OHIO STATEWIDE FILES - HISTORY: Preface [HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY Chicago, 1884) *************************************************************************** OHGENWEB NOTICE: All distribution rights to this electronic data are reserved by the submitter. Reproduction or re-presentation of copyrighted material will require the permission of the copyright owner. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. *************************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Kay L. Mason keziah63@yahoo.com September 23, 2000 *************************************************************************** PREFACE Three-fourths of a century and over has rolled away since the Lower Scioto Valley became the permanent home of the white man. The trials and suffering which had brought the dense wilderness from its virgin wildness to the realms of civilization and luxuriance can not be fully portrayed. It would take a more graphic pen than the writer to do justice to the noble band of civil heroes who pitched their tents in this beautiful valley. Their labors were as trying to their minds as bodies. As physical and mental strength in a great measure waste together, the memory of names, of dates and events is gradually lost under the weight of accumulating years. Events, fresh in the memory ten or twenty years ago, are now, after passing their three score and ten years entirely forgotten by the old pioneer; or, if remembered, it seems to be but a vision only, and memory's veil had hidden it from a plainer view. From this is will be seen that irreconcilable statements of early or pioneer history may be found, and it is not an easy task to compile a full and satisfactory record of many affairs which have passed in this valley. Names, their correct spelling, dates, etc., it seems almost impossible to secure correctly, but every effort has been made and no labor spared; and while there are undoubtedly sins of omission and commission, yet we are free to say, and have the satisfaction of knowing, that this history is more full and complete, and we believe more reliable, than any history of this section ever before published, and the crucial test of local patronage has caused us to spare no expense to make it so. Another by no means uninteresting feature are the many portraits of the representative men of the Lower Scioto Valley. From the pioneer of early days to the leading men of the present, each will be found with its representatives. It is these that will give the work much value to future generations, for they will have before them those who made history, and gave the light of civilization and progress to their country by their indomitable energy of character. In conclusion, our thanks is heartily rendered to those who have so freely aided us in collecting material. To the press of Scioto, Jackson and Pike counties; to the officials of these counties; to the pastors of churches, officers of societies and pioneers are we grateful for the assistance and courtesies shown us. Last, but not least, do the publishers return thanks to those who, by their patronage, have aided us so liberally subscription this history of the Lower Scioto Valley could never been published. INTER-STATE PUBLISHING CO. Chicago, January, 1884.