USA > Ohio > Harrison County > A brief history of Harrison county, Ohio > Part 3
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Other fairs in the county are Connotton Valley Tri-County Agricultural and Mechanical Associa- tion, located at Jewett, and the Smyrna fair located at Smyrna.
The following letter is one written by General Walter B. Beebe, the first lawyer of Harrison county:
CADIZ, COUNTY OF HARRISON, STATE OF OHIO, February 14, 1813. 1 HONORED PARENTS:
I take this opportunity to inform you that I am well and in good spirits. Since I left home I have become tolerably well acquainted with the science of Traveling. I started from St. Clairsville, (the place from which I wrote you, ) on or about the 1st of De- cember, and took a convenient route through the middle section of this State, a route of about 500 miles. The more I get acquainted with this part of the country the better I like it. It is certainly the best land I ever beheld. Judge Ruggles went with me to Chillicothe. the seat of government, at which
42
A Brief History
place the Legislature was then sitting. I got ac- quainted with Governor Meigs and many of the members, who all appear to be very friendly to young men emigrating to this part of the country. Gov- ernor Meigs is a yankee from Middletown, Connecti- cut. At Chillicothe I was examined by the Judges of the Supreme Court of this State, and admitted to practice as an attorney and counsellor at law in the several courts of record in this State. I found a good many counties in my route which I thought would be good places for an attorney, but was induc- ed to settle in this, the county seat of Harrison coun- ty, from the following considerations, to-wit: Not- withstanding this county was set off and organized when I was in Chillicothe, yet it is an old settlement and the settlers are generally rich. The inhabitants of this county and counties adjoining have but few yankee settlers, but settled by Virginians, Pennsyl- vanians, Germans, Scotch, and Irish, who are more litigious and quarrelsome than the yankees are, and pay their money more freely. There is no lawyer in this county, and I have the assurance of being ap- pointed State's Attorney, which will be worth eighty a year, and will be attended with but little trouble and very little inconvenience to other business, being only barred in criminal prosecution from appearing against the State of Ohio.
This county is so situated that there are five other counties within one day's ride of it, and it is the practice in this State for lawyer's to practice in ad- joining counties. It is the healthiest part of the State, and the water is good. These, together with other considerations, have induced me, after having been a bird of voyage for three months, to pitch on this place for my permanent home. This town is about 20 miles from the Ohio River, about 70 miles
43
Of Harrison County, Ohio.
from Pittsburgh, and 16 miles west of St. Clairs- ville. It is the shire town of the county, and will soon be a populous town. I think my prospects are as good as a young man can reasonably expect, and I have no fear if I have my health.
I am in a land abounding in very many of the good things of this life. I have seen good pot turkeys weighing 20 pounds, sell for 25 cents, hens and chickens 6 cents. Money is very plenty in this State probably more plentiful than usual, owing to its be- ing near the N. W. Army.
I remain your dutiful son,
WALTER B. BEEBE.
To Capt. Stewart Beebe,
Wilbraham. Hamden Co., Mass.
PHYSICIANS OF THE COUNTY.
PHYSICIANS IN 1845.
Martin Wilson, John McBean, A. G. Osburn, John Pearce, George Lucy. Thomas Rowles, William Mills. Thomas Findley, Dr. Harmon, Moses Kenne- dv. S. Thompson, Wm. Vanhorn, E. H. McCoy, G. W. Duffield, James Bethel, Robert Gamble, Jesse Hall. Horace Belknap, F. C. Robinson, J. H. Stev- enson, Wm. G. Smith, T. C. Conn, R. Patton, Jas. Patton, Samuel Black. James P. Barnes, A. T. McClure. I. G. Parry, E. Conaway. Thos. Crumley.
44
A Brief History PHYSICIANS IN 1894.
Cadiz -J. D. Wortman, W. T. Sharp, John S. McBean, J. S. Campbell, W. H. Lemmon, Mrs. M. J. Lyons, Miss Mary Lemmon, S. B. McGavran. Harrisville-A. B. Wilkin, G. H. Colville, J. Comly. Hopedale-J. D. West, L. A. Crawford. New Jefferson-Walter Spence.
Jewett-W. L. England, A. C. Grove.
Scio-J. D. Snyder. G. W. Lyle, T. H. Crook, G. W. Custer.
Bowerston-S. B. McGuire.
Franklin-W. A. Welch, James Stone.
Tippecanoe -- B. G. Anderson.
Freeport-J. G. Howell, W. A. Zellers.
Piedmont-W. D. Copeland, D. G. Quinn. Warfel-John Morgan.
Deersville-John Wallace, Frank James.
Hanover-A. C. Nixon. Moorefield-J. H. Wherry, E. D. Moore. New Athens-Charles Cobb, Albert Dickerson, James A. McGrew.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF HARRISON COUNTY.
Harrison county is divided into 15 townships Shortcreek, Green, Archer, Cadiz, Nottingham, North, Monroe, Franklin, Washington, Freeport, Moorefield, Athens, Stock, German and Rumlev.
Principal towns and villages are New Athens, Bowerston, Cadiz, Connotton, Deersville, Freeport. Franklin, Georgetown, Hanover, Harrisville, Hope- dale, Moorefield, New Rumley, New Jefferson, Scio, Smyrna and Tippecanoe.
Irregular successions of high hills and deep ravines
Of Harrison County, Ohio. 45
occupy the surface but not rough and rocky to such an extent as to interfere with the agricultural inter- ests of the county. The soil is mostly lime-stone, and is very productive. Coal and lime-stone abound in almost inexhaustible quantities. Oil and gas are found in small quantities at a depth of fourteen hun- dred feet :1400) in Green and Cadiz Townships. The land is mostly in a state of cultivation; but a small per cent. of timber remains. The population of the county in 1890 was 20,830. Present area in acres 256,512. The amount of taxes collected in Harrison county in 1814 was $570.76. The amount collected in 1893 was $178,056.39. The value of farm lands, villages and real estate and chattels in 1890 was $13,449,840.
Harrison county is an agricultural county. Our style of farming will compare favorably with other counties. Our farmers have adopted all the late im- provements in farming implements. Nearly all our work is done by machinery. We raise in this county about all the leading kinds of fruit; vegetables of all kinds can be successfully raised, but the leading one is the potato, of these we have a number of varie- ties. Almost all kinds of grain can be raised. especially wheat and corn. Harrison county is also a good stock raising county. Our sheep are sought after in other counties and states, and our wools are in demand by eastern manufacturers. In fact more attention is devoted to the raising of sheep than any other stock. In 1884 the production of wool was 1,- 007,000 1bs.
A great many good horses of different kinds, are raised in this county, from the fine saddle or driving horse, to the heavy draft horse
This county is also good as a cattle growing county. We have several herds of thorough-bred
NEW ARCADE HOUSE
BROWN ( WELCH
BROWN
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FARMERS AND MECHANICS NATIONAL BANK.
47
Of Harrison County, Ohio.
Shorthorns, Jerseys and Holsteins. Some good hogs are raised, the varieties being Berkshires, Chester Whites and Poland Chinas.
The farms of Harrison county are generally in a good state of cultivation and well improved. Farms sell from $50 to $125 per acre according to quality, improvements and location. There is no better county in Ohio than old Harrison, energetic toil and enterprise characterize her citizens. Her sons and daughters are to be found in almost every State and engaged in all manner of honorable avocations, and wherever they are they do their duty cheerfully and bravely, and retain in their hearts a lingering affection for the hills and valleys among which they were nurtured.
SCRAPS OF HISTORY.
E. M. Stanton whose wonderful executive capacity as head of the War Department has given him re- nown throughout all the world, was at one time an active member of the Cadiz bar and the third Pros- ecuting Attorney of Harrison county.
Cadiz Branch of the P. C. C. & St. L. R. R. was opened to Cadiz on the 11th of June, 1854.
Messrs. Biggs and Beatty laid out the town of Cadiz in 1804.
New Rumley was laid out August 15, 1814; Free- port in 1814; New Athens in 1817; Deersville in 1815; Harrisville in 1817.
Magdalena Grundy is said to be the first white woman to cross the Connotton creek west, and loca-
KOH SAMMOTHDD ALNDOD NOSKRIVH
COTONE OLONG WAY
nu
WHAM
49
Of Harrison County, Ohio.
ted with her husband on the farm well-known as the John M. Holmes' farm near the village of Connotton.
Dr. T. R. Crawford was pastor of the Notting- ham Presbyterian church for 40 years.
April 29, 1866, the Harrison National Bank, of Cadiz, was robbed of about $260,000. Within a few days the burglars were captured, and most of the money found in their possession.
William Duvall has been a faithful and obliging conductor on the Cadiz Branch for 27 years.
Dr. William Custer, of Scio, Dr. William Beadle. of Green township, Dr. John McBean, of Cadiz, and Dr. R. H. Simmons, of Deersville, were regarded in their day as the leading physicians of the county.
John A. Bingham was elected in 1854 as a Repre- sentative to the XXXIV Congress from the Twenty- first Ohio District, and was a member of every Con- gress from the Twenty-first and Sixteenth Ohio dis- tricts except the XXXVIII, until March 4, 1873. In May. 1873, Mr. Bingham was appointed by Pres- ident Grant Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Japan, which position he held for twelve years.
Without detracting from the deserts of others, it might be said that H. S. McFadden in his day, did more extensive general trade than any other man in the history of Harrison county.
Matthew Simpson D. D., L. L. D., was born in Cadiz, June 20, 1811, and died in Philadelphia, Pa .. June 18, 1884. He was one of the most eminent preachers in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was elected a bishop in 1852.
Gen. George A. Custer, the famed cavalry leader of the War of the Rebellion, was born in New Rum- ley, Dec. 5, 1839.
Stewart Price was the first merchant. the first
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A Brief History
postmaster, and the first railroad agent at the town of Bowerston.
Capt. H. B. Heller, of Monroe township, during his life took an active interest in the advancement and improvement of Harrison county, and his public spirit manifested itself in many ways.
Mrs. Nancy Dewey, widow of Hon. Chauncey Dewey, was born near Uniontown, Pa .. October 27. 1804. In 1807 her parents located on a wild piece of land near Cadiz, which at that time contained but few houses and around which the wolves, panthers, and other wild animals of the early days were still plentiful. The Indians were also numerous, and would come in parties to trade with the white pioneers, bringing with them many beautifully worked articles such as moccasins ornamented with colored beads and porcupine quills, and belts made of snakes skins, all painted and woven together and profusely decorated with beads. The squaws would have their pappooses strapped on boards and carried on their backs, and when tired would stand pappoose, board and all against some convenient tree. The Indians used to bring baskets in for trade in large quantities, tied about their bodies in such numbers that it was diffi- cult to decide whether Indian or baskets walked. Mrs. Dewey has a vivid recollection of the pioneer days. She still resides in Cadiz and is a noble woman.
Julius Schreiber, was pre-eminently one of the pioneers and promoters of the business interests of Harrison county, although not, strictly speaking. one of the early settlers.
John N. Haverfield was born in Cadiz township. May 17, 1820, and died at his residence in Stock township, April 10, 1894. Mr. Haverfield was a leading farmer and one of the best men in Harrison county.
Of Harrison County, Ohio. 51
June 6, 1823, the commissioners of the county fixed a rate for wolf scalps in addition to that allowed by the State. For all wolf scalps above the age of six months $1.50; on all scalps under six months 75 cents.
The first couple married in Harrison county were Lakin Wells and Cynthia Maffett. on February 4, 1813. the ceremony being performed by Andrew McNeely, Justice of the Peace.
Wm. H. Lucas has been a teacher in the Cadiz Schools for twenty-one years.
We omitted to mention the name of H. S. Black. of Freeport, in our list of physicians of 1894.
The following were the first directors in the First National Bank: John Hammond. John Green. Isaac Thomas, Marshall McCall, Robert Pittis, John Carnahan, Samuel Slemmons, Samuel George, Joseph S. Thomas.
The Associate Reformed Church, mention of which is made in our article on Courts. as the build- ing in which the first courts of Harrison county were held, was a log building. erected on grounds purchas- ed from Zachariah Biggs, situated on the corner of South and Ohio streets. The log building was torn down and a substantial brick building erected in the Year 1828.
The oldest male resident of Cadiz is Mr. Benjamin Timmons, who has resided on the ground upon which he now lives for 81 vears. Mrs. Agnes Mealy is the oldest woman now living in Cadiz, having passed her ninetieth milestone in life's journey on October 17, 1893. May they, with all our old people. live many more years among us.
The grand and great-grand-children of the con- tractor of the court house built in 1815, are living in Cadiz.
Mrs. Christina Kimmel, who resides one-half mile
52
A Brief History
north of Jewett, reached her 100th birthday on March 7, 1894, the oldest woman in the county. Mrs. Kimmel had been living 21 years before the court house recently torn down was erected.
1
REMINISCENCES OF MORGAN'S RAID
THROUGH MOOREFIELD.
On a bright and beautiful day in July, 1863, the peace and quiet of our little village was disturbed by the anticipated invasion of Rebel forces numbering five or six hundred mounted cavalry, under command of the noted Rebel General John Morgan. The air was full of rumors of the great destruction of prop- erty along the line of march, and the alarm for the safety of family and property became intense. This feeling of insecurity was somewhat increased when M. J. Brown and John Robinson, of Cadiz, driving a spirited team, rushed through here to discover if possible the line of march the Rebels were likely to take. In about an hour, or perhaps less, they re- turned, furiously driving Jehu like, announcing that the Rebels were coming this way, and would be with us in a short time.
Very soon thereafter we discovered the bridge over Big Stillwater on fire, and a few minutes later, an- other smoke, looming up about one-half mile east, indicated that the other covered bridge over Little Stillwater (or Boggs' Fork) was also being consumed.
About this time many laughable incidents occurred that did not seem so funny at the time: men hiding
53
Of Harrison County, Ohio.
their valuables in the most unthought of places, se- creting their horses in thickets and deep hollows; women and children running hither and thither with their trinkets trying to find some very secure place to hide them, being so excited as to forget where they placed them, and had to be reminded by their neigh- bors who chanced to observe where they put them, where to look for them. A few would-be Generals on horseback, were riding our village street, giving spicy directions as to what others should do, or where to go. A thing they soon found out when the advance guard of Morgan's force came galloping into town, putting them to flight, and quite an excit- ing race occurred through our street accompanied with the Rebel yell, "Halt, Halt!" Some were im- mediately captured and their horses taken; others didn't have time to obey orders, and got away, doing some exceedingly fast riding to accomplish the feat. Very soon after this race the main force entered our town and took complete possession of the streets, stables, and every house that had been vacated by the occupants, not disturbing or forcibly entering any house where families remained at home. They seemed to be a hungry set, and freely solicited every house for provisions of every description; some of them exhibiting abnormal appetites for pound cake and preserves.
· prepared provisions in the town they quietly sought
After cleaning up all the previously rest and sleep, seemingly as unconcerned as though the Union forces in pursuit were a hundred miles back instead of three or four. Morgan himself oc- cupied the parlor bed at the Mills' Hotel, and seemed to be taking a refreshing sleep, while his body guard, with their revolvers. lying upon chairs at their sides. or on the bed where Morgan was sleeping, occupied the time in reading the news, with which
54
A Brief History
they seemed to be well provided. When Morgan arose from the bed he walked to the front door. stepped out upon the pavement, cast his eye down the street, then turned and walked leisurely up street unattended; later the order was given to mount, and their march eastward continued, taking the road to New Athens, accompanied by escorts drafted into service as guides across the country.' The Union forces under command of Shackelford, having been delayed by reason of the destroyed bridges, did not get into town in full force until after night. when hungry soldiers had again to be fed, and right nobly did our women work cooking and serving food until after midnight. A greater number of the Union forces pushed on after Morgan, but a portion remained over night, probably as a reminder to us that the war was still going on. Stragglers contin- ued coming into town the following day. but by even- ing quiet again reigned supreme, and the war was over, so far as our town's actual experience was con- Cerned.
1813 -- 1894.
"We leap the chasm of 81 years. Span the dis- tance between the historic then and the eventful NOW. We regard Pioneer days in Harrison county. as a thing of the past. The wilderness has been changed into the cultivated field; the log cabin to the mansion. The hominy block to the mill with its improvements. The lone track through the for- ests to good roads, to the iron rail. fastmail and electric wire with its lightning messenger. The wolf, bear and deer have disappeared, their places being occupied by the more docile and useful animals of the cultivated field. New systems of tillage and
Of Harrison County, Ohio. 55
new devisements of agriculture have been intro- duced, a thorough change has overtaken the farm and the utensils of the farm. Instead of the cheery blaze of the glowing pine we have the dazzling chandelier, the gas and electric lights. In our honors name, however, let it be recorded that we are not an ungrateful posterity. May the memories of our pioneer fathers long be cherished, and their names be held in admiring esteem and reverence. May no ungrateful thought be entertained or unkind or rude word be spoken to the few who survive and patiently wait for the white wave to lift them free. The shore, the palm, the victory, the rest is but vonder.
" Another land more bright than this To their dim sigat appear's And on their way to it they'll soon Again be pioneers."
When it becomes necessary to build another Temple of Justice for Harrison County, aside from any acci- dent will the generation then living call us pioneers?
CONTENTS.
Associate Judges
15
Anditors
16
County Clerks
County Recorders
17
Commissioners
17
Congressmen
Cadiz Bar ..
19
Children's Home.
Churches.
21
Description of New Court House.
First Courts
First Court House
General Beebe's Letter
41
General Description of Harrison County
14
Harrison County Agricultural Society
Harrison County in the War of the Rebellion
Harrison County Banks and Bankers
34
Infirmaries
Introductory page
Jail
5
Members of Board of Equalization Newspapers
1
Organization of County
5
Physicians of the County
13
Proseenting Attorneys
Roads
Railroads
15
scraps of History
Sheriff's.
15
surveyors.
schools and Colleges
25
second Court House
Treasurers
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.
Frontispieces-Laying of Corner Stone New Court Honse, May 17. 1894. S. B. MeGavran, M. D.
Franklin College.
Farmers and Meehanies National Bank
Hopedale College
Harrison National Bank
Harrison County Infirmary 40
Harrison County Children's Home 1×
New Court House
Old Court House 18
Scio College
IG
Representatives
Reminiseences of Morgan's Raid Through Moorefield
52
State Senators
Our Pioneers
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 0 014 574 611 5
K
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