A fitting story, 1871

Brookville American, April 14, 1871

Fairfield

We admit the truth that we are localized in our feelings and sympathies, and for this very reason are led to inquire why we have so little new of Fairfield and vicinity chronicled in our enterprising paper, "The American." Surely not from a want of able correspondents. We think a score of them could be found in our village.

But to begin. We are a peaceful, law-abiding community, undisturbed by clamors of any kind, and more particularly "doggerism." By the way, there is a peculiarity about those doggeries. As moral pest-houses I wonder why an enraged community does not come forth as legions against this terrible nuisance and say, once and for all, we will not license men to send their fellow men to prison, poorhouse, shame and distress, robbing wives of their living and children of bread.

Our streets are not the theaters of reeling, reeling drunken men -- of mobs and free fights. Those are associated with saloons. We have no robberies to record, no assault and battery, blood or murder, but what is far more pleasing than fiction or romance, each citizen pursuing peace and happiness in the even tenor of his way.

The opening Spring produces activity and a general stirring up to drive trade and make the bargains at the opening of the season. We are credibly informed that last year, 75,000 dollars' worth of dry goods and groceries were sold in our town.

Prominent among the merchants we notice R.L. Irwin, Esq., who has returned from Cincinnati with a fine assortment of dry goods and notions. By the way, "Bob" has fine taste in selecting prints and dress goods. Long may he wave his yardstick over the piles of goods.

Miller & Tyner are running in a fine assortment. "Theo" is wide awake and can catch a rolling sixpence as soon as any other man.

Hayward & Proctor, grocers and hucksters, postmaster, doctor and preacher -- this makes quite a show on paper.

Crookshank & Masters have been trying to wind up for a year, but like some men trying to quit chewing tobacco, the tapering end is the biggest. "Cruck," for short, is a good-natured jolly fellow, respected by all.

Rose & Loper are doing a fine business in buggies and other fancy rigs. George Loper expects to build about 30 buggies during the season.

Time would fail to tell of our shoemakers, blacksmiths, fancy stores -- all busy. 

Dora Rose has just closed his school. Everyone has been pleased with him as a teacher. Should his health be spared, you will hear-hear of him someday day doing "upstairs work" in some of the professions.

The prospects for wheat were never better. The farmers are all busy preparing for sowing and planting. Some gardening has been done. There is a fine prospect for fruit, especially peaches.

About all of this kind of fruit that will be in the state this year will be found in Old Franklin.

Call and see us, Bro. Bingham; your paper has a large circulation in these "diggin's."

PENNA

Note: C.H. Bingham was editor of the Brookville American. "Doggerism" was a reference to too much alcohol consumption. No idea who PENNA was.