The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1883-05-17
Correspondence of the Press.

ORWELL, OHIO. May llth 1888.
EDITORS DEMoCRATIC PREss:-It is my good
fortune to be able to give your many readers
true history in part of the worlds fumous educa-
ted horse, Sir Henry. Ohio justly boasts of her
great men, her Institutions of learning. &c. But
Portage County can boast Of having been the
birth hplace and home of Sir Henry and his heroic
owner and trainer Professor Hamilton that have
in years gone by gIaddened the hearts of thou
sands, and filed the eyes Of tho multitude with
such feats as were never ssen before Sir Henry
made his appearance. and never since.
Sir Henry was foaied in Rootstown. Portage
County, Ohio; the property of VIM. Johnsonr
who lives near VIM. uazen's mill Sir Henry
was sired by Old Sir Henry, his dam by Broken
Leg Eclipse, having in his veins the royal blood
that made him appear to all the King of Horses,
so TO speak. Mr.. A Hamilton first bought Sir
Henry OF John johnson, at months old for $50.
and afterward his dam. After the purchase. Sir
Henry showed SO much dislike for his new master
that ne would bite and strike and drive any one
away who would come into his stable. Then it
was that Mr. A. Hamilton begged the Prof to
buy Sir Henry, which the Prof. did by giving his
note in payment for $780, to be paid in three
years. At that time Prof. Hamilton lived on a
farm in Shalersvilo. Portage County, Ohio. At
three years of age Sir Henry and his owner made
their first appearance. showing at various County
Fairs, and the Prof paid his brother out of his
earnings in silver halves and quarters, besides
having large bundle of bills as profit Sir Hen-
ry was on the road for ten consecutive years. as
the greatest trick horse ever known. lie died 1T
the age of 13 years, Windsor Mills, Ashta.
buia County, Ohio. and was buried with honor
| and regret at the home of Prof Hamilton, in
| Windsor, and there is erected to his memory a
| monument cut from one solid block OF white
marble weighing 400 pounds. AS leaned in
silence upon the dumb statuary my eyes feastcd
| upon the surroundings Of the Professors home.
| There it is that Que sees ornaments, such as dogs
lions, &C., &c. Professor II. also broke and train
ed the great horse, Sheridan but he and Dan
Rce's horse, Excelsior, and all Others sank into
petty insgniHcance when compared with Sir
! Henry, the writer of this has heard Dan Rice
| proclaim in his own tented show ring, Pleased
as the Professor was to enjoy a visit from the
writer of this l found him in the full enjoy.
mcnt of a well finished and furnished home, SUR
rounded with bright family Of children, and al
accomplished wife who takes comfort in caring
for the wants Of the Prof. and family. The Pro-
fessor's declining health compelled him to qui
entirely the show business, and enjoy the com
forts of farm life.
In conclusion. would be most ungratcful if I
| failed to acknowledge the kindness shown me b.
| the HARD named but ever Jolly Z. +. ST0NE. pro
pretor of Stones Hotel, Orwell, Ohio. lie. witt
true brothery hospitality. enjoyed the trip will
me, and stopped On the way at the ever memora
bic Ravino House. made justly so by surrounding
scenery, and the excellence of the bountiful
we'll filled tables, and ncatnes8 throughout tn,
hotel. Ii is Just such hotel that any communi
ty should prize highly for the accommodation
shown the travelling public.
| Yours, &c.,
| L. H. BEAN