After the union of the two villages of Hamilton and Rossville, under the name of Hamilton, the Mayor's court was first held in the Second ward engine house - the building is now occupied by James Everson for livery stable purposes.  Subsequently it was removed to the Loher building, two doors west of the jail; thence to the Lohman block, and lastly to the old "Hamilton and Rossville Academy" building, its present location.
     Wonderful changes have been wrought in these forty-two years. It is sad to contemplate the fact that a once famous institution of learning has been turned into a prison vile.

     ROBERT HARGITT.  [See Postmasters of Rossville.]

     JOHN S. WILES was born in Lebanon, January 29, 1802.  He learned the smith trade in the town of his birth, and followed it for a number of years. Subsequently he removed to Black Bottom, where he taught district schools.  He came to Hamilton in 1836, taught school and served several terms as constable, marshal, justice of the peace and trustee of the poor.
     In 1857, he was elected Mayor, serving until April, 1859,

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when Ransford Smith succeeded him. In the sixties he was again elected constable.
     In the twilight of life he was an active and enthusiastic worker in the cause of temperance, being a member of Hamilton Temple of Honor No. 17.  On this subject he was a fluent talker and ready debater.
      Mayor Wiles was a man far above the average in ability.  He discharged his official duties without fear or favor.  He died January 22, 1874.

     RANSFORD SMITH was born in Oxford township in 1834. He was graduated from old Miami in the class of 1855.  While attending college he studied law with his father, W. H. Smith.
     In 1855-56 he taught school in the "old church building" in the First ward. In 1857 he was admitted to the bar and opened an office on the East side.  On April 4, 1859, he was elected Mayor, defeating Edward Dalton, the Democratic nominee. Sectarianism entered into this contest to a considerable degree, as the Catholic clergy were opposed to the text books used and the reading of King James' version of the Bible in the schools.  In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company "B," Thirty-fifth regiment, O. V. I., and was commissioned first lieutenant.  He was afterward promoted to the captaincy, and resigned in 1864. Upon his return from the army he resumed the practice of law in Hamilton and Cincinnati. In the latter city he formed a partnership with Governor Thomas Young and Samuel Crawford and took up his residence at Riverside, where he remained until 1878. In 1879 he removed to Ogden, Utah, where he was successful as a lawyer.
     He was a territorial delegate to the Chicago National convention of 1884 that nominated Cleveland for president.  He died in 1895.

     DANIEL LONGFELLOW was born in 1834, on the homestead farm in St. Clair township on the old Eaton road.  In 1853 he married Miss Margaret Deleplane and immediately thereafter moved to Rossville and engaged in the grocery busi-

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ness in the Chatman property, on the corner of Main and D streets.
     He was an enthusiastic working member of the old Neptune Volunteer Fire company on the West side.
     He was constable of St. Clair township four years.  In 1861, he was elected Mayor of Hamilton, serving two full and a part of the third term. He died May 25, 1866.

     A. C. STEPHENSON.  The subject of this sketch was born in Reading, Hamilton county, December 10, 1826; was educated in the common schools; followed farming and school teaching from 1849 until the fall of 1854, when he came to Hamilton.  His first employment here was in the capacity of book keeper for the Hamilton Distilling Company, operated by Robert McAdams and James Beatty.  In 1858, he engaged in the brewing business on Canal street. In 1864, he was a partner in the Hamilton Distilling Company composed of D. W. Brant, Major A. A. Phillips and Peter Schwab.  He was book keeper for Murphy, Stillwaugh & Ruoff.  He was deputy sheriff under Colonel A. A. Phillips until Alf Reese's election.  He was elected justice of the peace of Fairfield township and the East Side in 1863 and served until June, 1866, when he was appointed by council, Mayor pro tern, to fill out the unexpired term of Daniel Longfellow, who died May twenty-fifth of the same year. In April, 1867, he was elected Mayor, and was re-elected in 1869.
     On December 13, 1877, he was chosen justice of the peace and served continuously until December 27, 1893.
     During his entire official term he had the respect and confidence of the bar. His decisions were fair and impartial, as he had, in all these years, but few cases reversed in the higher court. He is justice of the peace at present.

     M. N. MAGINNIS was born near Frederick City Maryland.  He received a liberal education in Eastern colleges, and came West.  He studied law with Governor John W. Stevenson, of Kentucky, and Judge James Clark, of Hamilton.  He was admitted to the Butler county bar in 1861, and was actively engaged in the profession for ten years.

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     He was a disciple of John C. Calhoun, and ably defended nullification.  He was noted for the courage and ability with which he expressed his convictions.
     On Aug. 3, 1861, the Democratic party held a convention in the court house. The Civil War had many opponents in Butler county.  Mr. Maginnis was the leader of this convention.  He introduced the following resolutions, which we take from the Telegraph, of August 8, 1861:
     WHEREAS, the "Bill of Rights" of Ohio affirms that "all political power" (or sovereignty) "is inherent in the people" of each state respectively; and that they have the right to alter, reform or abolish their government whenever they may deem it necessary"; and
     WHEREAS, "Governments are instituted among men deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed;" and
     WHEREAS, the coercion of a state to endure a form of government obnoxious to its people unsettles the whole theory of the independence of the "United States of America;" and
     WHEREAS, the people of eleven States have refused to acknowledge the authority of the Constitution, or permit the execution of laws made in pursuance thereof within their boundaries, having deliberately revoked the dele gated powers heretofore exercised by their trustee, the United States Government; and
     WHEREAS, an immense army has been raised for the avowed purpose of compelling the people of several States to recognize the Constitution of the United States as their supreme law and irrevocable act; and
     WHEREAS, by the act of the president of the United States, instigated thereto by the irrepressible fanatics, a furious internecine war exists, which has aroused every latent animosity, and which promises to increase and intensify every prejudice in the minds of the people of the contending states; and
     WHEREAS, the Democracy of the state of Ohio are called upon to make preparation to resume the reins of government which the bastard "Phaetons" of Abolitionism have so unskillfully handled, and to endeavor to restore peace to their distracted country, therefore:
     Resolved, I. That the Democracy of Butler County in Convention assembled, declared as the result of their deliberate judgment, that a war for forcing upon the sovereign people of a State, even the best form of government, is neither wise, just, Constitutional, nor practicable; that we solemnly protest against its further continuance for so fatuous a purpose, demand a Peaceable adjustment of all controversy existing between the United and Confederate States, and insist upon the immediate appointment of Commissioners by our own Government to hear and report such proposals on amity as the Commissioners of the Confederated States may be instructed to offer.
     Resolved, 2. That the president of the United States in exercising the executive, legislative, and judicial powers of the government, by declaring

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war, raising armies, providing navies, establishing blockades, expending money without appropriation by law, suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus; proclaiming martial law, increasing the regular army and navy, and by authorizing subaltern military officers to prescribe special regulations for the military service, imprison citizens at their discretion, and disregard the mandate of a co-ordinate branch of the government, has seriously jeopardized the rights of these states; has flagitiously violated the constitution; has made his will and not that instrument, the measure of power, has invoked the condemnation of every patriot, and deserves impeachment, for his high crimes and misdemeanors.
     Resolved, 3. That the incapacity of the party which has clambered to power over the fragments of a nation is made glaringly apparent, when the Republican Congress has no rebuke to offer for its violated privilages, when it fails to perform its Constitutional duty, in calling the culpable Executive to a rigid account, when with eager sycophancy it votes one-fourth more men and money than the President demanded, or the emergency required, and when with unequalled folly it attempts to patch a broken Constitution with such worthless rags as retroactive laws.

          *          *          *          *          *

     Resolved, 4. That treason against the United States consists only of overt acts of levying war against the same, or in adhering to the enemies, giving them aid and comfort, that "every citizen may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects;" and that no one can be justly stigmatized as a traitor for the honest exercise of that privilege.

     A minority report was submitted by Judge James Clark.  It was moved to adopt the majority report.  The motion was vigorously assailed by the leaders of the minority, Thomas Millikin and Robert Christy, and ably defended by M. N. Maginnis, author of the preamble and resolutions, and Hon. Christopher Hughes.  The motion to adopt the majority report prevailed.
     The convention adjourned with three cheers for "Vallandingham and Maginnis:
     Dr. John P. P. Peck, one of the editors of the Telegraph, refused to publish the Maginnis "Bastard Phaeton" resolutions and the True Telegraph was established, which name was afterward changed to the Butler County Democrat.
     At the October election in 1861, the larger portion of the Democratic county ticket was defeated, owing to the adoption of the Maginnis resolutions. 
     In 1876 he examined the commissioners detailed state-

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ment, and severely criticised the board for careless, extravagant and unlawful expenditures.
     In 1871 he was elected Mayor. Hamilton had been for a long time terrorized by the criminal classes and the people of the city without distinction of party, elevated him to the Mayorality.  He was re-elected in 1875, and during his second term, procured the passage of an act by the legislature, establishing a police force in Hamilton.  He thorough suppressed crime and lawlessness during his administrations.  He is now located in San Francisco, California.

    J. B. LAWDER was born near Piqua, Miami county, Ohio, in 1820.  He received his education in the country schools of his native county.  He became a resident of Hamilton in 1864, and was engaged in the insurance business.  In 1873 he was elected Mayor. His first official act was to issue a proclamation closing the saloons on Sunday.  The order was acquiesced in for a time, but later the saloons were opened and the Mayor defied. Numerous arrests were made but no one was convicted, so the proclamation ordering the saloons closed was a dead letter.  Rev. William H. Lewder was chief clerk to the Mayor.  During his term of office the ever memorable crusade was organized and begun its work. Mayor Lawder endeavored to treat both sides fairly, but was powerless to protect the women from insults, as the city was under the control of a marshal and three deputies.  Afterward a number of special policemen were employed, and thereafter the crusaders were protected. He sold out his property interests in our city at the end of his official term and moved to New Paris, Preble county, Ohio, where he died about ten years ago from the effects of a cancer.

     EDWARD HUGHES was born in Symmes Corner, June 25, 1848.  He was educated in the public schools of Hamilton, and in 1873 entered Bartlett's Commercial college, of Cincinnati, where he received a thorough business training.  After graduation he immediately entered upon his chosen profession as book keeper for Hunter & Brant in the old mill at the east end of the suspension bridge.  In turn he was

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employed by William Murphy on the West side; Kinsinger & L'Hommedieu, at Canal mills, and by John W. Sohn.  In 1874, he married Miss Clara B. Mars.  Six children have resulted from this union—three girls and three boys.  In 1877 he was elected Mayor, defeating M. N. Maginnis who stood for re-election.  He was Governor Campbell's executive clerk and has been in his employ for the last ten years.

     FREDERICK EGRY was born in Germany, Nov. 14, 1840. In 1852, he emigrated to America, locating at Dayton, Ohio.  He learned the art of printing in the Journal office, then edited and owned by Richard and William Comley.  In 1857, he edited, and, as a printer, did the composition on the first German daily newspaper published in the Gem City.  In 1859, he came to Hamilton and purchased an interest in the Shildwache.  On Oct. 24, 1861, Egry & Williams purchased the Hamilton Telegraph from Dr. John P. P. Peck.  This paper espoused the Union cause and refused to publish Maginnis' secession resolutions.  The Telegraph subsequently absorbed the Hamilton Intelligencer.  The larger portion of the Butler county Democracy were of the Calhoun stripe; opposed the war and set up a new journal, the Hamilton True Telegraph, Sept. 26, 1861.  Mr. Egry was owner of the Telegraph until Dec. 17, 1879, when he sold out to C. M. Campbell.  He was elected Mayor in 1879, and his administration was one of good order.  He has been elected councilman from the Second ward for a number of terms.  He is engaged in the insurance business which is large and profitable.  He is a Democrat in politics.

     FREDERICK B. PUTHOFF was born in Cincinnati, April 20, 1843.  He received his education in a boarding school at Dayton, Ohio, and St. Xavier college, Cincinnati.   At the breaking out of the Civil War he tried to enlist, but on account of his age was rejected. He did not receive the refusal with resignation.  In 1864 he enlisted in the Second Ohio cavalry and served until the end of the war. After his return from the army he engaged in the furniture business in Cincinnati Ohio, and St. Louis, Mo.  In 1870, he purchased a

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stock of goods and opened a hat store on Main street, in West Hamilton.  He was elected a member of council from the First ward in 1878.  During the term of office he made a vigorous and successful effort for sewerage and public improvements generally.  He took an active part in cutting off the canal basin.  In 1881, he was nominated for Mayor and was triumphantly elected, receiving the largest majority ever given in the city.  His opponent was the popular M. N. Maginnis.  After serving two years he engaged in the real estate business and has directed his efforts toward the raising of the buildings on Main street in West Hamilton.  This was brought
about mainly through the efforts of Mr. Puthoff, and is a standing monument to his energy.  He with his wife and four children reside at 211 South Third street. One married daughter, Mrs. B. H. Connell, lives in Cincinnati.

     D. B. SANDERS was born in Guilford county, North Carroliua, in 1819.  At the age of ten years he walked from his birth place to Richmond, Indiana, where his mother resided.  Here he was "bound out" to a Mr. Holman, who treated him badly, and he ran away. In March, 1830, barefooted, he walked from Richmond to Oxford, where Joseph Stafford, his cousin resided.  Here he learned the smith trade with Frank Davis.  In 1844, he came to Hamilton and entered the employ of Philip Berry, at the corner of Basin and Reily streets.  In 1848, at the head of the basin, he opened a restaurant on a small scale and begun the manufacture of cigars.  At that time the basin extended to Smith street, in the rear of Dr. Markt's drug store.  In this locality fighting was a favorite pastime and it was no uncommon thing for three or four encounters to take place during a single day.

     Subsequently he removed to No. 17 Third street, in the property now occupied by C. A. Stroble and continued in business at this location for upwards of thirty years. There was a time when every man, woman and child in Hamilton knew the genial "Brook Sanders."  He had a kind word and pleasant smile for every one.  He began on a capital of $25.00, but by

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close application to business and gentlemanly treatment amassed a competence in a few years.  He was Mayor of Hamilton from 1883 to 1887, and his administration was a creditable one.  He resides in a fine residence on Dayton street.  In the twilight of life he is the same " Brook Sanders" as of old.  He is prominent in the order of Odd Fellows and the Canton of Patriarchs Militant of this city was named after him.

     ALEXANDER GETZ was born on the ship Havre, at sea, Dec. 21, 1846.  He received his education at St. Stephen's Catholic school and at the age of fourteen began clerking in a general store.  In 1865, he went into business for himself, selling out in 1873.  He was elected recorder in 1878, and was again re-elected in 1881.  He was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Beck, Apr. 13, 1869.  Five children resulted from the union.  Mr. Getz was elected Mayor in 1887.

John Dirk

     JOHN DIRK was born in Rossville, Feb, 5, 1848.  He attended the public schools for a number of years, afterward serving an apprenticeship at the Boston bakery.  On Aug, 12, 1863, he enlisted in the Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, serving until the close of the Civil War.  He was elected constable in 1867 and served continuously until 1879, when he was elected marshal, and served as chief of police.  He declined a re-election and embarked in the pump business on the West Side in which he was very successful.  He was a member of the city council from 1876 to 1879 and was president of the body in 1888 - 1889.  To him belongs the credit of first agitating the idea of the city owing its gas works.  He was elected Mayor in 1889.  His administration was noted for good order.  In August 1892, he was appointed by Governor McKinley a member of the board of managers of the Ohio penitentiary, which position he retained up to his death.

L. M. Larsh

     L. M. LARSH was born in Preble county, near Eaton, February 9, 1851.  He received a liberal education at Antioch college, Yellow Springs, and Miami university, of Oxford,

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Ohio.  He followed farming for a number of years, previous to 1S74, when he became a resident of our city. In 1874-75 he was employed on the Big Four railroad. In the latter part of 1875 he entered the employ of D. M. Kennedy & Company of the Hamilton Boat line, and remained with them until 1891, when he was elected Chief Magistrate of this city. Mayor Larsh's administration will be remembered in our local history as an able, fair and liberal one.  He is not a recluse; is easily approached and is popular with the masses.  As a rule official perferment unfits a man for future business.  Not so with Mayor Larsh. In May 1893, he and Walter Sherer organized The Sherer Milling Company, and began soliciting orders and delivering flour.  Subsequently Mr. Sherer retired, the style of the business was changed to the Ft. Hamilton Milling Co., and as such it is now conducted by Mr. Larsh. He believes in honest labor and is not ashamed to perform it. He is a 32d degree Mason, a Knight of Pythias and a member of the Elks and is held in high regard in secret society circles.

Charles S. Bosch

     CHARLES S. BOSCH, the Chief Executive of Hamilton, was born in Butler county, July 11, 1858.  At the age of eleven years his parents moved to Hamilton, when he entered the public schools, where he remained until he was fourteen years of age.  In 1872, he decided to learn the profession of printing, and entered the offices of the Butler County Democrat and National Zeitung under the management of T. H. Hodder and L. B. De La Court.  A short time afterward he went into the cigar business and subsequently accepted a position as depot master with the C. H. & D. railroad.
     He was a member of the Board of Education from the Fourth ward for four years, and was clerk of the board during his last term.  In April, 1893, he was nominated for Mayor on the independent ticket.  With three candidates in the field he was elected by a plurality of 186.  Mayor Bosch is thoroughly identified with the prosperity and growth of our city, and is personally popular.  He always takes a prominent part in politics.