Eli Gaskill, Clinton County’s representative to the Ohio Legislature, sponsored legislation
passed on February 25, 1833, that authorized and encouraged the establishment of
agricultural societies within the state. A meeting for organizing in Clinton County was
called for the last Friday in June 1833. The Board of Directors met July 28, 1833, voting
to have the first fir the last Saturday of October, being October 26, 1833. The Fair
featured many types of displays by members, who paid 50 cents for their membership. Premiums
were awarded on hogs, sheep, cattle, and on articles manufactured by Agricultural Society
Members. The fair was held on land owned by Richard Peirce in Wilmington.