USA > Ohio > History of the Upper Ohio Valley, with family history and biographical sketches, a statement of its resources, industrial growth and commercial advantages, Vol. II pt 2 > Part 1
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M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02398 9186
193
HISTORY
OF THE
UPPER OHIO VALLEY,
WITH FAMILY HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. A STATEMENT OF ITS RESOURCES, INDUSTRIAL GROWTH AND COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGES. -
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V. 2, st. 2
VOL. II.
ILLUSTRATED.
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MADISON, WIS .: BRANT & FULLER, 1800.
977. 1 H628 4. V. 2
OUTARTEUJJI
APAJH
404
1930232
HISTORY OF THE UPPER OLHO VALLEY.
school buildings, on Upper and Lower Fourth street, were erected at a cost of $4,000, and opened in the fall. "These," says Mr. Joseph B. Doyle, in a paper on the subject, "with rented rooms, accommodated the city youth until 1858, when a material addition was made to school facilities by the purchase of Grove academy, a spacious building which had been previously occupied as a school for young men, by Rev. Dr. John Scott, at a cost of $5,000. Within ten years the growth of the city compelled the further enlargement of accommodations. the end of which was the erection of a large new building on the cor- ner of Fourth and South streets, which was completed April 1, 1870, at a cost, including furniture, of $60,000. The building is four stories in height besides the attic, and is a massive structure, containing twelve school rooms, with accommodations for Soo pupils, and is pro- vided with a large number of class-rooms. It is heated throughout with steam, and lighted by gas, and contains all the modern improve- ments. The high school is located in this building and has a com- plete chemical and philosophical apparatus. The demand for room still increasing, by a vote of the people a new and more commodious building was ordered on the corner of Fourth and Dock streets. This was completed in 1873, and is a fine structure of pressed brick, con- structed in a pleasing style of architecture, and surrounded by taste- ful and well kept grounds. It is three stories in height, including the basement, and contains twelve school rooms, with accommodations for 700 pupils. In the Sixth ward are two good buildings --- a frame of three rooms in what is known as the rolling mill district, with ac- commodations for 160 scholars, and a two-story brick in the Fisher district, with room for 120 scholars.
In 1884 the new Second ward and Fifth ward school buildings were erected, and at the present time the new Sixth ward school building is almost finished and will be ready for occupancy by the beginning of the next school year. These buildings are all of the latest and best approved architecture for structures of this kind, and are a source of pride and ornament to the city .. The appearance of the school houses has attracted the attention of strangers, and no care is avoided to make the instructions given correspond to the outside impression. The course of study in the primary and intermediate departments is of the most approved kind, and the highest educational skill is utilized to bring out every dormant faculty of the pupil. Music is also taught during a portion of the time, with the usual literary exercises. The high school was opened in 1855, and the first pupil graduated in 1860. and from the ever widening stream which since then has poured forth in uninterrupted flow, has been supplied first-class educational talent not only for the Steubenvil : schools, but elsewhere. The first school superintendent was Them .s F. McGrew, who was followed by W. J. Sage. J. N. Dessellem, Eli T. Tappan, Joseph Buchanan. M. R. Andrews and Il. N. Mertz, the present superintendent. The corps of teachers including the superintendent now numbers fifty.
We insert here a table taken from the ama !! repos fo: 1835, which explains itself:
ยท
.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO.
405
Name of schools
When erected.
Material.
How heated.
Stories high.
No. of regular school rooms.
No. of recitation rooms.
No. of sittings in regular school room.
Estimated value of buildings and grounds.
Ist ward.
1869
Brick ..
Steam
3
IO
6
600
$60,000
2d ward.
1884
Brick ..
Rutan warm air.
2
7
I
400
22,000
4th ward.
1872
Brick ..
Steam
2
10
3
550
40,000
5th ward.
1884
Brick ..
Stoves and grates
2
7
I
400
19,000
Jefferson (reb.) ..
1880
Frame.
Stoves
I
3
1
181
5,000
Lincoln
Brick ..
Stoves
2
2
I
124
5,000
Tolal
39
13
2,255
$151,000
This does not include new Sixth ward school building. The number of pupils enrolled in the public schools of Steubenville, for the year 1889, was 2,209, of which 1,050 were boys and 1,159 were girls. For the year ending June, 1888, the city paid in teachers' salaries $26,072.59. In connection with the high school a normal school has been established, which is of the greatest aid to those preparing for a teacher's life. It is one of the essential means by which Steubenville schools have attained their high standing. In this county there is a special school district for Mt. Pleasant. The school is called the Mt. Pleasant Union school. The building was erected in 1867 at a cost of $1, 100, and is a two story brick building. In 1861 the school was organized in the " graded sys- tem," and the course of study includes, besides the primary branches, physical geography, philosophy, natural philosophy, chemistry, higher arithmetic, algebra, geometry, Latin grammar. It includes there- fore, a high school department. The number of pupils enrolled in 18SS, was 249, forty-six of which were pupils of the high school. William M. White is the superintendent. In Smithfield there is also a special school district. The present school building was erected in 1867, and is a substantial structure. Toronto in the last few years has been making rapid advancement in her educational matters, keeping pace with her improvements in other directions. She now has a graded school system and has just finished the erection of an elegant brick school-house. It is a handsome structure and commodiousenough to meet the demands of the increasing population. The cost of this new building approximates $40,000. The number of children attend- ing school in Toronto is about 600, and ten teachers are employed in their instruction.
In Jefferson county there are fourteen township school districts, 108 sub-districts, nine separate districts, and nine sub-divisions of sep- arate districts. In the year 1888, the county paid $74,092.33 in teachers salaries. Within its limits are 132 school-houses, in which were enrolled 8,549 scholars for the year isSo. In the county is situated Richmond college, a short sketch of which is here given.
History of Richmond College. By an act of the general assembly. on January 22. 1835, a corporation was created and called " The Board of Directors of the Richmond Classical Institute." The object of
406
HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
the institute, as briefly set forth in the charter, was to afford instruc- tion in the liberal arts and sciences. After securing the charter, no effective effort was made to establish a school in accordance with its provisions until 1843. At a meeting of the board of directors held on July 31, of that year, it was firmly resolved by the directors to carry the school under their control into operation. In accordance with the above resolution a committee was appointed to secure a suit- able building and the service of a competent teacher. The basement of the old Methodist Episcopal church was secured by lease for two years. The school year was divided into two sessions of five months each, beginning with the first Monday in May and the first Monday in November of each year. On October 1, Rev. John R. Dundass was chosen president of the institution, and D. D. McBryar, professor of language and natural science. At a meeting of the board on Janu- ary 6, 1845, it was found that a more spacious building was necessary. Accordingly committees were appointed to look out a site for the building and to secure subscription for the erection of a suitable house. The necessary funds were soon raised. Two lots were pur- chased from Joseph Talbott and one-half acre was donated by Thomas Hammond. On this site where now stands the graded school build- ing of Richmond, was erected a two-story brick structure which was used as the " Richmond Classical Institute." The building was com- pleted and dedicated in the latter part of 1845. A short time previous to this a committee had been appointed for the purpose of securing money with which to purchase a bell. The committee now reported the bell in its place. A change of name being thought advantageous to the institution at a meeting of the board on November 15th, 1847. the officers were authorized to petition the legislature to change the name from "Richmond Classical Institute" to " Richmond College." During the next session this was done, and the desired change made, and from that day to the present it has gone under the name of "Richmond College." On September 26, 1848, D. D. McBryar resigned the presidency of the college, and J. R. W. Sloane was elected instead.
In the latter part of 1866, L. W. Ong and M. B. Riley took charge of the school, and on June 25, 1868, L. W. Ong received the presi- dency. On January 19, 1871, B. L. Crew was elected, and has since that time continued to hold the office of secretary. Under the presi- dency of L. W. Ong, the school continued until 1872, when steps were taken to raise subscription for the erection of a new college building and boarding hall. The old college building and grounds were sold to the village of Richmond for school purposes. A site was secured a short distance from the village of Richmond by the donation of one acre of ground by Lewis Ong, and the purchase of about eleven acres adjoining. On a beautiful mound on these grounds, under the direc- tion of Prof. L. W. Ong, the building in which the school is now pro- gressing, and the boarding hall which stands a few feet from the college, were erected. The corner stone of the college was laid with appropriate exercises on August 8, 1873. Revs. Sloan, Dickey,
:
407
JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO.
Marvin, and Watkins, delivered addresses on the occasion. The bell, which was purchased for the old college building in 1845, was now transferred to the new. On August 28, 1873, the new college building was dedicated. Prof. L. W. Ong continued in the presidency until June 5, 1877, when he was removed by death, leaving behind him a record unsurpassed, and even unequaled by any of his prede- cessors. He was a man that was honored and respected by all, hav- ing done such a grand and noble work in lifting the college out of its fallen condition, and had life been spared, doubtless the school would have continued to prosper and seen no more dark days.
In 1877, Rev. W. J. Brugh was elected president, who, resigning in 1878, was succeeded by S. S. Simpson. On August 23, 1886, Rev. S. C. Faris, having been elected president, continued the school for two years, when the property was purchased and repaired by Dr. George W. Macmillan, Ph. D., who was elected to the presidency and took charge on July 1, 1888, and who still holds the reins of the college with a firm and steady hand. President Macmillan comes from a suc- cessful experience in the east, and has shown, in a little more than a year, that Richmond college is under a master's hand. Under the present management the school is growing. the students this year numbering something over 100, and the work done brings great credit to the school. Hundreds of young men and women have received instruction within its halls, receiving here the first impulse to a higher education, are now eminent members of the different professions, whilst many others receiving here that measure of education which fits them for the better enjoyment and exercise of the more ordinary duties of life, now live honored and useful members of society. The college has revived, and this revival means LIFE. Let it be sounded at home and abroad that Richmond college still lives with more vigor and strength than ever before, and let the echo be carried back by the hundreds from far and near who desire a good education. May the same old bell continue to peal forth its chimes of old and stir up in the hearts of the young and rising generation that enthusiasm which prepares and befits them for active college life. May the two words of the motto, " Religion and Science," go down through the ages as set forth in the seal of the college, hand in hand, and may this be but the dawning of a brighter day for the history of Richmond college.
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408
HISTORY OF THE UPPER OIIIO VALLEY.
CHAPTER VIII.
BY W. M. TRAINER.
RELIGIOUS HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY -EARLY MINISTERS -PRES- BYTERIANS - EPISCOPALIAN CHURCH -- METHODIST EPISCOPAL -METIIO- DIST PROTESTANT-CATHOLIC CHURCH -UNITED PRESBYTERIAN --- CONGREGATIONAL-GERMAN CHURCHES-CHRISTIAN CHURCH - BAP- TISTS -SOCIETY OF FRIENDS, ETC.
ERY much of the history of the planting of early churches in this county has been lost, and much that remains is only traditional. The early church records, if kept, have long since been lost. Most of the ministers even died without leaving any definite informa- tion concerning the churches of which they had charge. The early trials and hardships in the religious life of Jeffer- son county, have been undergone and their recital is even unknown by the present generation. But by the results achieved, we can safely conclude that whatever these trials and hardships were, they were overpowered and mastered by the indomitable spirit of our fore-fath- ers. It can truly be said of the pioneer pastor, that " he set up God's altar in the wilderness." And as the ax of the husbandman cleared a way for fruitful fields, so the labors and exertions of God's early ministers reaped an abundant harvest as a reward and crown.
In compiling this and other chapters, the writer has drawn largely from previously published accounts for much valuable information.
Among the first ministers in this region were what was known as "riding preachers." They would go around from settlement to set- tlement, preaching in one of the houses, and very often in the open air. One of these, Lorenzo Dow, came to Steubenville about 1799, and preached to the public in the shade of a large tree that stood near where the city building now is. Different denominations claim pre- cedence in the establishment of churches in this county. The Epis- copalian and Presbyterian churches were very early represented here. and undoubtedly, the great majority of early settlers were of ancestry from these two churches. The First Presbyterian church of Steuben- ville, dates back to the beginning of the century, if not before.
Early in the year 1798, the Rev. Smiley Hughes preached to the settlers by the appointment of the Presbytery of Ohio, and by a simi- lar appointment, Mr. James Snodgrass preached in the town and neighborhood in the month of June, 1799. The Presbytery continued to send occasional supplies, and in the spring of iSoo the sacrament of the Lord's supper was administered by the Rev. Thomas Marquis, who had the assistance of ruling elders from the opposite side of the
409
JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO.
Ohio river. At this time the Presbyterian congregation seemed to have been considered as permanently formed. A union arrange- ment was entered into between Steubenville and Island Creek church for the suppert of a minister, and Mr. James Snodgrass was invited to preach regularly among them. In accordance with this in- vitation, Mr. James Snodgrass returned in the summer of 1800. A call was made out for him in October, by the churches of Steuben- ville and Island Creek, and in November he was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry, and installed as their pastor by the Pres- bytery of Ohio. He continued to preach steadily, for the first year or two; for two-fifths of his time at Steubenville, and afterward for the one-half. About 1810, the Rev. William McMillan came to the town to preside over the academy, and he was engaged as a stated supply to the congregation, for that half of the time (when the Rev. James Snodgrass did not preach, he being absent at his other ap- pointments). This arrangement caused some disagreeable feelings, and divisions in the church. In the fall of 1816 application was made by some of the congregation to have the pastoral relation dissolved. After careful deliberation on the reasons given, there being no objections made, the Presbytery of Ohio pro- ceeded to dissolve the pastoral relation then existing be- tween the Rev. James Snodgrass, D. D., and the First church of Steubenville January, 1817. At the same time the Rev. William McMillan ceased to act as stated supply to the same church. Early in the spring of 1817, a call was made out for Mr. Obadiah Jennings, and he having accepted of it, he was by the Presbytery of Ohio ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry, and installed pastor of the first church of Steubenville for the whole of his time. He continued the pastor of said church until March 25, 1823, when the pastoral re- lations existing between Rev. Obadiah Jennings, D. D., and the First church of Steubenville was dissolved at his own request. On the 2d of June, 1823, a call was made out for the Rev. Charles C. Beatty, which he accepted, and entered upon the duties of it, and on October 21, 1823, he was installed by the Presbytery of Ohio pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Steubenville. He continued to labor in his pastoral office until the spring of 1835, when owing to infirm health, he made known his intention to resign his charge. At the request of the congregation he consented to retain his office until an arrange- ment could be made to supply his place. The pastoral relation was not formally dissolved till April, 1837.
Rev. Ephraim I. Mclean, in July, 1837, accepted a call to this church, but on account of ill-health he was never installed. Feb- ruary 13, 1837, Henry G. Comingo was elected pastor. llis connec- tion with the church was severed by death December 1, 1861. Rev. Henry Wood then served as pastor up to 1867. From 1867 to 1875 Rev. T. A. McCurdy was pastor. The next pastor was Rev. William L. Grimes, who served from 1876 until his death, November, 1886. Rev. O. V. Stewart, the following year, accepted a call to the church, and is its present pastor. In the summer of iso1, the church was
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3 183302398 9186
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEV.
first regularly organized by the election and ordination of Thomas Vincent, John Milligan and Samuel Hunter, as ruling elders. In ad- dition to these, in 1803, John Rickey and Samuel Meek were chosen and ordained. Dr. Vincent removed in 1810, and Mr. Rickey soon after ceased from infirmities to act as an elder. James G. Henning, David Hoge and Stephen Riggs were elected ruling elders, Septem- ber 1, 1817, and soon after ordained to this office. Mr. Meek removed in 1821, and Mr. Ilunter in 1822. John C. Bayless and Alexander J. McDowell were elected elders August 5, 1822, and soon after ordained and installed. The congregation was first organized in 1819, but in the year 1833 the church was organized again under a special act of the legislature. The first place of preaching was in the grove near Walcott's factory in the summer and the court house in the winter. In 1803 the church erected a small building near the present site of the "old first church." In 1828 a larger building was erected which in after years was enlarged and remodeled. In 1872 the congregation becoming uncomfortable in the old building, it was decided to erect a new building, and a majority of the members residing in the northern part of the city, it was therefore decided to chance the location. After some trouble endeavoring to secure a location that would be satisfactory to the greatest number, the present site was secured, viz .: between Washington and North on Fourth street, and the building commenced, which was completed, and occupied by the congregation, in the fall of 1872. It is an imposing building, a fine struc- ture, in architectural style exquisite, commodious, and an ornament to the city. In the rear of this room are the chapel and Sabbath school rooms and the pastor's study; on the second floor, the church parlors and kitchen. The building was completed at a cost (includ- ing ground, and the parsonage adjoining), of about $75,000. Shortly after its completion, the old property on South Fourth street was sold, and is now the site of the Third Presbyterian church.
A number of churches have been organized from this, the parent church. In 1839 the Free Presbyterian, afterward called the Second Presbyterian church, was organized mainly by members from the first church. In IS73 Potter chapel was organized at Mingo Junction, tak- ing twenty-one members from the first church; and in the same year, the Old Presbyterian church was organized with twenty-seven mem- bers from the first church. In 1875 the First Congregational church was organized; fifty-two members of the first church entered into that organization. On January 1. 1838, the original members of the Sec- ond Presbyterian church instituted a separate organization with Rev. Joseph Chambers as their first pastor. Their first house of worship was the building used by the Christian congregation on North Fourth street, which they occupied until June, 1871, when they removed to their new building then completed on the corner of Fourth and Wash- ington streets. It is a handsome structure, of pressed brick with stone trimmings, costing over $43,000, and with a spire 160 feet high. It has a seating capicity of 600. Three of the windows of this church are memorials, they being to Rev. Mr. Chambers, D. L. Collier and Mrs. S. F.
:
411
JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO.
Beatty. A commodious chapel joins the church in the rear, and a comfortable parsonage is the property of the congregation. There have been seven pastors of this church, the first being Dr. Beatty, in 1844, and Rev. William P. Breed, in 1847, who were followed by Rev. Henry B. Chapin, J. B. Patterson, David R. Campbell, Rev. William McLane and Rev. E. D. Ledyard, the present pastor. A mission chapel in the Fifth ward, to which there is attached a flourishing Sun- day-school, is under charge of this congregation. What is popularly known now as the Old Presbyterian church occupies the former site of the First Presbyterian church. It was formed in 1872 by the members of the first church, who desired to keep the organization south of Market street. This church erected a handsome new building in 1877. It is called the Third Presbyterian church of Steubenville, and Rev. JamesA. Cook is the present pastor.
Island Creck Presbyterian Church .- This church is connected with the First Presbyterian church at Steubenville, very closely, in the his- tory of its infancy. The date of the organization of this church can not be given, but it was doubtless about the year 1800 or a little earlier. Rev. James Snodgrass was its first pastor, installed Novem- ber 24, 1Soo. The first preaching services were held at different points. Sometimes at Pittinger's, near Bowling Green; sometimes at Carr's Ridge, but oftener at the present site of the church. After the church was organized, the present site was made the regular place for holding service. Like many of the early churches in this county, services in summer were held under a large tent, and in winter in private houses. In 1802 a house was built of round logs, which was the first building of the church. Ephraim Cooper donated the land to the church, on which it stands. In ISto the rude building of 1802 gave way to a hewed log house. In 1825 this was burned to the ground. Soon afterward a brick church occupied the site of the former log church. This was occupied until 1856, when it was partially destroyed by a storm. It was then arranged to build on the present site, and in 1858 the present brick structure was finished. The pastors of this church have been: James Snodgrass, 1Soo-1825, with a slight va- cancy in the year 1816-17; John C. Sidball, 1826-1835; Rev. Thomas F. Magill, 1836-1840; Rev. John K. Cunningham, 1841-1853; Rev. M. A. Parkinson, 1854-1865; Rev. W. R. Vincent, 1866-1874; Rev. Samuel Forbes, 18;6-1879. Rev. M. A. Parkinson, in 18So, again became pastor, and is the present incumbent. This church was es- pecially strong and influential for good in the first half of this cen- tury. Along with other pioneer churches, it did a lion's share in moulding the moral thought and work of early days. Its member- ship at present is about 200.
The Presbyterian church at Mt. Pleasant, was one of the first churches organized in Ohio. About 1798, Dr. John McMillan, the great apos- tle of Presvbterianism in western Pennsylvania, crossed the Ohio river, and founded at least two churches, one at Short Creek. now Mt. Pleasant; the other at Richland, now St. Crairsville. The spot is still pointed out where, on the farm now owned by Robert Finney,
.
412
HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
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