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1331229 U 525 5 4 8.57

HARVARD

COLLEGE

DEC 31 1892

LIBRARY

Bright fund

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1888, by
DANIEL J. RYAN,

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

Press of Hann & Adair, Columbus, O.

Το

MY WIFE,

WITHOUT WHOSE GENEROUS AND VALUABLE ASSISTANCE THIS VOLUME Never

COULD HAVE BEEN

WRITTEN.

PREFACE.

No political society of ancient or modern times has progressed in material growth as has Ohio in the hundred years of her history. Her splendid advancement represents, in a stronger degree than that of any other State in the Union, the development of the American people. Her favorable situation made her the point of concentration for the early emigration from the East, and her rich resources induced permanent location.

The pioneer blood of Ohio was the bravest and truest that New England, Pennsylvania and Virginia could give. A century has mingled with it the strong and healthy emigration of other lands. The result has been a powerful, patriotic and wealthy State. Its history covers no more years than the lifetime of many men, but it shows a wondrous transformation from a land of savagery to a commonwealth of the highest civilization. The annals of mankind do not furnish a parallel. To narrate the founding, the building and the completion of this State, is the purpose and aim of this volume.

Nothing has been attempted by the writer beyond giving, in an interesting and succinct form, a consecutive narrative of Ohio events. In doing this, however, he has not confined himself to constructing a mere skeleton of facts, but he has, in many places, clothed it with his own comments, criticisms and views. For this he has no apology to offer. A his

tory should not be a mere chronological table; half of its merit depends upon the deductions and lessons which we draw from its narration.

Much has been written upon Ohio, and from all sources the facts of this volume have been gleaned. It represents much investigation into official records, and a careful study of State progress. If it can but aid the student of history in more intelligently appreciating the growth of a great State, its purpose is accomplished.

The biographical sketches of the Governors of Ohio are presented for the first time in a shape not too diffuse nor too extensive for popular circulation. The biographies of such men make the history of the State, and both should be read to have a full idea of our career and strength.

DANIEL J. RYAN.

Portsmouth, Ohio, September 17, 1888.

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