FORWARD.

Apology for the existence of this book will not be hidden under the multi-repeated quotation, “of the making of many books,” etc., or the “filling of a long felt want.” It is written because the author “wanted” to write it. It is being published because friends have generously subscribed for it. I believe that there is room for a small volume containing in brief, the main facts concerning the history and industrial development of the county. We teach our children about happenings in remote ages, in countries of which they know nothing, and allow the occur- rences transpiring before them to pass by unnoted. Every teacher can testify to the woeful ignorance of the youth, as to local affairs, while every school examiner can truthfully say the same about the teachers. It is my belief that in this book has been collected much that will prove a source of information and interest to many. The subject is not in any manner exhausted. A vast amount more could have been written, but the aim has been to ex- clude all matter of secondary importance. To acknowledge, individually, the assistance received from friends, in the way of data, would require more space than can be devoted to it. I am under the deepest obligation to them, and but for their suggestion and aid this volume would not have been possible. CLEMENT L. MARTZOLFF New Lexington, Ohio, June 18, 1902