marine Insurance Co.
26 May 1849 Vol. I #26
Front page articles: general articles on a variety of subjects; Piqua Town Council proceedings. Inside pages: news from California; letters and articles on capital punishment (the editor is opposed to capital punishment); Congressional appropriations for 1849; Constitution of the State of Ohio; more Piqua Town Council proceedings; marriage announcements – Simon Davis to Eliza M. Cheever both of Piqua; Edwin R. Campbell to Sarah Jane Wright both of Cincinnati; Jeremiah Cary of Sidney to Susan McClure of Piqua; death notice – Elizabeth Hillierd, age 30; business dissolution: Jordan & Sons; business not previously mentioned – Jordan & Brother (C. H. & J. W. Jordan) – dry goods.
2 June 1849 Vol. I #27
Front page articles: article on the condition of Jews in Europe; letter to the editor on capital punishment; article on the increase of illness; Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Inside pages: Ordinance for the improvement of streets in the Town of Piqua; Presbyterian General Assembly – Old School; article on local railroad routes; condition of Ohio banks; Presbyterian (New School) Assembly at Philadelphia; Methodist Church South; obituary of Mrs. Sarah Hillerd, wife of Joseph Hillerd, age 63; death notices – Stanley Rees Thomas, age 4 years (of scarlet fever); Nancy Statler, wife of Stephen Statler, age 29 years; Piqua farm market prices. Businesses not previously listed: W. C. Dills – pine sash factory; Rouser & Clark – machinists. Back page: news from Europe including European farm markets.
9 June 1849 Vol. I #28
Front page articles: arrival of Col. J. C. Fremont in California; executive appointments by Pres. Taylor; causes of sickness #2; letter to the Town Marshall concerning the removal of a dead hog. Businesses not previously mentioned in the paper and listed on the front page left column: James H. Hart and Judson Miller – attorneys; J. L. M. Gordon – physician and surgeon; S. S. Cook – botanic physician and eclectic practioner; W. P. Hall – dentist; R. Brooks – dentist; Nelson Brown – hatter; W. B. Newman – tailor; Ferguson & Wise – tailors; Jonas Ward – grocery; Jackson & Barton – grocery; Holtzermann & Dettmer – liquor store. Inside pages: news from California; election of school directors and a tax levy for School District No. 2 Washington Township; publication of four laws enacted by the state legislature for the better regulation of public schools; results of the 4th of July Committee meeting; Piqua farm market prices; market; prices in other cities; marriage announcement – Hezekiah West of Piqua to Rebecca Burton of Shelby County; business dissolution – R. Slauson & Co. Business not previously listed: Clark & Zollinger – wholesale and retail groceries. Back page: publication of three laws (1) to regulate banks (2) to regulate practice of judicial courts (3) to authorize establishment of separate schools for colored children. Piqua Town Council proceedings.
16 June 1849 Vol. I #29 [this paper is not in good condition]
Front page articles: paragraphs of general interest information; letter to the editor concerning the school elections; progress of cholera on the plains. Inside pages: news from California; publication of six laws passed by the state legislature – (1) to provide for appointment of trustees for minors living out of state but owning property in state, (2) law dealing with wills, (3) regulating Coroner’s Juries, (4) regulating chancery proceedings, (5) regulating juries, (6) regulating the appointment of notaries public; New York, Toledo and Piqua farm market reports and prices. Back page: six other acts passed by the state legislature – (1) regulating incorporation of religious societies, (2) regulation of building canals for transportation, (3) rules for Courts of Common Pleas, (4) requiring the bonding of certain public officials, (5) regulating the settlement of estates, (6) regulating the appointment of certain public officials.
23 June 1849 Vol. I #30
Front page articles: news from the Mormon City of the Great Salt Lake; Secret Societies; news from Europe. Inside pages: report of the death of James K. Polk; proceedings of the Piqua Town Council; more news from Europe; acts of the state legislature – (1) creating the office of school superintendent, (2) fixing the prices for printers for publishing delinquent and forfeited lists, (3) regulating turnpike companies, (4) providing for teaching geography and English grammar in public schools, (5) establishing a land office in Defiance, (6) joining the Miami Canal, the Miami Extension and the Wabash and Erie Canal into one canal known as the Miami and Erie Canal, (7) regulating public schools in Akron, (8) (on the back page) defining the powers of Justices of the Peace and Constables in civil cases, (9) to punish judges who appear as attorneys in courts of Justices of the Peace, (10) to secure an early distribution and publication of laws of a general nature. Dissolution of business: Campbell & Slauson. Business not previously listed – W. Hetherington – lime.
30 June 1849 Vol. I #31
Front page articles: obsolete punishment; the Vatican; the Piqua Rail Road; official orders relating to the death of former President James K. Polk. Inside pages: acts of the state legislature – (1) provide for employment of convict labor, (2) repeal the right of county commissioners to change free turnpikes into state roads, (3) changes in tax laws, (4) regulating public shows, (5) (on the back page) appropriations for the year 1849; marriage announcement – David E. Thomas to Maria Hilliard (daughter of Charles Hilliard) both of Piqua; Charles Alexander to Catharine Gaskill both of Piqua; John E. Mitchell to Cornelia Manning both of Piqua; death notice and obituary – Margaret Defrees Johnston daughter of Col. John Johnston, in Cincinnati, of cholera, 22 years old. There are twenty-seven Sheriff’s Sale notices.
7 July 1849 Vol. I #32
Front page articles: The Declaration of Independence is reprinted; “Locofoco Progression” opposing the right of Congress to legislate or exercise any jurisdiction over the extension of slavery into the territories; news from Europe. Inside pages: numerous articles of a paragraph length of general interest; list of letters held at the post office; twenty-one Sheriff’s Sale notices; acts of the state legislature – (1) regulation of public schools, (2) regulating incorporation of turnpike companies, (3) to give additional security to land titles, (4) to tax money brokers, (5) to provide for the recording of town plats.
14 July 1849 Vol. I #33
Front page: articles of general interest. Inside pages: articles of general interest especially to members and followers of the Whig Party. Marriage announcements – Upton Mitchell to Patsy Ryal both of Rossville; Elias Conger to Charlotte Hadley both of Piqua. Death notices – Fleason Levering, Washington Township, age 49 years; Mrs. Mary Johnston wife of James Johnston, Piqua, age approximately 75 years. List of letters held at the post office. Twenty-four Sheriff’s Sale notices in the paper. Business not previously listed: Dunlap & Sanders – house and sign painting.
21 July 1849 Vol. I #34
Front page: articles of general interest. Inside pages: article about the “Republic of Sierra Madre and the Declaration of Independence of the seven Northern States of Sierra Madre, Mexico; and article asking citizens to run for public office; other articles of general interest. Marriage announcement: Joseph T. Carey to Eliza A. McKinney. Obituary of Jno. Hall, M.D., Piqua, age 33 years, cholera. Death notices: Robert Young Ferguson infant son of William L. and Amanda Ferguson, age twenty-three months and eight days in Tippecanoe; Elizah Rees, age undetermined, Piqua; Sarah Jauvier daughter of J. T. Jauvier, Piqua, age three years; William E. Veneman infant child of James H. and Deborah Veneman, Piqua, age six months and eight days; Mary E. H. League infant child of A. D. and Harriet League, Piqua, age ten months. Piqua farm market prices; an ordinance providing for the improvement of certain streets in Piqua; an ordinance providing for levying a tax on Showmen.
28 July 1849 Vol. I #35
Front page articles: on Mexican Indians; on the population of Italy and major Italian cities; on railroads in the Piqua area; proceedings of the Piqua Town Council; a report on the American Art-Union of New York City. Inside pages: articles of general interest. Marriage announcement of Jacob Wise to Julia A. Lanpher both of Piqua. Death notices: Harriet M. Rexford, Piqua, age not given; William Best, age not given.
4 August 1849 Vol. I #36
Front page articles: on the geography of the Minnesota Territory; Whig and Locofoco legislation contrasted; cholera; Indian troubles; the city of Rome. Inside pages: articles on the Miami County Whig Party Convention; Ireland; news from California and other articles of general interest. Death notices: Stephan Johnston, near Upper Piqua, age not given; Caroline M. Young, Piqua, age not given; Mary Ann Winchester infant daughter of F. M. and Olive Winchester, age not given; Maria manning Piqua, age 23 years. Back Page: news and commercial summary from Europe; Piqua citizens called to observe the first Friday of August as a national day of fasting and prayer, the call was issued by several Piqua pastors.
11 August 1849 Vol. I #37
Front page: articles of general interest and an article on the personal traits of the Honorable John C. Calhoun. Inside pages: articles of general interest and news from Europe; an article titled “Is the mission of Whigs of Ohio Ended”; Miami County Treasurers annual report of receipts and expenditures from 7 June 1848 to 4 June 1849; obituary of Miss Caroline M. Young daughter of General Robert and Mary Young, age twenty-five years five months and twenty days (General Robert Young, Ohio Militia c. 1820’s to 1840’s). Business not previously listed: B. Smith – boot and shoe store.
18 August 1849 Vol. I #38
Front page: Select Tale: “Lida Grey” by Miss Metta Victoria Fuller – this story covers most of page one and part of page two. It is a work of fiction. Inside pages: a proclamation by President Zachary Taylor against any planned invasion of Cuba by U.S. Citizens; news from California; Piqua farm market prices; second publication of the Miami County Treasurer’s annual report. Marriage announcements: Charles W. Cheever to Harriet Wilson both of Piqua; George W. Martin to Charlotte Swisher both of Troy. Death notices: Mrs. Lavina B. Julian, age 27 years; Culver French infant son of Simeon and Permilla French, age four months; Letitia Ellen Long, age five years; Mrs. Nancy McConnell, no age given. Businesses not previously listed: Meyer & Lines – boots and shoes; Dennis O’Brien – cooper.
25 August 1849 Vol. I #39
Front page articles: proceedings of the railroad meeting; response from The National Intelligencer to President Taylor’s proclamation against individuals or groups engaging in military activity against foreign nations (i.e. Cuba, Mexico, etc.) (See Filibusterers, William Walker in Nicaragua); results of congressional elections in Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana and their impact on the next U.S. House of Representatives. Inside pages: report of the new York Dry Goods Market; diplomatic appointments of President Taylor. Marriage announcement: Benjamin Watson to Eliza Ann Hill in Fletcher. Death notice: Howland W. Riker, age six years eleven months nine days.
1 September 1849 Vol. I #40
Front page articles: reports of attempts to unite “Free Soil”, “Hunker” and “Barnburner” factions of the New York Democratic Party; other articles of general interest. Inside pages: extension of slavery in the new states; article on the bank tax; other articles of general interest; Piqua farm market prices. Marriage announcement: Abraham Amrine to Mary Harvey both of Piqua. Back page: news from Europe.
8 September 1849 Vol. I #41
Front page: Select Tale: “The Fortunate Fire” by Caroline Orne (takes up four and a half columns on the front page); report of the Miami County Whig Party Convention. Inside pages: article on Democracy and Free Soil; news from Europe; Piqua farm market prices; tax notice; twenty-eight Sheriff’s Sale notices. Back page articles: the island of Cuba; the Russian Army in Hungary.
15 September 1849 Vol. I #42
Front page articles: an essay on “Kickable People”; the Cuba expedition; the commerce and resources of Canada; news from Europe. Inside pages articles: battle between trappers and a Sioux war party; news from New Mexico; article on the railroad through Newberry, Washington, Springcreek and Brown Townships of Miami County; bridge over the canal at North Street; news from Europe; Piqua farm market prices. Marriage announcement: Robert Coulter to Elizabeth Hamilton in Urbana. Announcement of the start of public school on 1 October 1849 and a list of books to be used by the schools. Notice to voters of Washington, Springcreek, Newberry and Brown Townships to vote on subscriptions to the capital stock of the Columbus, Piqua and Indiana Railroad; Piqua Town Council ordinance for punishment of certain offenses in Piqua; twenty-eight Sheriff’s Sale notices. Businesses not previously listed: Exchange Hotel – J. Thompson, proprietor; J. W. Horton – boots and shoes.
22 September 1849 Vol. I #43
Front page articles: the apportionment law to be voted on in the next legislature; other articles of general interest. Inside pages: pro-slavery tendencies of Locofocism; the difficulty with the French government; other articles of general interest; Piqua farm market prices; twenty-six Sheriff’s Sale notices. Marriage announcement: Dr. H. H. Smiley of Peru, Indiana to Martha Jane Davis of Piqua. Business not previously listed: Ziegler & Spottswood – tailors.
29 September 1849 Vol. I #44
Front page articles: on executions in Germany as a result of the revolutions of 1848; voting in four townships on the Columbus, Piqua and Indiana Railroad; news from Europe. Inside pages: articles of general interest; Piqua farm market prices; twenty-seven Sheriff’s Sale notices. Marriage announcement: James Lyon to Caroline L. Smith both of Springcreek Township. Death notices: Mary Ann (McWilliams) Stuart, age 19 years; Squire Ayres, no age given; Frances Johnson, age 70 years. Notice of dissolution: Ferguson & Wise – tailors. Businesses not previously listed: William Wise – tailor; Bierman & Dopken – clothing; John Hanselman – cooper; E. R. & F. Brown – dry goods; Shipley & Moorehead – butchers.
6 October 1849 Vol. I #45
Front page articles: the Locofoco ticket; rumored difficulty with the British minister; Indian hostilities in new Mexico; other items of general interest. Inside pages: article addressing the Whigs of Miami County; list of appointments of the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Church; other articles of general interest; Piqua farm market prices; list of letters held at the post office. Businesses not previously listed: Samuel M. Raisbeck – attorney; M. H. Jones – agent Portage Mutual Fire Insurance Co.
13 October 1849 Vol. I #46
Front page articles: two fiction stories; on President Taylor’s cabinet; news from Europe. Inside pages: article on Minnesota; election returns for state senators and representatives from various counties; news from California; proceedings of Piqua Town Council; Piqua farm market prices; an ordinance for the improvement of Downing Street; list of letters held at the post office. Marriage announcements: Joseph Legg to Elizabeth Webster both of Piqua; Levi Branson to Eleanor Reeder of Brown Township; Robert Muchmore to Sarah E. Sawyer both of Piqua. Business not previously listed: R. Ferguson & Co. – clothing store.
20 October 1849 Vol. I #47
Front page articles: on the Cincinnati Depository; death of Edgar Allen Poe; on the make-up of the state legislature; letter from John M. Kitchen on his was to California with Dr. J. O’Ferrall, Jr. by way of Cape Horn; news from Canada; report on the efforts of the U.S. –Mexican Boundary Commission. Inside pages: article on counterfeit notes drawn on the State Bank of Ohio; results of voting in Miami County; news from Canada; news of the Kentucky Constitutional Convention; news from Europe; list of awards given out at the Miami County Fair in Troy; Piqua farm market prices. Back page: news from California; article on the population of the world.
27 October 1949 Vol. I #48
Front page articles: organization of the California Convention – the slavery question; letters from California; St. Louis Pacific Railroad Convention. Inside pages articles: on the Comanche nation; Billy Bowlegs head of Seminole nation; Panama Railroad; proceedings of Piqua Town Council; Piqua farm market prices. Death notice: Joseph F. Carter formerly of Springcreek Township died in Illinois. Business not previously listed: E. W. Mull – chair making. Back page: the Canadian Declaration; more news from California.
3 November 1849 Vol. I #49
Front page articles: “Chemistry for Girls” by B. Thompson, M.D.; election in California – no slavery; news from Europe. Inside pages: the State of Deseret (the Mormon settlement in Utah); Piqua Branch of the State Bank of Ohio (later Piqua National Bank); other articles of general interest; Piqua farm market prices.
10 November 1849 Vol. I #50
Front page articles: articles of general interest. Inside pages: news from Europe; proclamation by the governor for a day of thanksgiving to be held on 29 November 1849; Piqua farm market prices; amendment to a town ordinance regulating markets in Piqua. Marriage announcements: Andrew Small to Priscilla Stilwell; John Horner to Frances Stilwell; James Brown to Mary Horner, all married at the same time in the same place. Back page: proceedings of Piqua Town Council. Marriage announcements: John Thompson to Mary J. Brandon both of Piqua; Dr. D. M. Marshall of Largo, Indiana to Martha A. Patterson of Piqua. Death notices: Mrs. Mary P. Knowles wife of William Knowles and a memorial resolution by the Piqua Female Bible Society.
17 November 1849 Vol. I #51
Front page: articles of general interest. Inside pages: news from Europe; other articles of general interest; Piqua farm market prices. Businesses not previously listed: Dr. S. S. Sniveley – Botanic physician; J.A. Morrow & Co. – iron and hardware.
24 November 1849 Vol. I #52
Front page: articles of general interest. Inside pages: report on the California Convention to write a state constitution; other articles of general interest; Piqua farm market prices. Marriage announcement: Dr. Henry P. Wagner to Margaret M. Martin. Business not previously listed: N. Fletcher – attorney. Back page: news from Europe.
End of Volume I and of the collection.